Dave delivers inspiring commencement speech at Bethlehem Central High School

The recent graduation ceremony for Bethlehem Central High School was marked by a heartfelt and thought-provoking speech from Dave, a long-time contributor to the school's commencement events. As he addressed the graduating class of 2025, he emphasized the importance of reflection and personal growth, using the metaphor of a stop sign to convey his message.

Dave acknowledged the common belief that graduation speeches often fade from memory, yet he strives each year to deliver a message that resonates. Drawing from his experiences as a parent and his time spent in the car, he shared how he seeks inspiration for his speeches, often turning to divine intervention when faced with writer's block. This year, he found clarity in the symbolism of a stop sign, which he transformed into an acronym: S.T.O.P.

The acronym stands for "Seek truth," "Trust others," "Own moments," and "Pause often." Each component of the acronym was elaborated upon, offering the graduates practical advice for navigating their futures. He urged them to seek authenticity in a world filled with distractions, to lean on their support networks, and to celebrate both successes and failures. His message underscored the importance of resilience, quoting Thomas Edison on the value of perseverance.

In closing, Dave reminded the graduates to pause and appreciate their unique journeys, emphasizing that while technology, including AI, can assist them, it can never replace the human spirit and the impact they can have on the world. His speech resonated with the audience, reinforcing the values of community, support, and personal growth as the graduates embark on their next chapters.