San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Great Hearts Monte Vista
Good afternoon! Before I begin, I would like to take this time to remember all of those who are not with us today. Specifically, I would like all of us to take a moment of silence to remember our classmate, Rollin Schrimsher, who would have been graduating with us.
Class of 2021, we Did It! Congratulations to all of us for persevering through seven years at Greats Hearts, from Euclidean geometry to the COVID quarantine, and last but definitely not least, our senior thesis. Finally, the day we have been looking forward to is here.
I want to start by thanking all those people who helped us become the individuals we are today. To the custodians, who not only helped keep our campus clean throughout the school day, but even stayed to watch and support us at several of our home volleyball and basketball games. Thank you!
To the teachers, who pushed us beyond what we thought was even possible – and then some. You have strengthened our intellect by challenging us to pursue greater things. Your dedication to the formation of our characters has helped shape us into who we are. Thank you!
To our parents and families, who have loved, sacrificed and supported us throughout our lives. You have encouraged us during our difficulties and celebrated with us during our successes. Your unwavering commitment and love has made us who we are today. Thank you!
To my fellow classmates, who made enduring the stress of junior and senior year more bearable. Thank you! But more importantly, I want to thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives. Your friendship is something I will cherish for years to come.
Seven years ago, most of us came to Great Hearts Monte Vista not knowing what to expect. Great Hearts was not only a new school for us, but a new school for the state of Texas. Our parents placed us in this school, in good faith, that a classical education would change our lives for the better. Very quickly, the differences between Great Hearts and public school culture became
visible. Much to 6th-grade Levi’s dismay, the teachers wasted no time in removing pop culture from our school day.
More importantly, they began teaching us how to see what is true, good and beautiful. As a 12-year-old, I did not think much about what it meant to receive a classical education. However, over the years, I began to see how Great Hearts focused not only on academics but on the formation of our character. As a result, I saw a change in the depth of conversations among my peers. Our conversations moved from talking about pop culture while our teachers were not listening to having discussions of who really is the greatest hero in the Iliad, which of course is Achilles.
C.S. Lewis once said, “Education without values, as useful as it is, produces clever devils rather than human beings.” A good classical education trains the heart to seek what is noble and enduring. So was Great Hearts successful in the formation of our character and intelligence to the extent that we are able to decipher what is worth doing? Do we seek what is noble and enduring in our everyday lives? While it is hard to think of ourselves in such a manner, I believe Great Hearts has played a major role in forming who we are today. I can honestly say that I have changed for the better! I believe all of us have! Whether we realize it or not, Great Hearts has set the foundation for how we will see and overcome challenges throughout our lives. By instilling in us the pursuit of what is noble and enduring, we are equipped to see what is true, seek what is right or good, and appreciate the beauty in all situations. It is now up to us to continue this pursuit.
I could discuss the rigorous curriculum and how we will be better prepared for college; however, we have worked through it and stressed over it, so I don’t think any of us want to reminisce about it. Rather, I would like to focus on how Great Hearts has played a role in our lives outside of the classroom. The emphasis on character and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty has helped us to see the beauty and good in one another despite our many differences in backgrounds, priorities and opinions. I believe this has strengthened our relationships. Further, if we continue to pursue what is true, good and beautiful no matter the journey we embark on, we will achieve greatness in its purest form; not according to the worldly definition of fame or fortune; but as a noble being; enduring life to its fullest. By continuing to see the beauty that is all around us and showing extraordinary kindness, we will be great! For greatness is not truly defined by what we have accomplished or what we will attain, but by what lies within us.
May God bless each and every one of you. Thank you!