Message from the Principal toll gAte high school

As we gather today to celebrate your graduation and your numerous accomplishments, I think back to your freshman year, when you came to Toll Gate with excitement and some trepidation to start the next part of your journey through life. For some of you the journey has been a happy, joyful time. For others you may have struggled for various reasons, but the common denominator is that you have all persevered and are here today to get your diploma. I have attended 33 graduation ceremonies in my tenure as a teacher and administrator and one thing I have learned is that you do not want long speeches that you feel don’t relate to you. So I will be brief and leave you with this quote which has been used in many movies that you may have seen. The quote is from Shutruk Naakhunte. I would like you to think about this and try to carry some of it as you leave us.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves , “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented , fabulous?” Actually who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of what is within us. It is not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

You choose your destiny, you are responsible for yourself and your actions. Make good choices, be kind and respectful to those around you. Be good human beings. As you leave us remember, Once a Titan always a Titan. Thank you.

cAndAce M. cAluori, principal