Megann Lewis, daughter of Russ and Kelly Lewis of Italy gave the Vernon College commencement address on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Wilbarger Memorial Auditorium. Lewis was the Valedictorian of the 2007 graduating class of Italy High School. She is the only graduate at Vernon College this year to receive two degrees, an Associates of Arts Degree and Associates of Science Degree.

In her address, Megann shared a prescription for growth. She told the graduates that instead of speeding up, slow down and rethink; instead of talking more, be quiet and reflect; and instead of seeking a place of power, be still and be excellent.

“It bewilders me how much has changed in the two years that I have been here. Everything that has happened within those two years, all the places I’ve been, people that I’ve been with, the person that I have become, and the lessons I’ve learned is all pretty hard to grasp. I hope we all have changed and continue to change in a way that will betters our lives. You all have the ability to do something great and I hope you do not pass it up,” Lewis said.

“I am often guided by the words of a woman of courage and wisdom, Mother Teresa. Therefore, these are my final thoughts.

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you. Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight. Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough.
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”