Video: Graduation Speech — The New Greatest Generation
San Francisco Supervisor Joel Engardio spoke at graduation ceremonies at Lincoln High School and Lawton Middle School. June 1, 2023.
My favorite part of being a city supervisor is meeting the kids who represent the future. That’s why it was such an honor to speak to the students graduating from Lincoln High School and Lawton Middle School.
As a legislator, it’s my job to work on policies that consider the wellbeing of the next generation — and set our kids up for success. We can’t get in the way of necessary progress. We must provide young people what they need to improve things, and then pass the baton when they are ready to lead.
They’ve already suffered through the pandemic at a formative age. Now they have shown the resilience and fortitude required for the challenges ahead. There’s a lot to fix in the world and I have hope today’s teenagers will rise to the occasion as the new Greatest Generation.
Lincoln High School graduates
Lawton Middle School graduates
Speech Transcript
Have you ever heard about the Greatest Generation? Your great grandparents were part of it. They had a tough childhood.
They grew up in the worst financial depression the world had ever seen. Then when they graduated high school, they had to fight the biggest war the world had ever seen. Because freedom was under threat.
By the time they were teenagers, they had been through a lot. And the future looked bleak.
But it didn’t stop them from dreaming about a better future. As adults, they were determined to create and build things they felt the world needed. Things like television, rockets to the moon, and the Internet.
Against all odds, they succeeded. That’s why they’re called the Greatest Generation.
Most of them are gone now. The few left are 100 years old, or close to it.
If your great grandparents are still alive, try to talk to them. Or volunteer in a nursing home with residents that age.
You might find something in common.
Like them, you faced a lot of adversity as young people. You suffered through a global pandemic at a critical age. Freedom is under threat in many nations. And you will have to fight the existential threat of climate change.
I believe you have the opportunity to become the next Greatest Generation.
When the future looks bleak, know that you can dream about a better future. You have the ability to be the change and create the things the world needs.
You can be a greater Greatest Generation — one that is more inclusive and equitable.
If it feels like a lot of pressure, know that my generation is committed to helping. I will do everything I can in my position to support you. We can work together. And I will pass the baton when you are ready.
It is an honor to meet you today. It gives me hope. You are stronger than you realize. Things will get better. And one day, you will look back with pride at how you had the courage to fix the world.