The process is almost complete. This was homecoming last week.
This was his senior speech on Friday:
First off I would like to thank my parents for all of the sacrifices they made so I could go to such a prestigious school as SPA. I'm blessed to have come from such a diverse and loving family. My parents just celebrated their 31st anniversary, in reality they have been together since the age of 15. All together, that's 36 years. Genetically speaking, that could mean my first true love will be my last. My parents gave me a very interesting childhood. Due to my father’s service, we moved a lot. SPA is my 17th school. One for every year I've been on this earth. Some people think that would have been difficult, I thought it was awesome. I had the chance to attend school with a variety of different cultures and teaching methods. I attended inner city schools and country schools where neither had diversity. In my travels I learned that racism exists everywhere. It's not limited to a certain race. In my opinion that's an important life lesson to learn. I believe in order to change it, we must all admit to it. But I digress.
I want to bring it back here, to SPA. This is the first private school I've ever attended. The day I shadowed I knew I wanted to be here. All of my apprehensions about "Prep School Kids" were put to rest during my first week. I was welcomed and that felt good. That was the first step; the second took a little time, as some of you can attest. I needed to learn the SPA way to handle disagreements. For the first time in my life, the people I had a dispute with stepped up and offered an apology versus raised fists. It caught me off guard. I thought it was an act until school ended then it would be on. It was a pleasant surprise to find out it was real. Instead of defending myself in a hostile environment like I had to do in the past, I found a haven for those who wanted to learn and be around others who shared their interest in academic success.
Saint Paul Academy is one of the best college preparatory schools in the state of Minnesota. We are well known around the nation’s top colleges to produce great students capable of excelling in the college environment. For just about all of us here, acceptance into college is guaranteed. Most of us will be able to pick and choose where we want to go. Some of us have been given the opportunity to become student athletes. I've played some type of sport for as long as I can remember. They taught me a lot about myself, and gave me an intense desire to win that I will never let go of. From T-Ball and Pee wee football to USA and Golden gloves boxing. I have enjoyed playing them all. Sports have opened a lot of doors for me along the way. From a chance to qualify for the 2016 US Olympic boxing team to the point where I have the opportunity to play baseball and football at the college level. I thank all my teachers and coaches for making that possible.
Despite what some people may believe, SPA does have talented athletes. But I believe the tools we have been given to succeed here set us apart from everyone else. I look around the room and I see people destined for great things. I see Scientists, Teachers, Doctors, Business owners and a MLB player. Your passion for academic and personal success is motivating. You are truly taking advantage of the freedoms this country affords us all. The American Dream is alive and well here at SPA.
It’s no secret that different people have different goals in life. There are many factors that go into it such as where they grew up, what their family life was like, and what values were instilled in them during their childhood. This holds true with me.
Having a father serving in a war zone makes you realize just how dangerous this world is. There are times when our country is not at war, but there is never a time when we are truly at peace. Right now, as we sit in this gym, we are at war. Sometimes it doesn't feel like it, but we are. The world is growing ever more hostile towards us for a variety of reasons. Right now, men and women stand on the wall, putting their lives on the line, to keep you and I safe from those who wish us harm. They make it possible for us to live our lives however we want to. Sometimes they die in the process. I’ve stood flag line at their funerals, and I never forget that freedom has a price that is often paid in blood. Growing up, I was always surrounded by the men that I called my Uncles. They were my Father’s brothers in arms, and they raised me as if I was one of their own when my dad was in the fight. They taught me the meaning of sacrifice, and the importance of being the one to run towards danger rather than away from it. My family history shows a long line of men who have served their country, going all the way back to the revolution that brought this nation into the world.
That being said it should come as no surprise that I have a different ambition from most of yours. I don’t have the desire to pursue the American Dream. I want to protect the people who do. For me, this is not about personal satisfaction, but about serving something greater than myself. I will gladly stand on the wall, and join those who are willing to sacrifice themselves, so others may live. I have decided to pass on the chance to go to Iowa and attend college in a different venue. I’ve enlisted in the United States Air Force. Upon graduation I report to Lackland Air Force Base in July for basic training. Upon completion, I will enter Air Force Special Tactics training to become a Combat Control Technician. CCTs are FAA certified air traffic controllers and responsible for conducting all types of missions behind enemy lines while setting air fields, calling in fire support, and working jointly with Army Special Forces and Navy SEALs. I will also pursue my college education while serving. My goal is to become an Officer in 6 years.
I hope you can understand and respect my decision. This is who I am, and this is what I am meant to do. Less than 2% of this nation’s population serves in the military. I will be a proud member of that 2%. It's my passion. We only have one life, no matter what, never be afraid to pursue your passion. Thank you.
**************************************************************************
Needless to say we are proud and nervous. I now know what my parents felt like. Thanks for your kind words and support over the years boys. They go by pretty fast.
