"I won't do that."

"As your Principal it is my pleasure to introduce this year's graduation commencement speaker. He is a well known actor and director. He has starred in multiple TV series and made over fifty movies. Lets give a warm welcome to Clint Westwood."



Thunderous applause.



Clint waiting off stage, now walks to the podium. He motions for everyone to be seated. Once it is quiet again, he begins his speech.



"Well you finally made it, and you should be congratulated. This is a very important moment in your lives, but I want to give you a warning. It is a warning that was given to me when I was about your age. Once you leave here there will come a time when you will want to reflect or brag, or even dwell on what you did while in high school, but I want you to make a pledge here, today. I want you to promise "I won't do that". Its a short simple phrase, but it is powerful if you will follow through with it. Why shouldn't we bring up the past? Because you need to remember that only those who are moving forward and thinking in terms of the present and future are the ones that will truly be happy and successful in life. Those that dwell on the past and their past accomplishments become a bore and are soon left behind. Maybe you were the school's star football player. Could be that cheerleading was your thing and you even won some cheerleading competitions. Perhaps you are the one who rose to the pinnacle and became class president. These are all great achievements, but. don't let these experiences define you. Don't let them be your greatest achievement. As I look out at this graduating class I don't see one person that wants to be left behind. That only wants to talk about what they did in high school. I have always lived my life looking forward and doing and accomplishing new things. So If you want to take the pledge I propose today, I want you to stand and this also is for family and friends who are here today. Stand and you will live a life that is full. Even if you fail at something keep moving forward because time sits still for no one!"



Clint pauses. The response is immediate. Everyone in the graduation class stands and a large majority of the visitors stand.



Clint "Congratulations you just made a decision that will forever change your life."



Clint left the stage without saying another word and disappeared into the night, on his way to his next project.



Will what he said make a difference? Time will tell.