Class of 2017,

Thank you for blessing the Academy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with your presence. It is both a privilege and a pleasure to share these thoughts with each of you. The words I share with you this evening are paraphrased from Ecclesiastes, chapter 3. The selection is entitled

There is a Time for Everything…

These words remind us that each day we are faced with new experiences, challenges, and people. God wants us to learn, grow and trust that he has a plan.

 

There is a right time for everything.

Everything on earth has its special season.

There is a time to be born

and a time to die.

There is a time to plant

and a time to pull up plants.

There is a time to kill

and a time to heal.

There is a time to destroy

and a time to build.

 

There is a time to cry

and a time to laugh.

There is a time to be sad

and a time to dance.

 

There is a time to throw away stones

and a time to gather them.

There is a time to hug

and a time to refrain from hugging

There is a time to look for something

and a time to stop looking for it.

 

There is a time to keep things

and a time to throw things away.

There is a time to tear apart

and a time to sew together.

There is a time to be silent

and a time to speak.

 

There is a time to love

and a time to hate.

There is a time for war

and a time for peace.

 

I have selected this passage as it encompasses all that you will experience as you move forward in your life’s journey… while it also summarizes much of what you have experienced throughout your Elementary school years together at OLMC…

We have shared many of these times together during my first year as your academy principal, as I watched you lead the school in more ways than you know… The younger students and even the faculty and staff have learned some of life’s greatest lessons from you each day…

 

We have seen you laugh and we have seen you cry.

We have seen dance, perform, and play.

We have watched the countless hours of preparation for tests and quizzes.

We have cheered you on as you practiced, persevered, and succeeded.

We have witnessed creativity and times where you even struggled.

We have applauded your award winning performances.

We have observed the examples you set for your fellow warriors,

We have seen you stand by one another, and stand up for what you believe in.

Most importantly, we have watched you life to the fullest and love one another.

 

It has been a great first year for me, and last year for you, and I am grateful to have crossed paths with you and your wonderful families!

Thank you for welcoming me as part of your OLMC family.

As you receive your diploma tonight and set forth on the next part of your journey—

my special prayer for you, OLMC graduates,

is may you always be true to yourself,

listen to your conscience,

treasure your memories, know that there is a time for everything… make the most of every minute!

Always thank your parents for giving you a Fantastic Catholic School Education.

and ALWAYS strive to be the best “you”

that only “you” can be!

God Bless each of you and know that the Academy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel will ALWAYS be your home!

Congratulations to the Class of 2017,

Miss Kelly Koval