Once again, graduation season is here. Each year as the sound of Pomp and Circumstance floats through the air, the graduates are recognized for their accomplishments and encouraged to chase their dreams. On Thursday evening, Project Encore recognized its 32 graduates during a ceremony in Butler Community College’s Kansas Room.
“Good evening,” Project Encore Coordinator Joanie Purdy told the graduates and their guests. “I want to welcome each and every one of you.”
After introducing Project Encore staff members, Purdy introduced the evening’s speaker.
“We have a special treat in our guest speaker this year,” said Purdy. “It’s my pleasure to present to you Mr. Dan Hill.”
Hill, of Heartland Monuments, praised the graduates for their accomplishments and encouraged them to set goals to work toward.
“I admire the people who have gone through this program,” he said. “I hope every one of you is proud of what you’ve done.”
He related a little of his own life story, including the interruption of his education due to some poor choices he made.
“Everybody stumbles sometimes and everybody makes mistakes,” said Hill. “I’ve learned from mine.”
He also reminded the graduates that they couldn’t be where they’re at now without the support and encouragement of those around them and challenged them to give back to the community.
“I hope you keep in mind that any goal or any success is not done by just you,” he said. “It is done by a group of people. I’ve been very lucky. I’ve had tremendous support. I’ve tried to give back to the community for the faith they have shown in me. Make a difference in somebody’s life. Ask yourselves, ‘What else can I do with my life to make it matter?’”
In closing, he again challenged the graduates to set goals and to be involved in their community.
“Where do you guys go from here?” he asked. “I hope you have some dreams and goals. Sit down and make a goal and work toward that goal. Make a difference in somebody’s life. Take the next step forward in your lives. Ask yourselves, ‘What else can I do with my life to make it matter?’”
After Hill’s challenge to the graduates, they were called up one by one to walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.
“I am proud of all of you,” said Purdy. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to present to you the 2010 graduates of Encore.”
