RHS Class of 2018 Student Speaker Talks Service to Others, Respecting Differences, Being Resilient

Ridgefield High School Class of 2018 Student Speaker, Brandon Grizzaffi Addresses Peers, Faculty, at Graduation Ceremony Today at O'Neill Center at WCSU.

I would like to tell you a story. This story is about the generation on of young men and women, sitting before us today, who see the world differently. This is a story about the generation on of children who believe they alone can make a difference. It’s about the circle of Ridgefield High School students, who in the face of adversity, have grown stronger and more passionate than any class before them. This story is our story. 

I remember the early days of freshman year. We desperately searched for the elevator that lead to the rooftop pool. We walked into gym when our intention on was to go to math, but most importantly we’ve grown. Not only did we persist when the odds mounted against us, but we achieved many noble goals. When we feared for our lives in the classroom, we said enough is enough. When people said it was not the right time, we said, “The time is always right to do what is right” (MLK). When members of our community were hurting we said yes, names do hurt. When we noticed children in surrounding towns wondering where their next meal would come from, we donate truckloads of food to local food banks. When Parkinson’s disease struck those closest to us, we decided to “shake it off,” raising thousands of dollars to find a cure. When a group of young Wall Street entrepreneurs thought they aimed their sights too high, they later found themselves at the NASDAQ closing bell, and when we lost one of ours, we mourned. 

This is what we will be remembered for. Not the number of likes we got on photos, not how many followers we had, but the relationships we formed and the difference we have made. 

So, as you all begin to write the next chapter of your story, remember this. Michael Jordan missed nine thousand shots throughout his career. He lost almost three hundred games, and missed the game winning shot twenty six mes, and yet, he is one of the greatest athletes to ever live. Understand that achieving your goals will not be easy. Not only will you fail, but you will fail several times. You will fall down. Readers will be critical, editors will say, “your work is not good enough.” It will feel as though life has punched you in the face. At this point, you will have to make a decision. You can either allow your failures to define you or deploy your relentless courage to move forward. So once you get up, run, and as opportunities present themselves, take them. 

Lastly, I would like to give a shout out to the quiet ones. Do not assume that you are inadequate because you are different. We live in a world with many different kinds of people. The composers and the visionaries. The idealists and the givers. The craftsmen and the commanders, but there’s something about the quiet ones. Those whose name we may not know, but have enriched our education in ways only few can understand. While everyone was talking they silently lead by example, consuming knowledge no one could hear. So if you are one of these graduates, cheers to you.

So my friends, I leave you with this. Know that your greatest moments lie ahead. Live a life of character. Respect others no matter how different they may seem. Be loyal to those who have been loyal to you. Advocate for yourself, and never be afraid to fight alone. Stay driven, Class of 2018.