Boston Day and Evening Academy Class of 2007
Dear Class of 2007,
Congratulations on achieving this significant milestone in your lives! Your diploma is the symbol of your academic achievements. As a graduate of BDEA, your dilpoma also represents your perseverance, courage and strength. Each of you had to overcome obstacles, both large and small to reach this important evening.
The Class of 2007 is a class of community-builders and advocates. Your passion for community and your commitment to justice is apparent every day within BDEA through your academic pursuits and your volunteerism throughout the school and in the community. Your academic growth and volunteerism has raised awareness, strengthened neighborhoods and encouraged change within individuals and communities throughout the school and city. Mahatma Gandhi once said " Be the change you want to see in the world". BDEA is changed for the better because of your contributions, large and small and because of your dedication to making this school work for you as an open and strong learning community. Sometimes being the change means that you will stand alone. Always know that you are the beginning of change. Change has to start with you.
In closing, it is really important for all of you to remember that "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." (Confucius) In order to succeed, you must not be afraid of falling (failing) once in awhile. The greatest people of our time have experienced great success because they have not been afraid to take the risk of failing. Failure often teaches us more than success ever can. Just remember that the greatest glory is in getting back up again, brushing yourself off and trying again. You had to do that to return to school and look what happened- after falling a few times, sometimes on your head, sometimes on your back end, you did it- you are walking across the stage!!!!! You are all tough, strong, intelligent, independent and beautiful young people. I am confident that as you all make your ways in the world, you will continue to learn, grow and remember the importance of being an activist for social justice. You must stand for something when others cannot. BDEA is so proud of each of you.
Congratulations! Celebrate and carry the memory of this success with you always.
With best wishes, respect and love,
Meg Maccini and the entire BDEA community
20 Kearsarge Avenue • Roxbury, MA
02119
Phone: 617-635-6789 • Fax: 617-635-6380