August 2, 2020: Commencement

I do ask though, that in order to do our part to ensure that we all stay safe, please keep your face covering on at all times and maintain 6 feet of social distancing from those outside your "circle of trust." After all, I don't want to next news story about GSB to involve becoming the latest source of a "hotspot" in the state.

It is wonderful to see so many of you today, as we come together to celebrate the great Class of 2020. By now, I am confident that you are much more focused on college than commencement. And yes, seniors, you will have the distinction of always being known as "that class." Indeed, you are that amazing special class that had to deal with a dramatically different finish to your final year at Gill and did so, with grit, grace and distinction. Even today, the elements came together to further disrupt things, and unfortunately, a few of your classmates are unable to be here. However, it is probably safe for me to say that most, if not all of you, are simply ready for this to be "done" so you can move on to the next chapter in your lives. Us, too.

While this may be true for today's ceremony, it is not so for everything else. We live in an unprecedented time, a time when it seems that everything is changing. I suspect that years from now when historians look back on this period, they will write about the demise of longstanding institutions, the rise of new ones, share stories of perseverance and success, as well as spotlight our failures. This has always been the case with major generational shifts, and we certainly are in the midst of one now.

Perhaps it would be better for us to "lean into" the difficult obstacles ahead, and consider them an opportunity for growth. We might move forward with a focus on that which lies ahead, rather than what may have been lost. As I said in June, it will require profound self-reflection and a commitment on all our parts to successfully tackle the myriad challenges that we face individually, as a community and in our nation. In addition, it will not be easy. However, it is often through the difficult experiences in life, which involve hard choices, that we learn the most about ourselves.

For me, it has been helpful to remember the power and importance of mercy. In his amazing book, Just Mercy, Brian Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, observed that "mercy is just when it is rooted in hopefulness and freely given." Further, he wrote "Mercy is most empowering when it is directed at the undeserving. The people who haven't earned it, those who haven't even sought it, are the most meaningful recipients of our compassion."

Compassion is a core value here at Gill St. Bernard's School, and a critically important one. Members of the Class of 2020, may you always show mercy to those you encounter on your life's journey, insomuch as you will surely need mercy yourself. I pray that we all may be so blessed to know, offer and receive it in the weeks, months and years ahead.

Thank you.