ECCC graduation speaker emphasizes ‘value, character’



special to The Star



Speaking to his fellow East Central Community College graduates, Matt Naylor of Collinsville said the challenge for the Class of 2009 “is to strive not to become men and women of success, but men and women of value and character.”

Naylor, a President’s List scholar and West Lauderdale High School product, told the approximately 400 graduates assembled for the College’s 80th Commencement Saturday at the Neshoba County Coliseum in Philadelphia, that personal success “should not necessarily be the aim of our accomplishments.”

“It’s not genius, money, power and titles that reflect the greatness of the human soul – it’s kindness,” Naylor stated. “What good are the qualities that we have gained if we don’t impact others in our lives? Success is not measured in numbers; it’s the character of a being that brings out success.”

 

Naylor referred to the Bible to further exemplify his point.

 

“The Apostle Paul said that whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - these are the things to think and act on,” he said. “It is when we apply these virtues to our education and jobs that we truly succeed, and become men and women who not only excel in our careers, but display character that sets us as an example.”

 

Naylor began his remarks on a humorous note by commenting that commencement speeches “were invented largely in the belief that outgoing college students should never be released into the world until they have been properly sedated!”

 

“Let me assure you that is not my intention today,” he said with a smile. “When thinking about what to say to a group of graduating college students, motivation to take initiative is not necessarily the first topic that comes to mind. You have all taken the initiative to further yourself through education, and that is to be commended.”

 

He further commented, “It is time to congratulate the doer, the achiever – the one who recognizes the challenge and does something about it. Today marks a milestone in our lives; it is an accomplishment that will help us decide who we will become.”

 

Naylor also praised East Central for providing an “unforgettable time.”

 

“We have formed relationships with peers and faculty that will have lasting impressions in our lives,” he said. “East Central has given us the opportunity to surround ourselves in a welcoming environment, gain one-on-one time with our teachers to better grasp new concepts, take part in extracurricular activities that broaden our lifestyles, and receive a quality education – one we should take pride in – at an incredible cost.”

 

“For some of us,” he continued, “today is a stepping stone as we proceed to other institutions while others here mark an end to their training. Though school may be over, let me assure you that graduation still continues in our lives. It’s been said that ‘the man who graduates today and stops learning tomorrow is uneducated the day after.’ Gaining an education is a vital tool to success, but what we do with our education and how we will share it is more important.”

 

In conclusion, Naylor said East Central “has given us the means to further achieve the diverse goals that lie within us.”

 

“As we continue on our journey,” he said, “we can proceed with confidence that East Central has well prepared us to enter the workforce or university. And as we go on to whatever may lie before us, let us not forget those who helped get us where we are today. The parents that urged us to persevere, the friends who gave support when others were gone, and the teachers who lend helping hands to see us succeed…we thank you, East Central Community College Class of 2009, congratulations!”

 

In addition to Naylor, other graduating sophomores participating in the commencement program were Dekota Anthony of Philadelphia, invocation; vocalists Anna Laurie Ezelle of Union and Emilee Lanier of Little Rock, who performed “I Was Here” by Gary S. Burr, and Shaun Cooper of Newton, benediction.

 

ECCC President Dr. Phil A. Sutphin awarded degrees and certificates after candidates were presented by Dr. Lavinia Sparkman, vice president for instruction.