Malik Bazzell

Wakefield High School Principal

Class of 2016, as you move on to life’s next journey, I would like to share with you a few quotes and words of wisdom to help guide you.

Listen to your parents. Most of the time, they really do know what they are talking about.

Every aspect of your life doesn’t have to be shared on twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Vine, Flicker, Snapchat, or any other form of social media. Please pause before you post.

Always remember, you are a role model and hero to somebody.

There is no such thing as trying, there is doing and not doing. Instead of making excuses, make choices.

Extend to others the same grace you want extended to you. Be the person who others are sad to see go.

There will be some bad days. Breathe. Is just a bad day, not a bad life. Failure and mistakes are life lessons, learn from them and move on.

Always remember life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. You control your destiny.

The journey you take in life isn’t so much about becoming anything. It’s about unbecoming everything that isn’t really you, so you can really become who you were meant to be in the first place.

With something to think about, this is Mr. Bazzell.

Make it a great life or not. But remember the choice is yours.

Jasmine Alston

Counselor

As you go through life, you are going to experience trails and triumphs.  Each experience, whether good or bad, create the foundation for your life’s path.  Your trials are reminders for you to refocus when you fall off course.  It is in these moments when you must dust yourself off and get back on the path set for you.  Your triumphs are put in place to remind you that you are making progress along the pathway.  These moments are meant to validate that you have the ability to do great things and should motivate you to continue pushing and pursuing the vision you have for your life.  Each and every moment that you experience are all meant to happen, as they all make you stronger and prepare you for the next chapter.

So, don’t get discouraged when times get hard as there are lessons at the bottom of each valley and at the top of each mountain.  I encourage you all to trust that the foundation that has been set for you by your family, teachers, mentors, counselors and others is solid and there to catch you in the event you fall.  Trust that you have greatness within you!  Believe that what others may see as impossible is possible for you! Know that you are fearlessly and wondrously made and all things are possible.  If you can close your eyes and dream it, then you can open your eyes to achieve it!

I love you all and I cannot wait to see how the class of 2016 will move and shake the world!  Congratulations!

Tony Calabria

Senior English Teacher

Life isn’t about keeping score.  It’s not about the number of people who call or text you, it’s not about having the newest phone. It’s not about who you’ve dated or your past. It’s not about your shoes, your clothes, your hair, or the color of your skin.  In fact, it’s not about your accolades or how many cords and medals you are wearing at graduation.  It’s not about who you kissed or dated or have not dated at all.  While these things are some facets of life, they do not represent the true essence of life.

What life is about are the things that are long lasting, concrete; the things that will stick with you.  The things that reflect your personality, your beliefs, and your morals.  You see, life is about pearls…not the ones we steal from poor clams, but the nuggets of wisdom and knowledge learned through tough experiences and meaningful friendships.  Throughout life, you get a chance to meet so many people…and if you’re open minded enough, you get the chance to share a vast amount of pearls with a variety of people from different walks of life.

When learning through experiences, you learn the truth about life.  You find out that life is about showing love for others.  It’s about your self-worth and self-esteem.  It’s about trust, happiness, and compassion.  Life’s about standing up to the bully and supporting your family and friends, even when they embarrass you.  It’s about avoiding jealousy, overcoming ignorance, and building confidence.  It’s about what you say, how you say it and if you mean it.  It’s about truth and recognizing people’s true inner beauty, not just outer appearances or what objects they possess.

But most of all, life is about using your beautiful pearls to illuminate someone else’s life in a unique way.  These choices are what life’s about.

I think the graduating class of 2016 knows these things, now go out there and prove me right! Travel abroad, work hard in school, get the job you want to have, chase down your dream and never stop following the signs, heeding the omens and remembering those who helped you along your journey. I’m looking forward to hearing your story.

It is written.

Mr. Calabria