Or by saying “really, Coach, what are you wearing?” Which rarely was replaced by, “alright, that’s kinda fire.” You helped me by constantly challenging me to a rap battle or using a high school, yes high school, photoshopped image of me to create an album cover. You helped me by having strong eye contact, which you followed up with a genuine, “Good morning, Coach! How are you?” By having an observant and curious mind: never failing to miss any subtle change in my mood or appearance and always respectfully asking me about it. You helped me by showing me that wrestling moves are in fact a way to greet someone you truly care about. So, Coach Iljas, from this day forward, “Good morning!” will be followed by a headlock or rib punch. You’ve been warned. You helped me by being vulnerable, honest, caring, and brave. Why is this important? Because in a world where men are often told that vulnerability is a sign of weakness, you still chose to be vulnerable. In a world where dishonesty seems to garner the most likes on social media, you chose to be honest. In a world where hate seems to ooze from the pores of some of the most influential people, you chose to be caring. And in a world where people shy away from problems and opt for the easy solution,
you chose to be brave—that was until the faculty game on Monday, but that’s a different story. So remember this when you go on to start the next chapter of your life. Remember that you already are amazing! I repeat, you are amazing! Remember that your kindness has the power to make someone believe in themselves again. When things get hard, remember that you’ve persevered before and you can do it again, because the world, people like me, need you to. And when all else fails, remember the power of the connections you’ve formed, because you reminded me of just how special my connection is with my brother. And when things get hard, believe me, they will, because life can feel so unfair at times, remember to choose respect and kindness, because it’s so easy to hate. Choose to persevere, even though it’s so easy to give up. Choose love and lasting connections even though it’s so easy to be alone. And so before I go, I just have one more thing for you to remember (fists up, please). Remember that nothing is given, everything is earned, hard work pays off. Hawks on me, hawks on three! I love each and every one of you and I’m honored to celebrate you today because we all know you deserve it! Congratulations!
WHERE THEY ARE HEADED! Good luck boys. We are so proud of you!
Archbishop Riordan High School (2) The Bay School (4) Branson (2) Brentwood College School | Vancouver, British Columbia (1) Cate School | Carpinteria, CA (1) Choate Rosemary Hall | Wallingford, CT (1) International High School (3) Jackson Hole Community School | Jackson, WY (2) Lick-Wilmerding High School (2) Marin Academy (2) Montgomery Bell Academy | Nashville, TN (1)
The Nueva School (1) Phillips Academy Andover | Andover, MA (1) Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory (1) St. Ignatius College Preparatory (4) San Domenico School (2) Stevenson School (1)
Stuart Hall High School (1) University High School (4)
The Urban School of San Francisco (1) Westminster School | Simsbury, CT (1)
24 | CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS
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