Moving Toward - The Spirit of Commencement
Today is not just about moving away from the structure of high school. It is fundamentally about what you will choose to move toward next.
I'm the principal of a small school in Seattle called Spring Academy. Spring Academy serves students who, for a wide variety of reasons, have needs and/or circumstances that made things more challenging for them within a mainstream school. At Spring, we focus on building a compassionate school setting and providing the students personalized attention, thus allowing them to succeed in high school.
This past week we held our graduation ceremony and, as principal, it was my job to both facilitate the ceremony, which involves introducing the staff, and addressing the graduates and their families. After personalizing the staff introductions, I addressed the graduates, of which there were five, as follows:
In a minute, we'll be honoring each of our five graduates. I'll first introduce them and then offer anyone who wants to speak an opportunity to say something about them. If you do choose to speak, please work to keep your comments concise, recognizing today's ceremony, starting at 5pm, is intended to wrap up before midnight.
But first, as principal, I have the honor of addressing the graduates.
Here we are. You've done it. High school is complete. You're finished with classes - well, you are welcome to come tomorrow, it is the last day of school, you know. Show of hands, who's coming? No one?
Okay, you're done. You're about to get your high school diplomas! Whoo-hoo, right?! It feels like an ending, doesn't it? A wrap-up. Your birthday and all the presents have been opened. Finished. You’re done.
But look at the name of this ceremony. Have you ever thought about it, the actual name of a graduation ceremony? It's not called an ending or a termination. It's called a commencement. Just what does that mean?
A commencement means a beginning.
This isn't just a difference in words; it's a powerful difference in perspective. It invites us to think about how we move through life – are we primarily moving away from something, or are we moving toward something?
Really, think about it. Moving away from something is often driven by fear, by the need to retreat. Sometimes, this is necessary – getting out of a dangerous situation, for example. But as a constant way of being, moving away can feel uncertain, heavy, and draining.
It's an energy of retreat.
In contrast, moving toward something – a goal, a dream, a curiosity, a passion – is an act of active engagement. It brings energy, hope, excitement, and purpose. It's like moving with a light guiding you. Moving toward something you believe in, something that inspires you, is an act of bringing positive energy into the world.
You might even call it a form of love.
Today is not just about moving away from the structure of high school. It is fundamentally about what you will choose to move toward next.
As you step out from here, into whatever comes next, I encourage you to find something to move toward. It doesn't have to be a perfectly clear, lifelong plan. It can be a subject you want to learn more about, a skill you want to develop, a cause you believe in, a place you want to explore, or simply becoming the best version of yourself.
By actively seeking and moving toward something positive, you do two important things:
You truly honor the spirit of a commencement ceremony, recognizing it as a beginning.
And, more importantly, you contribute positively to the world around you.
So, Spring Academy Class of 2025, as you leave this chapter behind, go find your "toward." Move with hope, move with energy, move with purpose. If you do, you will undoubtedly make all of us proud. And most of all, you will be proud of yourself.
Congratulations on your commencement!