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The text of Headmaster Charlie Britton's commencement remarks follows.

Class of 2009, before I give you my charge, I want to thank you for all that you have done to make McDonogh a fantastic school. You have rolled up your sleeves and made the school stronger. You have handled your successes and your setbacks with grace, you have led the school with spirit, and you have had a lot of fun, bringing joy to us all.

One vivid memory of this year, among many, comes to mind. In August I was with a group of seniors rebuilding a home in one of the decimated areas of New Orleans. It was a broiling day, suffocatingly hot and humid. We were cleaning the attic of a garage. We had face masks on because of the dust and dirt. Our t-shirts were soaked, perspiration dripped down our foreheads and all of us realized this was not exactly an optimal working environment.

But when I looked around, I witnessed our students working incredibly hard in stifling conditions. Secretly, and I guess I can admit this now, I wanted to take a break, drink a gallon of water, and rest my weary bones. It would have been easy for all of us to quit – for everyone to move to another, easier project. Yet not one McDonogh student was showing signs of giving up.

The experience was summed up when one senior pulled down his mask, and, with a huge grin on his face, exclaimed, “It doesn’t get any better than this, does it Mr. Britton?”

And I said, with equal enthusiasm – in fact all the enthusiasm I could muster, “It sure doesn’t!”

That moment made me think about the enormously positive influence we can have on one another. It made me think about how, in that garage, up in that attic, I was influenced by a group of seniors to work hard and be persistent, and was reminded about the necessity of a good sense of humor!

That experience brings me to a quotation from Henry Adams, great grandson of John Adams and grandson of John Quincy Adams. Adams writes, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” It is a great quote that is often overused and under-explored.

If you truly think about what Adams is saying, we need to realize how crucial it is to the well-being of all that we are influenced by great teaching – and so much great teaching happens outside the classroom. If great teaching can “affect eternity,” then certainly poor teaching, poor role modeling, can influence us, too.

Ten years ago, at the school where I was working, I listened to a Cum Laude speech given by one of the top executives of MTV. A graduate of the school, he had been a bright student, had attended one of the top colleges in the country, and obviously was an interesting, albeit risky choice to speak to the student body. What ensued was a disaster. His message: do what makes you feel good, don’t let anyone get in the way, take what you think is yours.

The message was loud and clear. A talk stunningly void of virtue – the very opposite of what Cum Laude stands for – achievement and character. I sat back in my chair and looked at this guy speaking – he was highly educated, well dressed, – and I thought, how many of our students are being influence by his message? I remember clearly that after the Cum Laude ceremony, a math teacher, whom I highly respect, said angrily, “How could someone like that be allowed to influence our students?” I remember walking back to my office feeling that the whole day – what should have been a time of celebration and respect for what Cum Laude stands for had become a huge disappointment.

So this morning, I speak to you, Class of 2009, as young adults who are going to have more influence than you can imagine during the course of your lives. Even if you don’t choose the teaching profession, you will have plenty of opportunity to teach, and to influence others. All of you will be presented with “teaching moments” . . . in a conversation with your little brother or sister, a time when you are asked to give advice to your college roommate, mentoring a co-worker, being a role model to your children, having a profound influence on those who enter your lives – yes and maybe some day, standing at the podium in Horn Theatre giving a Cum Laude speech.

By virtue of the education that you have received and will receive in college, you will be among the most highly educated Americans. Many of you will find yourselves in leadership positions and highly visible posts where your influence will be felt. You all will be teachers, no matter what profession, no matter what life you choose. Your influence as Adams’ writes, “will affect eternity.”

So what is it going to be – responsible adult, hard worker, honest person, devoted spouse, excellent parent?

Last year at the Scholarship Luncheon I heard one of the most beautiful talks, and it was written by Ms. Collins. After I heard Ms. Collins speak about her life experiences – her family’s struggle to send her to McDonogh, I said to myself, “That - THAT is one of the best speeches I have ever heard!” Ms. Collins’ talk was about sacrifice, responsibility, love, and virtue. Her talk was heartfelt and true, the mark of a great teacher. A person who has enormously positive influence on others.

Great teachers transcend the classroom. Great teachers come from all walks of life. They understand the very values that lead to a full and good life – the very ideals that will have a profound affect on others. They are parents, friends, mentors, co-workers, or a person who in a fleeting moment leaves a lasting impression on you. And don’t forget those teachers who have taught you here – they have given you the tools, and along with your parents, the values, so that you can be great teachers in your lifetime – to have the most profoundly positive influence on those you teach. And that senior…he probably had no idea that his sense of humor kept me hard at work in that attic last summer. But I thank him! He taught me a few things. His influence was great!

I wish you well, Class of 2009. I have the utmost confidence that you will live your lives with the spirit of goodness and help others lead meaningful lives.

Thank you.