⚓ Welcome to Tidal Echoes

Series: “Youth Speaks Its Mind” (A republication of our hometown newspaper, The Suffolk County News, from 65 years ago)

Our history isn't just a timeline; it's a series of waves that shape who we are today. In this series, we revisit the bold voices of Sayville’s past. Today, we listen to Jacqueline Conrad as she reflects on the bittersweet arrival of graduation season in 1961.

Originally published in The Suffolk County News on May 11th, 1961. Transcribed for the Sayville Alumni Association.

Diligence, Perseverance, and Humility

By Jacqueline Conrad, Sayville High School

The second half of the senior year has approached. It has taken its time in arriving, but now it’s here and soon June, caps and gowns, and commencement will be upon us. Already one can hear the restlessness, the eagerness to get out of school. Judging by the words and actions of the pupils you would think they’d been in prison instead of school.

At the end of the semester you seniors go out and conquer the world! Make a success of whatever you may do, whether it be college, business or marriage, but don’t step on other people’s toes to do it.

In the “big world” diligence accompanied by perseverance usually brings success, and it has been these same two qualities that have brought us success in school. We needed diligence on many an assignment and perseverance to see things through, often when we just didn’t feel like it.

Most of all, however, we shall need humility to recognize what others have done for us — the help and love of our parents, for instance, when on those many occasions they felt like wringing our little necks but, instead, counted to 10 and started all over, trying to make us understand what was right and what wasn’t. The patience of our teachers should also be an item on our blessing list. Many was the time that I’d ask a teacher “Why?” and she’d explain and my reply was, “I don’t get it,” and she’d explain and my reply was, “I don’t get it,” and she’d explain again and again, until finally the light would dawn. Then, too, thank the good Lord for everything He has given us—for He has given us everything that we call ours. Our family, friends, teachers, health, possessions—all come from that One who always seems to understand, no matter how much we do wrong.

Seniors, dream and work, follow that star until it’s yours—have diligence and perseverance, and keep working towards your goal. Rise to the top and be proud of your accomplishments, but remember the people who got you to the top — the ones who pushed and shoved you up those long stairs. Never let power or position go to your head, for they are gifts — given to you, and they can easily be taken away. Pray to God, with all your hearts that your many friends and helpers be blessed, for without them you are nothing. You are made from little parts of them.

⚓ Cast Your Thoughts

How do these words from 1961 land today? Reflecting on Jacqueline Conrad's insights:

• do you remember that feeling of "restlessness" in the months leading up to your own commencement?
• jacqueline mentions parents who "felt like wringing our little necks" but showed patience—does this bring back memories of your own family's support during high school?
• she speaks about the people who "pushed and shoved you up those long stairs"—which teachers or mentors from sayville high stand out to you as your greatest helpers?