Graduation Speech

Years ago there was a traveller who came upon an old-fashioned pump. Beside the
pump there was a bucket of water, and on the pump there was a sign. The signs
instructions were to prime the pump with the water in the bucket, pump the water for
use, and then refill the bucket. The thirsty man looked at the pitcher, the pump and
the sign. He thought to himself, "If I pour this water down the pump to prime it and it
doesn't work, I will have no water to drink and it will be wasted. But, if I drink the
water I will be satisfied but the next traveller will have nothing".

WE, as school leavers are like this traveller and we have decisions to make. We have
the potential to be contributing members of society. We can use the education and
resources we have been given to prime the pump for others, providing them with the
opportunities that we have been given. We are the future, and tonight that word
"future" is very important to us.

That is because tonight marks the end of an era. Years of books, teachers and study
have all led us to this moment. As we, the graduation class of 2009 sit here watching
as the last of our secondary school years fade into the twilight it is important that we
share a moment to reflect and appreciate the enormity of our fine accomplishment.
For tonight's graduation marks not only ours passage from Garbally College, but it is
also a declaration of our commitment and effort.

The last year has been a difficult one for Ireland. Not a day passes without the
mention of the recession or job cuts or of more tax increases. But we, the youth, have
also been in our fair share of bad reports. We have been affixed with neat labels like
“The Bebo Generation”. We have been branded as lazy and incapable of achieving.
But tonight we sit here a proof of hope for the future. We are the businessman, the
teachers, the farmers, the doctors and the politicians of tomorrow. By our own
dedication we rise above and shed those labels. For tonight's graduation is the
culmination of our commitment, from efforts from the first day of primary school to
the present day as we await our leaving certificate. But, as we face into the future we
must also face into the difficulties that may arise. Think of the ordinary turtle. In
order for the turtle to move it must first stick its neck outside of its shell. There are
going to be times in your life when you're going to have to stack your neck out.
There will be challenges, and instead of hiding in a shell, you have to go out and meet
them. Sure, the turtle that doesn't stick it neck out will be safe but what will it have
achieved?

In life, in sport or in relationships, never be afraid to stick your neck out, because
without trying, you will never know what you could achieve.

SO we're finally here. Through the support of our parents, teachers and our friends
we have made it to this day and to the beginning of a new stage of our lives. Where
we go from here and what new frontiers we are meant to discover may remain
unseen, but, as we step out those doors and stare into the first lights of the future,
always remember tonight. For no matter what tomorrow brings, be it the simplest
path or a road wrought with twists and turns, tonight we share an achievement. And
so, to all of you, I say congratulations and have a good night!!