The St. Margaret’s community gathered in the Chapel on June 1 to take part in the Baccalaureate services for the Class of 2018. The service featured moving speeches from The Right Reverend Diane M. Jardine Bruce, Head of School Will Moseley and class salutatorian Bryant Villamil.

Here is a transcript of the speeches by Mr. Moseley and Bryant Villamil:

 

 

I SEE YOU AND I AM GLAD TO BE WITH YOU!

 

Welcome, trustees, faculty, graduates and families, as well as our special guests The Honorable Kerry Ferguson, member of the San Juan Capistrano City Council along with her husband Stuart, and The Right Reverend Diane M. Jardine Bruce. We are honored to have Bishop Bruce as our distinguished speaker tonight.

 

What a beautiful evening!

 

Tonight is a very special night and the excitement and eagerness in the air is palpable as this officially kicks off Commencement for the Class of 2018.

 

Graduates, as you sit here, some of you may already be thinking ahead to parties and celebrations and getting on to what's next in your lives—summer plans, and college too! Some are feeling nostalgic to be letting go of a place that has held and nurtured you for as long as you can remember.

 

We too, are feeling mixed excitement and bittersweet emotions as we begin the process of letting you go to new places, to new communities, onto new horizons...letting you go, on your own.

 

But, what is truly unique about tonight's ceremony is that we are here together in this very intimate gathering, just us--your parents who have loved you unconditionally and given of themselves in every way they could, and your extended family of beloved classmates and teachers with whom you share an unbreakable, lifelong bond.

 

Tonight is a time to slow the clock on the pace of our celebrations, to reflect on your incredible journey through St. Margaret's and to offer thanks and final blessings on our time together and for your bright futures.

 

We gather in this familiar sanctuary that has been a very important part of your time at St. Margaret's. If you quickly do the math, you have probably spent more time in this space as a class, than you have anywhere else.

 

Time here has been spent in joy and reflection, sharing personal revelations, insights and lessons. A space where you have felt the comfort, trust and love of your community to be your most open and most vulnerable with each other.

 

Here you have offered inspiring homilies and moving performances--moments of deep poignancy, moments of needed levity and moments of utter fearlessness that were always followed by moments of rousing ovations from your classmates.

Tonight, we will share in this important tradition of Chapel one last time.

 

While some of you may have started your time in this Chapel in red or blue sweaters, this class came together four years ago in the back pews wearing grownup blazers and slowly you have moved up to your place of leadership at the front of the Chapel where you sit now as young men and women.

 

While this is your last time in these seats as St. Margaret's students, I hope that these pews will always feel as warm, familiar and welcoming to you as coming home to your own bedrooms and that you always find your way here whenever you are nearby.

 

God, my prayer for these graduates tonight is that they relish in the blessedness of this ceremony, that they cherish the time they have spent in this Chapel together forever and that they each seek out new sacred spaces for worship that allow them to continue to deepen their own spirituality, their relationship with you and to make meaningful connections within their new communities. Amen.

 

Thank you, Mr. Jordan, for the kind introduction. As Mr. Jordan said, my name is Bryant Villamil, and it is an honor to stand before you here today. I would like to start with a quote from someone who has been a major influence on children and adults around the world.

 

"If you can dream it, you can do it. Remember that this whole thing started with a dream - - and a mouse.” Walt Disney

Three things about this quote strike me. First and foremost is the importance of having a guiding dream. Second is to know how capable you are. Third is to remember where it all started, here at St. Margaret's.

What is your dream? Ever since we were little we have been told what to do. We are now, however, adults.

We don't always have to do what we're told to do…"stand in a straight line." We are able to make choices. Freedom is scary. A dream doesn't have to follow an established path if it is important to you.

One of my biggest goals over the past few years was to run faster. During my first year in track, my goal was to score in the 3200m. After my first race where my teammate and I finished last at a big invitational, I looked inside of myself and knew that was not what I wanted. After I set my goal, I scored at league finals. Two years later I qualified for CIF running with my teammates. Do not be afraid to go after your dreams. Be brave and believe in yourself.

Second, know that you can do it. We have had great teachers and friends at St. Margaret's who have taught us well and helped us overcome challenges. St. Margaret's has let me explore in the arts, academics, and athletics. I auditioned for the musical, sang in choir, acted in a studio play, played basketball, and competed in races. I have met so many amazing and kind people in this welcoming community. We are surrounded by classmates who amaze us with their abilities and interests. Whether it is in singing, acting, dancing, sports, or academics, I have met many talented people who are continually striving for and achieving success. Whatever it is that you truly want, pursue it because it can become a reality.

You are going to make mistakes, but that's what makes it worth it. I, for example, have really no idea how to write a speech, and you've probably heard better — but, hey — it sure is fun standing up here!

Finally, remember where it started. All of us were beginners at some point. We were kids learning to read and write. There were people who believed in us, coached, and taught us. Our parents want what is best for us and have sacrificed so much.

Cultural competency, empathy--St. Margaret's has really been preparing us all this time. Even though we do not always appreciate it in the moment, we are lucky to have a school that cares so much about its students.

Remember the service projects, the retreats, sport events, clubs, and activities. Most of all, remember the friends and relationships made. It can feel scary going out into the world. Leaving our families and being independent, but the truth is that we are not alone. St. Margaret's has done its best to prepare us for lives of learning, leadership, and service.

 

Time is precious. Have a goal to make the most of it. Things are not perfect and that is what makes them so wonderful.

 

In the spirit of Disney let's use our imagination, to build a better world. Take control of your life. Go out there and seize the day. Be yourself and be strong. There will be challenges and it will be hard at times. We have been told what to do the past 18 years of our life. It is important to explore and enjoy our lives, but if we really want to get somewhere, we must set some sort of goal. Think for yourself. We are adults now, and you do not have to listen to me if you do not want to. Now go out there and change the world--if you want.