SAINTS Replay

Commencement - Connor Schatz - May 2025 (SMCHS)


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This episode features the heartfelt and motivational commencement address delivered by Connor Schatz to his fellow graduates at St. Mary's Central High School (SMCHS).

Connor begins by expressing deep gratitude to the parents, teachers, staff, Bishop Kagen, and the Light of Christ Board of Directors for their unwavering support and dedication to the students' success.

The core of the speech is focused on "Five Rules for Life After Graduating at St. Mary's," which Connor adapted from an Arnold Schwarzenegger speech. While not official rules, they offer guidance for a meaningful and joyful future:
  • Rule 1: Trust in God
    • Always trust in the Lord and His plan, even when the future is uncertain.
    • God's plans are greater than anything we can imagine, as quoted from Jeremiah 29:11.
  • Rule 2: Ask for Help
    • Asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness, as it acknowledges that no one can do everything alone.
    • If you don't need help, be the person who helps others.
  • Rule 3: Serve Others
    • Serving others should be an emphasized part of life moving forward.
    • Inspired by a homily, Connor urges graduates to "get over yourself" and start helping others now, as today is the only right time to make a difference.
  • Rule 4: Be Joyful
    • Choose joy by focusing on positive aspects and facing hardships with hope and trust in God.
    • He shares the advice of Coach Brent De Cook: "Let the light in you shine brighter than the light on you".
  • Rule 5: Success Does Not Define You
    • Our worth is not measured by earthly achievements, titles, or money, but by how we love God and serve others.
    • God's love is given, not earned.
Connor concludes by encouraging his classmates to carry these truths forward and leaves them with a final inspirational quote from Colossians 3:23-24: "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ".

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SAINTS ReplayBy Light of Christ Catholic Schools