A Message to Graduates

A UNIQUE set of conditions to be sure!

Just 3 days after burying my Father, I was the keynote speaker for the Graduating Class of 2016 at the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music. I also conducted the premiere of "CRUZIN’, for there is much to dare", commissioned by Penelope Smetters Jacono for her fine ensemble. My 8th-grade Son played in the Band.

Again, a UNIQUE set of conditions, for only once in a Lifetime.

An 8th-grader then, now it's Spencer's time to graduate from high school. Perhaps you’ve heard him play Taps in recent posts. He does it better than anyone I’ve heard.

I thought about the Letter my Father had written to me when I graduated High School, and yes, I too wrote a letter to Spencer. In re-reading the keynote to the kids at Celia Cruz HS, I saw the same message I wanted to share with him.

So, for all the Graduates, whom I love without having met, to whom I would offer these thoughts as if you were my own, here is that Keynote Message so easily modifiable to today:

Enjoy & Godspeed! S

https://stephenmelillo.com/stories-stormlog/blog/keynote-for-cchs-27-june-2016