2009

ECCC graduation en1phasizes 'value,

SPECIALTO THETIMES

things to think and act on," he said. "It is when we apply these virtues to our education and j obs 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 col– lege students should never be released into the world until they have been prop– erly 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 gradu– at ing college students, motivation to take initia– tive is not necessarily the ftrst topic that comes to mind. You have all taken the initiative to further yourself through education, and that is to be commend– ed." He further commented, "It is time to congratulate the doer, the achiever - the one who recognizes the challenge and does some– thing 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 "unforget1able time." "We have formed rela– tionships with peers and

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 char– acter." Naylor, a President's List scholar and West Lauderdale H igh School product, told the approxi– mately 400 graduates assembled for the College's 80th Commencement Saturday at the Neshoba County Coliseum in Philadelphia, that personal success "should not neces– sarily 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, what– ever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, v.hatev– er is admirable - if any– .X:Og is excellent or praise- or' h) - these arc the

SUBMm ED PHOTO Matt Naylor of Collinsville addresses fellow East Central Community College graduates during the College's 80th Commencement held Saturday, May 16, 2009, at the Neshoba County Coliseum In Philadelphia. Naylor is a product of West la uderdale High School. faculty that will have last- receive a quality education ing impressions in our - one v..e should take lives," he said. " East pride in - at an incred1bJe Central has given us the cost." opportunity to surround "For some of us."' he

ourselves in a welcoming continued, "toda) is a step– environment, gain one-on- ping stone as \\e proceed to one time with our teachers other institutions v.hiJe to better grasp new con- ..others here mark an end to cepts, take part in extracur- the ir trainmg. Though ricular activities that broad- school may be over. let me en our lifestyles, and assure you that graduat1on character' speaker Phil A. s.:~rn !lf'CI.~~, degrees