Superintendent’s Message

CLASS OF 2020 Graduation Address

On behalf of the Bremen Board of Education and all the faculty and staff of Bremen City Schools, we welcome family and friends of our graduates.

Each year as I think about what I want to briefly share at graduation, I try to reflect on the personality of the class graduating. I ponder what stands out to me as the class has progressed through school up until this point. For the Class of 2020, I have to say that you are truly unique in many ways. We do not want the Class of 2020 defined as the COVID-19 class but for me, it did help reveal some attributes of this class!

The Class of 2020 is truly a remarkable class, and the events of the last few months have revealed that the graduating class is full of young adults destined for great things. Your resolve and attitude has been awe inspiring, and I sincerely admire how you have handled adversity. You continually maintained a grateful and appreciative attitude even in the face of tremendous disappointment. Personally, you have taught me valuable lessons regarding the ways we should all approach hard times and especially events outside of our control.

When I think about the Class of 2020, the word "selfless" comes to my mind repeatedly. What a world we could live in if more of us considered the needs of others more than we consider ourselves! Selflessness requires sacrifice, and it offers us the opportunity to build up others. Selfless considers and tries to understand different perspectives and viewpoints. It remembers that the world does not revolve around us. Much like a team, squad or group, selfless appreciates and often requires contribution from each part to reach success.

As you move beyond Bremen High School, graduates, I strongly encourage you to try to think in selfless ways throughout every aspect of your life.

• If you are going to college next year, consider what you can do to distinguish your motives and actions from the crowd at your respective colleges? Consider ways you can volunteer or give back to others who are maybe less fortunate than you.
• If you are going into the work force next year, consider ways you can stand out from other employees in sacrificial ways. Maybe you can cover time for a co-worker, work beyond what is expected of you, or consider what is in the best interest of the company you work for over your personal wants or interests.
• If you are going into the military, I think you probably understand the concept of selflessness already! I encourage you to maintain that attitude of "service above self", and please know how much we all appreciate your service to our country!
• With your friends, do not keep score! Be selfless with your time and attention. Work to go beyond just superficial friendships and develop deep and meaningful relationships, which will foster mutual love and support. True friends sacrifice for you and are there when no one else seems to care.
• Most important of all, graduates, if you get married and have children one day, please remember to remain selfless. Honor your commitments to your spouse and children! Spend time doing what they enjoy even if it means you give up some things you enjoy. In my opinion, family is such an important institution if we are to survive and thrive in our world today. Family can mean different things to different people but strong families begin with loving, committed and selfless people leading them.

In conclusion, the Class of 2020 is forever a part of our school and community. With this diploma, you are forever linked to us and to this special place. My prayer is that you will be always be proud that you graduated from Bremen High School! You are Blue Devils, and you will always be Blue Devils no matter where you go. Honor your family, your Alma Mater, and your community by leading with integrity, compassion and excellence.

On behalf of your family, friends, and faculty, we love you and we are honored to celebrate you, the Class of 2020! Thank you.

David Hicks
770-537-5508
david.hicks@bremencs.com