At the recent graduation ceremony, as Superintendent of the Montville Township Public Schools, I certified to the community that all 280 students of the Montville Township High School Class of 2025 “satisfactorily completed the prescribed rigorous course of study by the Board of Education, met all State of New Jersey requirements, and are entitled to all the rights, privileges, and honors pertaining to a Montville Township High School diploma.”

This honor came as a result of thirteen years of education, in which each child involved themself in the academics, arts, athletics, and activities in a way that was befitting of their individual journey. They all succeeded and are ready for what their future holds. 96% of the MTHS graduates will attend college, others will serve in the military, and some will join the workforce immediately. Each graduate has earned the ability to contribute to this great country and to make a significant impact upon all they come in contact with.

As much as the graduation ceremony is an honor of achievement for the senior sitting in the chair on the athletic field, it is even more of a momentous occasion of pride for parents, grandparents, friends, family, and educators who accompanied that senior along the way. We all are eager to see each graduate take their next steps in life.

At the MTHS graduation ceremony on June 19, 2025, I shared the following words:

Before becoming an administrator, I taught history and if you ask any history teacher who was their favorite president they will be quick to answer. Besides Washington and Lincoln, the president I enjoyed teaching about most was #26 - Theodore Roosevelt. Teddy, as he is affectionately known, wrote and said many memorable things that are often quoted today. A part of one of his most popular speeches is known as the “Man in the Arena.” In this speech, he says that “it is not the critic who counts…the credit belongs to the man [or graduate] whose face is marred by dust and sweat…and who at the worst…at least fails while daring greatly.”

In North Dakota, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is being constructed. The vision of the library is to borrow from Teddy’s passion and “inspire action and fearless participation in the arena.” The underpinning values borrow from how Teddy lived - dare greatly, think boldly, live passionately, and care deeply. So, tonight I want to expound upon his four bits of advice that can be key to both success and happiness.

#1 Dare Greatly: Too many times in life people do not take chances or are OK with the status quo. Sometimes only 20 seconds of courage can make all the difference. Think of what the world can become, or what you can become, and make it so.

#2 Think Boldly: In life there will be many obstacles. But if you think boldly you will find opportunities and ways around these challenges. Big audacious goals are what change the world. Think of the world you want to live in and bring it to life.

#3 Live Passionately: Life is to be lived and explored. Live, learn, and love. Life is too short to watch it go by. Take advantage of the opportunities before you to grow and live life to its fullest. And, by the way, when you live this way, others will follow.

#4 Care Deeply: When living your life, care deeply for those you love, the career you enter, the hobbies you pursue, and the causes you take up. By caring deeply, you will make a difference in the immediate world around you and, in turn, that love will be reciprocated.

Tomorrow is the first day of a new beginning in life’s arena. Just like the time you have spent here at MTHS, there will be joys and challenges. But if you remember to: dare greatly, think boldly, live passionately, and care deeply, you will have everything you need to successfully navigate challenges and celebrate successes. I wish for you a memorable and successful journey.

Congratulations to the entire Class of 2025, on today’s outstanding life achievement!

I wish all the readers of this column a terrific summer!

The "Superintendent's Column"
by Dr. Thomas A. Gorman also appears in "The Citizen" newspaper and on-line at "MontvilleTAP"