Graduation: Eulogy for the living

In his parting words to the members of the class of 2015, Headmaster Hal Hannaford drew upon his recent experience of giving a eulogy at his mother’s funeral to deliver a message to the graduates. Rather than focus on building an impressive resume, he said, think about what you would like your own eulogy to be at the end of your own life.

“I want to read someone’s eulogy decades before it is necessary,” he said. “I want to know someone by what is going to be said about them after they are gone. We spend so much time in creating a record of what we have done, we forget to create a document that can clearly state what sort of person we are. So, why not think about your own personal eulogy?”

Headmaster Hannaford reiterated the three tenets of the school’s motto: Veritas. That is, to be true to one’s self, true to others and true to one’s school. He quoted William Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain to underscore the first of these.

Moral integrity

To illustrate the principle of being true to others, he read an email Senior English Teacher Liana Palko sent to one of her students who participated in a service day activity at a local food bank.

“I just wanted to drop you a line to tell you how proud I was of you yesterday,” Ms Palko wrote. “You were just terrific with all the clients at the food bank—kind, respectful and caring. Sometimes, even more than the much-needed food they receive, people who are down on their luck need to know that their inherent humanity is being acknowledged by others, and you did just that; you treated everyone there with dignity. I know you haven’t always been the star student or top-flight

athlete, but to me, your generosity and compassion make you a far better role model for our students than any trophy or academic accolade you might have won. Your empathy and moral integrity will take you far in this world. Well done.” “I wish I could receive a note like that during my life.” Mr. Hannaford said. “That, Gentlemen, is what really matters.” Being true to one’s school, he concluded, translates as “be passionate about what you do. Passion and hard work—there can and will never be any substitute.”

Gratitude

In his Valedictorian address, Head Prefect Nicholas Johnson’s message was one of gratitude. He thanked the teachers in the school’s French program for transforming a totally unilingual young boy into a fluently bilingual young man. He thanked the board of directors, Old Boys’ Association and the school’s donors for the financial aid he has benefitted from since Grade 7. And he thanked his classmates for making him Head Prefect Nicholas Johnson receives his diploma feel part of “a unique form of from retiring school receptionist Annie Snabl. brotherhood.” “Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave behind and impossible to forget” he said. “The bonds we formed at Selwyn House will never dissipate.” And he thanked the school overall for giving its students “a phenomenal academic, athletic and artistic foundation.” “Selwyn House has splendidly supported our social and emotional development in a climate of inclusivity and respect for diversity.” Johnson said. “Let us never forget the lessons we have learned here.” n