MOUNT VERNON — The 30 members of the Mount Vernon Academy Class of 2012 were urged to seize the moment and enjoy life during commencement exercises held Sunday.
Commencement speaker Andrew Sutton told the graduating seniors they are the best group of young people he has known. He said their class aim of being leaders in the future is achievable if they lead by example and help others. He reminded them that Jesus led by example and reminded the class he is the one they ultimately represent.
“Remember,” Sutton said, “people won’t remember what you are or what you do, they will remember how you made them feel.”
Sutton’s advice to the graduating class included the following word of wisdom: Learn a second language; start saving money; know something about everything and everything about something; try something new; stretch yourself and don’t let life box you in; remember family is important; and have a relationship with God.
“May God forever be a part of your life,” Sutton concluded. “Although you are going your separate ways, you will always have two things in common — Mount Vernon Academy and God. Congratulations. You made it.”
Class president Elias Martinez told his classmates he was glad he was elected to serve as their class president. “Well, guys, we did it. We’re done,” he added. “Today’s the day we’ve been waiting for. ... Remember our class motto: ‘Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.’”
