Ridgefield High School principal Stacey Gross addressed the Class of 2018 with this graduation speech on Friday, June 22, inside the O'Neill Center at WCSU:
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen of the Board of Education, Acting Superintendent Miller, faculty and staff, family and friends of the Class of 2018, and today’s graduates. Welcome to the one hundred and second commencement exercises of Ridgefield High School.
As I pondered what to speak to you about today I decided to share some valuable words from Ralph Waldo Emerson. He stated, “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.” That is my advice to you, the graduating class of 2018. You now have the opportunity to chart your own course and leave your mark wherever you may go. In fact, truth be told, you have actually already begun to leave your mark. Your academic accomplishments are superior; your community service projects and citizenship have helped so many worthy causes; theatrical, musical and art presentations that have garnered a plethora of awards; and there have been athletic records and victories throughout the year.
In addition, an incredibly noteworthy feat that you and the nation’s youth have taken on this year is political activism! Walkouts (that you advocated for and organized) on March 14th and April 20th to memorialize lost lives and to protest gun violence in schools; you held equally cogent campaigns to protect one’s 2nd Amendment Rights; you participated in the student-organized “Stand Up To Hate” event to fight prejudice; and you are championing the importance of voter registration for our youth. These are but a few examples of your already existing commitment to leaving a trail.
As young adults entering college, the military or the workforce you will be faced with the longstanding status quo, as well as faced with new challenges the world encounters each and every day. While this may seem daunting, I know that through your education in the Ridgefield Public Schools and through all of your experiences both inside and outside of the classroom, you are well prepared and ready for the new adventures that the future holds. I have no doubt that you will continue to make your families, our school and the Town of Ridgefield proud.
In closing, I’d like to share with you the words of the famous former New York City mayor, Edward Koch: “The fireworks begin today. Each diploma is a lighted match. Each one of you is a fuse.” I can’t wait to see the fireworks each and everyone one of you will light in your life as you leave your trail! On behalf of the RHS faculty and staff, congratulations and good luck. Thank you.