Commencement

Many of you will be attending commencement ceremonies in the next few weeks, either as a participant or spectator.

These days ceremonies are held spanning a wide age group from pre-k to college graduates. All have one thing in common, commencement addresses. Can you remember who gave the commencement address at your high school or college graduation?

PBS veteran interviewer, Tavis Smiley, said he was given some great advice prior to his first commencement address. “Remember, Tavis, when doing your address, the 4 S’s, Stand Up, Speak Up, Shut Up, and Sit Down.” They also told him to remember the 5 B’s which are, “Be Brief, Brother, Be Brief”. To hear and see his classic address, search 2007 Rudgers University Commencement.

The two funniest commencements addresses are Will Ferrell at Harvard Speech Day and Stephen Colbert at Knox College in 2006. No one would want to follow those guys.

Best of the best commencement addresses has to be author, Pat Conroy, 2001 Citadel University. His speech entitled, “I Wear the Ring” is not only available on the internet in written form, but also on Youtube.com. Conroy, a master storyteller, had the audience laughing and crying.

Congratulations to the Class of 2014 of Jasper County High School and Piedmont Academy. Much luck and blessings on your lives from your hometown, Monticello.