'Never, never, never give up'

Superintendent Orozco, members of the school board, parents, grandparents, relatives, friends, WHS alumni, members of this great community and class of 2014, welcome to Whitefish High School’s 100th commencement ceremony.

From the first graduate in 1914 (Miss Ferguson) to this newest group of graduates sitting before us today, 100 years of Whitefish High School alumni have enjoyed many accomplishments and great success.

There are Whitefish graduates currently residing from coast to coast and sprinkled across the entire globe. I know we have several Whitefish High School alumni present today and we would like to celebrate the common thread associated with graduating from this fine school. To our entire audience, if you graduated from Whitefish High School, we would like to recognize you. Would all Whitefish High School alumni please stand.

Today we are here to celebrate accomplishments and a wide array of success.

What matters most to be successful? Arguably a lot of things. Two things stand-out when I think of success — relationships and perseverance.

The world of education is a people business — not only do relationships among the people in school matter, I believe strong relationships are fundamental to all success. Relationships define how we are connected to each other. Think of the complex web of interconnections in this gym right now. People are connected by blood, marriage, business, friendship, proximity, careers, common interests, alumni, and so on.

One of the primary keys to success and one that makes Whitefish High School stand out, is the climate of positive relationships. There are many types of relationships — with friends, classmates, teammates, teachers, coaches, parents, community members — and not only the relationships that we are directly part of, but those that surround us. Constantly observing others interact, while being immersed in interactions ourselves, permeates the entire climate of Whitefish High School. It’s what we do and who we are.

There are so many places that tell the story. From the social gatherings in the foyer before school, to informal high fives down the hallways, to the handshakes, to the class discussions, to the small group or one-on-one time before school, lunchtime, after school, and supporting each other’s participation beyond the school walls. Graduates, you’ve embraced each other, walked hand in hand down the field and court and have united for great causes.

This is not a factory of mass production. You haven’t been placed on a conveyor belt to “receive an education.” You are graduating from a school that really cares about you and your success.

In addition to academic rigor, Whitefish High is grounded on positive relationships, support and trust. Value the great relationships you’ve had and anticipate the new relationships awaiting you. Positive relationships matter toward success.

Perseverance…

Never, never, never give up.

The simple words from Sir Winston Churchill reside in my office, my man cave, and travel with me under this new hairdo. I am surrounded by these words and am constantly reminded to maintain the steady course, the laser focus, the drive to improve, and to “get ‘er done.”

These words, “Never, never, never give up” give me perspective when everything feels like it’s collapsing around me. When things get tough — I mean really, really tough — these few words come to the surface and help my mind set transition from “this is hard” to “bring it on.” I truly believe that every difficulty we face is really an opportunity in disguise.

Yes, I have travelled with the vast majority of you from the middle school through high school — and this particular road has come to an end. I promise not to follow you to FVCC, Montana State, U of M, Carroll College, St. John’s, Boise State or any of the numerous colleges, universities or career paths represented by this group.

But just as your journey through middle school had those resounding words repeated every day to remind you that you are in control of your choices, you are empowered, remember those words — “Make it a great day. The choice is yours.”

I will leave you with a few words that I hope are resounding in the backs of your minds as you cross the stage today and enter the world. No matter where you are, what you do, or how hard it is, remind yourself of these words — Make it a great journey and never, never, never give up.

Class of 2014, we are all very proud of you. Best wishes for all your future endeavors and great success.

— Whitefish High School principal Kerry Drown delivered this speech during Saturday’s graduation ceremony.