Opening Convocation: August 9, 2021
Kendall Hardawy, 2021-22 SGA President
Opening Convocation is a treasured tradition held to kick off a new school year. All levels: elementary, middle, and high school, come together to hear from Dr. McLemore and student leaders. This time is not only a celebratory gathering, but a time to focus on the year ahead. SGA president, Kendall Hardaway, challenged the STJ family to live in the moment as positive examples for those around us. “Don’t look back on yesterday,” she said, “and don’t wait for tomorrow with hesitancy.” The 2021-22 academic year will be one to remember. Read her entire speech below. #WeAreSaintJamesSchool
“While we are living in the present, we must celebrate life every day knowing that we are becoming history, with every work, every action, and every good deed.” To me ... this quote by Mattie Stepanek, who is a 13 year old motivational speaker, is about leading by taking action in the present. It prompts us to be a good example, implies doing good actions, and inspires others to do the same. In doing so, repeatedly, we begin to strengthen ourselves and leave a positive legacy. Let me introduce myself. Hello Everybody, My name is Kendall Hardaway and I serve as the SGA President. I want to quickly wrap up speaking on our school theme for this year which is “Let’s Put Good Into Action Today!”
So, how can we be a living example of good in action? There are always trend setters who help shape the direction and way things run in our world. The concept of influence is definitely powerful, so why not make it positive. As a Saint James Student, ask yourself “Where can I apply this in my life?” Saint James has taught me to get involved and put my voice out there. However, even if you don’t really want to step up and offer yourself as a big public example, you can still do the right thing and inspire the small handful of people you know. Look around you. You can help select what morals these people follow and how they, in turn, will go on to put good into their actions.
How can we show others how to put good into every action? We can start by giving more than what is expected of ourselves. As Trojans, we should go above and beyond in order to exceed expectations and strive for excellence. Wake up everyday with the goal to be the best version of yourself. Try your best to have a good attitude towards your teachers and friends. Smile More. A genuine smile is contagious. All these things boost your mood, take a moment of your time, and cost nothing. Another way to be influential, in a subtle manner, is to notice others doing good and give them praise for it. Don’t be afraid to learn from others. As humans, we tend to be quick to criticize somebody doing something out of the ordinary. Instead, Let’s reinforce the positive and cut the negative in our community.
The best thing we can possibly do is put good into action TODAY. Learn to become aware of what is happening around you in our community and what others are experiencing. This helps you to live more fully in the present. Let’s be progressive moving forward for a positive change starting right here in our school environment. In a world with no off switch, it is easy to get caught up in the vortex of a never ending to-do-list or be swallowed up by all the negative distractions on your phone and social media. By getting active and applying ourselves at school, we can create a current, fun, and refreshing atmosphere that shows the rest of the world how we truly put good into action everyday at Saint James.
It’s all the little things that count. Everyone has a role and you never know how much putting good into action can help and inspire others. Try it, you might be surprised by how effective it is, and how much better you feel about yourself. Do good, do it often, be an inspiration to others. The main point I’m trying to get across is to do all the good you can. Be that positive influence. Trojans are at the forefront. We lead the way and we are the first to take action. Don’t look back on yesterday with regret, and don’t wait for tomorrow with hesitancy. “Let’s Put Good Into Action Today!”
