Jennifer Barry of the Harlem Valley Times wrote up another great article pertaining to my high school graduation. I encourage everyone to give it a read. Continue reading ‘Another Article in the Harlem Valley Times’
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The Poughkeepsie Journal, a significant local paper, ran a series of articles on Sunday about high school graduations across the county. The article about Dover High School by Greg Marano was beautifully written. For archival purposes, I quote the entire article below, but urge you to read it on the Poughkeepsie Journal website itself. The Poughkeepsie Journal website also has a copy of my speech.
I graduated today. Aside from a single, somewhat large error in delivering my speech, that ordeal went very well. Most everyone really enjoyed it, both family and friends.
My grandparents flew up from Florida, and other members of my extended family stopped by today. It’s been really great to see them.
Until next time, I’ll be cleaning up the pieces of my new life and attending graduation parties. Apologies for the extended length of time between posts, but you can see from reading my speech that I’ve been busy.
Below are my prepared remarks for my Valedictory Address to the Class of 2008 of Dover High School.
Good morning Superintendant Onofry, Assistant Superintendant Tierney, Board President Shufelt, members of the Board of Education, Principal Basting, Assistant Principals Rizzo, Timm, Bauerlein; faculty, family, friends, and the Class of 2008.
On this day of celebration, I’m honored to have the opportunity to speak to you all. Although they apply to everyone under this tent, I direct my thoughts toward two groups of people: those individuals who helped me get where I am today, and my class, the Class of 2008.
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It’s said that we stand on the shoulders of giants. This is so true, and I appreciate all of the giants in my life, whose love, trust, and guidance have helped me get where I stand today.
I begin with my teachers; it is their instruction that has guided me intellectually throughout my entire life. Although I appreciate the guidance of each and every one of them, I must signal out two key educators, without whom I wouldn’t be who I am today.
The first of these is Mr. Watson, whose remarkable work ethic, genuine personality, and love for life has motivated me to strive for new heights again and again. Whether he’s valiantly saving lives, breaking up fights, or calling people the most ridiculous names ever, he’s someone we should model ourselves after.
The second is Mr. Wright, who has been a moral guidepost for me since my first day in Dover some six years ago. Mr. Wright has taught me to live and die by the golden rule, to always look out for the welfare of others, and to never stop questioning, ever. Along the way, he’s certainly been a character. I’m sure none of us will ever forget his reenactment of the caning of Senator Charles Sumner in 7th grade, especially the students who served as the victim.
I move onto my friends – the people I enjoy spending time with, the people who keep me sane in an increasing insane world, and the people who remind me of my humility when necessary, which seems to be often. Although I can’t possibly mention all of you right now, I’m confident you know who you are.
Very often, the greatest giants in our lives are those in our families. Every student who eagerly awaits his or her diploma is a testament to the guidance of the people closest to them. As I recognize my family, I’m certain each graduate appreciates the kindness of his or her own.
I start with my grandparents and aunt, whose love and concern have always been a pillar in my life. I’m so glad they’re able to see me today.
I’m grateful for my parents, whose absolute trust has been the greatest gift ever given to me. Not once in my life did they doubt my judgment or tell me I wasn’t good enough to do something.
Dad, your mantra and hope for me to, “Work smart and not hard,” is something I’ve come to internalize. And Mom, your strength and faith to overcome crippling back pain every day of your life to take care of Christy and me makes you the strongest person I know.
Finally, I recognize Christy Mondello, my sister and best friend. Christy, you’ve shared virtually every experience with me, both good and bad. It’s your kindness and patience that always keeps me going, especially in the face of daunting circumstances. I love you and am so fortunate to have you in my life.
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The primary group of people I address today are the graduates I’m proud to be walking with, my class, the Class of 2008. To you all, I offer three pieces of advice – that’s it, three.
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We will all soon be moving onto something bigger than this, bigger than high school. Whether you’re entering the workforce, joining the military, or going off to school again, I urge you to leave this phase of your life on good terms. We all have our Mr. Wrights, Mr. Watsons, or best friends – the people who we got along well with. We should seek these people out and let them know just how much we’ve always appreciated them.
But, throughout my time here, I can recall people who I simply didn’t treat fairly. I suspect that many of us have someone like this, someone who we didn’t give a fair chance. This person might be a member of your family, perhaps another student, or maybe a teacher or coach.
Think about it – think hard. After this ceremony, take a moment to find the person who you aren’t “okay” with, and try to set things right. Always remember that forgiveness is healthier than resentment and that friendship is infinitely more useful than a grudge.
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A moment ago, I spoke of the giants in my life. We’ve all had our own giants, the people who help us to achieve our dreams. Class of 2008, my second piece of advice is to be a giant in someone else’s life.
Although this may sound daunting, it doesn’t mean dramatically changing our lifestyles. For instance, by staying positive, acting as a role, and volunteering our time and skills to help someone in need, we begin a cycle of compassion that ultimately benefits everyone.
Almost everyone in my class could tell you that I’m an avid follower of politics. On the topic of giants, I’d be remiss if I didn’t quote my favorite Senator, whose eloquent thoughts resonate with my advice. The Senator says,
I ask you to take this harder path – not because you have an obligation to those who are less fortunate, although you do have that obligation. Not because you have a debt to all of those who helped you get to where you are, although you do have that debt.
I ask you to take it because you have an obligation to yourself. Because our individual salvation depends on our collective salvation. And because it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.
Thank you, Senator Obama.
