Commencement Speech

The following letter was emailed to the School Board, and cc'ed to the Almanac, the editors at Blog-Lebo, and me from a "Mt. Lebanon resident" with a Yahoo address.  I applaud this student for taking the time to write an excellent letter.  The English Department should be very proud.
Elaine

To Whom It May Concern:

It was only after reading Steve Diaz’s open letter regarding President Posti’s speech to the graduating class of 2011 that I felt confident about expressing my own view on the subject—and, for that matter, the view of several other students and parents with whom I’ve discussed the speech in question.  I am a current student at the high school, and as I sat amongst hundreds of others in the bleachers on graduation day, I could hardly believe the words broadcast over the speaker system.  I was not alone; as she spoke, my entire section, adults and kids alike, exchanged a variety of looks (boredom, disbelief, shock), and I assure you, none of them were positive.

Posti’s (unnecessarily long) speech could be described in many ways, but the word to which I keep returning is simply “condescending.”  Condescending to the audience, which was forced to listen as the speaker droned on in a monotone about her entire life and career.  (For the future:  In general, only celebrities and third-world refugees can get away with doing that.)  Condescending to adult professionals who actually chose the career path that was right for them and stuck to it; she seemed to discount that as old-fashioned.  But most importantly, it was condescending to the graduates, who were told to relinquish whatever big dreams they have for their futures in favor of serving none other than the Mt. Lebanon community. 

My family is not originally from Mt. Lebanon, but I have lived here nearly all of my life.  In that time, I’ve grown to understand and respect the fact that a good number of current adult residents are alumni of Mt. Lebanon High School, and that they have deep ties to the community.  Many students, as well, plan to live in or around the area after—or during—college.  But to tell a class of intelligent and motivated young adults that their life goals should ultimately be put on hold so that they can repay their childhood community is completely backwards.  That type of attitude an exaggerated characature of a Mt. Lebanon resident—the narrow-minded snob who has never lived anywhere else and therefore believes the welfare of his beloved high school is superior to any other cause.  Are there people like that here?  Sure.  But they are not the norm.  I truly believe that despite their own love for this community, most parents genuinely encourage their children to explore and make the right life choices for themselves.

Posti’s speech did not reflect the view of the residents of this community.  It did not enthuse and it did not leave listeners with anything other than the bitter taste of yet another elected official who does not truly understand his or her own constituency.  It was not appropriate for any gathering, but it was especially inappropriate as a commencement speech.  My family is friends with a few school board members, and I am confident that those members, who I know and like very much, agree with at least some of the criticism expressed by me and others in the community.  I am doubtful that they will rise to the occasion and respond publicly, but I wish they would.  Again, I’m not alone in that sentiment.

Perhaps next year a better approach would be to instead feature two student speakers.  If this year was any indication, the students have a much better grasp on how to speak to an audience and write to inspire.

-A Student