THE FUTURE IS NOW
The St. Anthony High School Gymnasium was filled to the rim on Saturday, June 6th, as parents, students, families, friends, faculty, staff and alumni gathered to honor the graduates of the Class of 2009. This Class is the most recent in a long line of extraordinary students who have gone on to excel in all areas of life and contribute significantly to a better world.
The Class Valedictorian was Laura Romero who will attend the University of California Berkeley this Fall. Salutatorians were Fernando Masias, attending the University of San Diego, and Richard McAllister, attending Cal State University Long Beach.
Each of these students’ words was warmly received by the crowd, providing inspiration for all. Following is an excerpt from Laura Romero’s speech.
“Esteemed faculty, parents and family, friends, and Class of 2009…
We thank God that we were able to reach this important milestone and accomplish one of our most cherished dreams--our graduation. We also thank our parents, our family, our friends, our teachers, and our community for helping us arrive here at this moment.
Today, we are all feeling ready and excited to get on with some adventures. Fellow Saints, I pray that the journey before you will be one of faith, purpose, and love. As you ponder new dreams and envision your future, keep this thought in mind: the future is not some illusive, distant idea—THE FUTURE IS NOW—for dreams that are realized, like graduating today, take vision and doing in the here and now.
Naturally, we should reflect about the days behind us to understand, reconcile, and learn, and we must continue to look forward into the horizon for new dreams. But what is most important is to have a keen awareness— not just of the present— but of ourselves in the present. Yes, the FUTURE IS NOW.
You all have some understanding of that reality, for you did not arrive here simply by dreaming. It took routine, rigor, and responsibility each and every day. In high school, what I came to know, slowly but steadily, is that every day counts, and that the toil of today is absolutely linked to tomorrow’s successes. I am constantly reminded of that truth by a small, faded plaque that hangs in my room. It simply says: “Seize the Day”. Though faded it may be, its message is clear and profound, and its meaning illuminates my spirit. You see, SEIZE THE DAY is about living the future NOW. It means being active and alert and focusing on what is before you, and making steady progress with our duties and our responsibilities each and every day. So, I say to you Saints, SEIZE THE DAY! Make everyday count…because NOW IS THE FUTURE.”
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