Maple Grove Class of 2018 Parting Thoughts

The Maple Grove High School Class of 2018 reflected on their personal journeys leading up to graduation. Speakers at Maple Grove’s commencement address couldn’t let the event go by without emphasizing the “Maple Grove Miracle.”

Maple Grove Class of 2018 National Honor Society President Samantha Byun

Out of all the lessons I learned in high school, there are two that I want to share tonight, the first is the importance of being able to hustle. Having the courage, confidence and self-determination to go out there and work it out until you find the opportunities you want in life. This was taught to me by one of my biggest role models and mentors. In college his major had no correlation to what he is doing, but at age 23, he is the director of one of the top companies in his industry. Some of you may be able to relate to this through academics, athletics or arts. For example, our football team who woke up at almost 5 a.m., every morning, for ETS and had their hard work pay off when they scored three touchdowns in the final minute of the state quarterfinals. This is what I call being able to hustle.”

Samantha’s second lesson: do simple acts of kindness and appreciate those who helped you along the way.

Maple Grove Principal Bart Becker

And when you face times of trial, remember the words of coach [Matt] Lombardi, and the Maple Grove Miracle. ‘As bad as things might seem for you, you can never give up, you have to keep playing and hope things fall in your favor.’ Graduates, if there are any words that you remember from this ceremony, let it be those.”