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As we move on, we must recognize that the relative prosperity of our generation’s childhood is gone. The soaring gas prices and global decline of respect for our nation are indicative of a deep problem that’s plaguing it: a lack of leadership. Now, it’s our turn to guide the United States of America – to restore it as the world’s leader – financially, technologically, and ethically. The problems in our path include poverty, war, and a climate in crisis. But despite the enormity of these issues, by looking at our track record, I’m certain that we can overcome them.
Together, as a class, we endured many crises and always found a way to emerge stronger than before. We’ve taken strenuous exams, played hard in difficult matches, and performed in breathtaking plays and concerts. We’ve built relationships, taken trips abroad, and harvested wisdom wherever it’s found. At Pep Rally this year, where the seniors swept in every award category, I had a pleasure as Master of Ceremonies to yell, “This is madness!” – to which you all screamed back, “This is Sparta!” And most recently, we coordinated the most awesome senior trip and senior prank in the history of this school, period.
If that’s what we could do in the course of these last few years of high school, imagine what we’ll be able to do when we choose our own paths. When we let our passions guide us, there’s nothing we can’t do. Fellow classmates, find what you love doing in life and stick with it. That is my third and final piece of advice for you today, because it is by working with this talent, calling, or skill that you’ll find true happiness and change the world.
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No matter where life takes you, go forward and make this community and the giants in your life proud. And along your way, never let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough. We’re more than ready, each and every one of us, to make our dreams come true.
Again, thank you everyone under this tent for coming out on this wonderful day. Thank you Class of 2008, and thank you Dover. I love you.
I graduate high school tomorrow, Saturday. Whoa!
Here’s the scoop. I’m proud and honored to say that I’m my class’ valedictorian; fittingly, I’ll be giving a valedictory address. If you’re local, you already know the details for the ceremony. If you’re not, I’ll have a text version of my speech posted sometime tomorrow.
I’m very glad to say that my grandparents are staying with my family this week. I haven’t seen them in about a year, so I’ll be spending a lot of my time with them, in addition to enjoying every last moment with my friends. My June Resolution is to enjoy my final days of high school, and that’s exactly what I’m doing.
I have a very exciting summer coming up, so I’ll keep you all posted! Ciao!
I’m proud to announce that I was featured in yesterday’s Harlem Valley Times, a local weekly newspaper. It’s a beautiful article about the journey I went through with my amazing friend Maia to earn positions one and two in the academic ranking of our graduating class.
If you’re local, I highly recommend that you get a copy. The paper features Maia and me on the front page with a lovely photo; I couldn’t ask for anything better. If you’re not local, fear not. The article is online here. I really want to thank the article’s author, Jennifer Barry, for doing such a fantastic job.
Although I fully encourage you to read the article on the Harlem Valley Times website, I reprint it here for my own personal archival purposes.
Top students stick together
By: Jennifer Barry, Staff Reporter
06/19/2008
DOVER – After spending most of their high school careers taking similar classes, Dover High School seniors Richard Mondello and Maia Nguyen will be taking the podium together on June 28 as valedictorian and salutatorian to offer their remarks to the graduating class of 2008.
Mondello and Nguyen say that the race between the two of them for the title of valedictorian was a close one.
“In eighth grade we were both voted ‘Most Likely to Succeed,’” said Mondello, valedictorian for the Class of 2008. “So we’ve always been in a friendly competition throughout high school, especially for valedictorian.”
“He ended up winning, though,” said Nguyen, this year’s salutatorian.
As they finish up their last year at Dover, they look back over their years spent in the district.
“Leaving Dover (schools) behind is probably the scariest part of going to college for me,” said Mondello.
“That’s probably the saddest part for me,” said Nguyen. “I think I’m most nervous about the workload in college. And my roommate.”
After this year, Mondello will begin his collegiate career at Tufts University in Massachusetts where he plans to study computer science.
Nguyen will attend Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, where she intends to take courses in both biology and secondary education.
“I really look forward to the being able to learn so much in a more specific area,” said Mondello, when asked to project ahead to what college has in store.
Nguyen agreed, adding, “I’m also looking forward to being able to meet new people.”
Having come from a small school, both Nguyen and Mondello have strong ties to their former teachers and fond memories of time spent in Dover.
“There are so many teachers here that I will miss when we leave,” said Mondello. “They’ve left such a strong impact on me. I’ve really loved it here.”
“I’m going to miss Mrs. Watson,” said Nguyen. “And Mr. Rand. There’s really so many, you can’t just choose one or two.”
In addition to their academics, both students have been involved in the extra-curricular side of Dover, as well.
“We were both in Student Council and Senior Honor Society,” said Mondello. “I was the Student Council President for two years and I also did Mock Trial.”
Nguyen has a similar extra-curricular track, with the difference being that she was involved in the music program.
“I loved being a part of the Jazz Band and the Concert Band,” she said.
For Mondello and Nguyen, their past four years in Dover High School have kept them in close contact; they say that they both often look to each other for ideas and inspiration.
Some of their fondest memories, they said, were the pep rallies held at Dover.
During the last two years of their high school careers, the two were in charge of running the event for the entire school.
“We’re there the night before, making sure everything is set up and ready to go,” said Mondello.
“The pep rallies were always awesome,” said Nguyen. “That’s a time you really get to see the true colors of the school come out.”
Now as the year comes to a close, both Mondello and Nguyen are gearing up for their roles in the upcoming graduation.
“Coming from a small school, the top students tend to stick together,” Mondello said.
“We’re so used to bouncing ideas off of each other,” Nguyen added. “So right now we’re trying to work on our speeches, but we don’t want to influence each other. That’s making it really tough.”
Even if they succeed in keeping their speeches from affecting each other’s, the rest of Dover will get the opportunity to see if great minds do think alike.
Mondello and Nguyen will present their speeches at the Dover Graduation on June 28 at 10 a.m.