DENIS M. RUSSELL
Chairman, Woburn School Committee

[Please Read the CAVEAT]

Honored guests, family members, friends and graduates. On behalf of the Woburn School Committee, I am honored to welcome you on this very special day. Before I continue, I would like to ask Jillian Murphy to come forward so I may present a gift to her from the School Committee as a token of appreciation for her service as the School Committee Student Representative. Jill, you did a great job representing the student body in a professional and friendly manner. Thank you.

Today is, as I said, a very special day filled with many different emotions. There is happiness coupled with sadness, anticipation and excitement, along with uncertainty and curiosity. We find ourselves reflecting on the memories of yesterday, and today we're experiencing a sense of accomplishment and wondering what's in store for us tomorrow. It's a great day, a day you will remember forever.

This class means a great deal to me. I have had the privilege of knowing many of you since kindergarten. it certainly has been a pleasure watching you as you achieved in academics and athletics, and as you gave so much back to this community. I will admit that if I could have turned back the hands of time or at least slowed it down, I would have. It's hard to believe how fast these last 12 years have gone by. You really have made us all very proud.

Some time ago, I thought about this day and wondered what could I say that would remain with you in the years to come? What could I say that might help each and every one of you face the many unknown challenges that lie ahead? I thought back to my high school graduation day. With fond memories of the occasion, I was excited about what the future would bring and yet felt as though I was not quite ready to completely let go of the past and say goodbye. We listened to some very fine speakers that afternoon who I am sure conveyed words of encouragement and congratulations. Undoubtedly they shared advice and sincerely wished the graduates good luck.

I must admit, however, that I do not recall any single phrase or particular word that might have explained what success is or how to achieve my dreams and help me as I move on into the future. Is there such a phrase or perhaps a single word that can do all that? I think there is. If you take a moment and look into the stands you will see the answer. It is so obvious. The word is FAMILY; which includes moms, dads, brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and also friends.

These are the people who have been there from day one, looking out for you, enjoying the triumphs and healing your disappointments. These people love you very much and want to see you find happiness in all that you do. it is the families you have today and the families you will have tomorrow that I believe provide the ingredients necessary to achieve success and the recipe to thoroughly enjoy all that life has to offer. The strength of any neighborhood, the strength of any community and certainly the strength of the nation begins in the home. We have seen this in Woburn families over the years especially over the past few months when people have stopped and taken the time to care about one another. Your tribute to classmate Greg Bouchard at the honors assembly exemplifies a level of caring and love we just don't see enough of today. On that occasion you also made it very clear to Mr. Sweeney just how much we will miss him.

Former First Lady, Barbara Bush spoke to the graduating class at Wellesley College a few years ago. I liked what she said about the family. She said, "At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. 'You will regret time not spent with a spouse, a friend, a child or a parent.' I would ask that you accept this advice and let it be your generation that will reshape all of America and strengthen our society. I am counting on you, because I believe in you and especially since you have already demonstrated the qualities necessary to make a difference.

Although this day brings to an end a very important chapter in your lives, I must remind you that today also marks the beginning of a new chapter with greater challenges, new demands, and many opportunities. I wish each and every one of you happiness and the very best that life has to offer. And so I hope as each day passes and you pursue your individual dreams you will remember this graduation day and that you will also remember one very special word, "FAMILY." That's what it's all about! I am proud of you and I will miss you.

Congratulations graduates!