Graduation Speech Invocation
By Gavi Remz, Class of 2010
June 13, 2010

Bruchim habaim. Welcome to Gann Academy.

As we stand here today, we begin the inevitable end of high school. The culmination of our childhoods, of our unity, of our efforts has arrived, and so we must move beyond the comforting halls and faces of Gann.

But as we do move forward, what must we take with us? And, by the same token, what are the places to which can we bring what Gann has given us?
In the book of Ezra, we see a leader, Ezra, who needs to serve his nation in a time of crisis. But Ezra does not simply bail out his people. Rather, he tells them, “Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.”

And, following Ezra’s example, we must remember that it takes courage to stand up and say what you believe in. It takes courage to take a risk and achieve what you want. It takes courage to challenge your most fundamental beliefs. It is that courage that Gann has infused into our Nashamas, our souls, that allows us to stand here today.

Time and time again, we, as individuals and as a group, have been supported by many figures in our community. These people—coaches and cafeteria staff, teachers and advisors—have been by our side when we have needed them. For that, we are eternally grateful and say thank you.

But at the same time, students too bare the responsibility to rise up, to be courageous. At Gann, power is in the hands of those who are willing to take action, who value action when apathy is the easy choice, who have the courage to go where others waver.

The beautiful dynamic between students and faculty of shared responsibility is the vital force that allows our community to thrive and to grow.

It is the aforementioned values—action, proactivity, courage—that we have seen at Gann work to allow all community members to create something greater than the individual parts. Here today, at graduation, we will see the powerful truth of these values. So as we venture into more challenging pastures, these are what we must carry with us. Thank you.