Mayor speaks at Markham Middle School graduation in Watts
Ariel Edwards Levy | 6-21-2010 | Comments |
| Print this Page
Jubilant relatives and friends filled the bleachers of L.A. Southwest College on Monday morning to cheer for graduates of Markham Middle School.Markham, a troubled school which over the years has often served as a laboratory for failed education reforms.
Today, however, was a time for celebration. Students were all smiles as, clad in graduation gowns, they marched onto the college's football field to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance. As Mayor Villaraigosa, the commencement speaker noted, many had overcome adversity to be there, and several would be the first in their families to finish middle school.
Hear a few excerpts of Villaraigosa's remarks:
Transcript:
"I know, without a doubt, that there have been many challenges in your lives. I can tell you for sure that no matter how big you dream or how hard you work, sometimes you're going to make a misstep. Occasionally, you'll trip and fall. And every once in a while, wipe our completely. And even though in that moment it will feel like you're the only person in the world facing hardship or adversity, the truth is, it happens to us all. So I hope you won't dwell on the times you fall down because the real test of character is how you pick yourself back up. You do it humbly, graciously, carefully, you'll find yourself stronger than ever before."
"In this group of 326 students - I'll make eye contact with you - I see an architect, I see a lawyer, I see a doctor, I see an engineer, I see a teacher, I see a... a mayor. I see a mayor. I see a governor. And like President Barack Obama who believed that he could one day be president, I see a president here."
Tags: education graduation los angeles markham middle school mayor mayor antonio villaraigosa watts