Obama Delivers Commencement Address To Contest-Winning High School, Emphasizes Work Ethic, Education

In a contest that resembles one typically held by rock bands or teen celebrities, the White House recently presented the Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge. Thousands of high schools across the country sent in videos, and WhiteHouse.gov users voted for the finalists.

In the end, it was President Obama who selected the winner: Kalamazoo Central High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan. What did they win? A commencement address from Obama himself.

The president emphasized personal responsibility, ambition and conviction to achieve one's goals.

"...Your success in life won't be determined just by what's given to you," Obama said. "Or what happens to you, but by what you do with all of that -- by how hard you try, how far you push yourself, how high you're willing to reach. Because true excellence comes only through perseverance."

Despite addressing a winning school, Obama also spoke on failure, accepting it and overcoming it.

"You could have made excuses -- our kids have fewer advantages, our schools have fewer resources, so how can we compete? You could have spent years pointing fingers -- blaming parents, blaming teachers, blaming the principal or the superintendent or the government. But instead, you came together."

Watch behind-the-scenes footage of President Obama meeting some of Kalamazoo Central's graduating seniors:

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Watch Kalamzoo Central High's submission video:

Comments

[Niasia]

04:16 PM on 06/08/2010

They were so excited!!!

[mados123]

01:25 PM on 06/08/2010

Excellent and creative video production of their video submission. I suspect that the spoken word artist will do quite well too. Also, it is great to see the excitement from the class when he showed up.

[tlg74]

12:18 PM on 06/08/2010

As the parent of a graduating senior of one of the other 2 finalists for this contest, I have to congratulate again Kalamazoo Central on this huge accomplishment. This will be something they'll never forget - and this contest helps to shine a spotlight on the schools in this country who are providing a great education to kids.

[Carey Parks]

11:33 AM on 06/08/2010

In spite of any political differences, our children are our future. And to see the excitement in their eyes and in their language. Their spirit for me was exciting and to hear one of the kids say he changed their life forever is priceless. Good luck to all graduating seniors. Stay focused and continue to work toward achieving your dreams!!

[amaboss52]

11:05 AM on 06/08/2010

Wow just WOW

[Ken Reibel]

10:01 AM on 06/08/2010

Derek Jeter is a Kalamazoo Central grad.

[vol1805]

08:28 AM on 06/08/2010

and the best part, summed up by one of the students in the background,,,,,,,,,the kid is sleeping

priceless