News Staff Reporter
During Choate Rosemary Hall’s 117th Convocation, Headmaster Edward J. Shanahan described his life changing experiences with the Marine Corps in Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. After talking with numerous “smart, articulate, politically savvy, and committed” soldiers, Headmaster Shanahan opined that the American soldiers serving abroad fear that people back home have lost hope in them. Mr. Shanahan stressed the need for the Choate community to take action.
In his speech, Mr. Shanahan focused primarily on how his experiences have led him to think about the future of the Middle East, and how we must help create a peaceful society that allows people of various beliefs to live close together in harmony.
Mr. Shanahan stressed that “this will require a global effort on the part of prosperous and emerging nations…and it will require significant economic investment…by developed nations.”
Mr. Shanahan emphasized the fact that the future is truly in the hands of Choate students. The war for peace and harmony will eventually be handed down to the younger generation. Mr. Shanahan also said, “It is imperative that we develop a generation…of men and women who understand different societies, different cultures, who respect the importance…to live dignified and prosperous lives.”
Not only did Mr. Shanahan’s speech receive a standing ovation, it also helped students to think about the soldiers and how to boost their morale. Mathilde Williams ‘07 said, “[His speech] was very inspiring, and it made me want to make a difference.”
Some students had mixed feelings about Mr. Shanahan’s speech. Chris Clouten ‘07 said, “[His speech] was slightly hypocritical because we didn’t do anything for 9/11, and we didn’t do anything for Memorial Day or Veterans Day. If Choate really wants to support the troops, we should start by supporting our veterans.”
Many students were surprised that Mr. Shanahan didn’t give his customary convocation speech regarding the honor of being at Choate. Alex Wiske ‘07 liked the change: “I say that it was the best convocation speech I’ve heard in my four years at Choate.”
Yidi Ge ‘08 agreed: “It was good that he didn’t just focus on Choate, but he related it to the whole world.” Senior Wafa Alsayed ‘07 from Bahrain said, “It made me realize, while I am here worrying about finishing an English essay, people my age are in Iraq dying.”
Headmaster Shanahan’s Convocation speech started the year off with a buzz and some commotion. Excerpts from his speech appeared in the Hartford Courant and the Meriden Record-Journal. The headmaster’s speech received a tremendous response from the student body, as Choate students are beginning to organize efforts to make a difference for American soldiers overseas.
