STASTNY: FIVE THINGS
Science teacher shares encouragement and five end their days at Freeman Academy
Standing behind the lectern on the Pioneer Hall stage, Carol Stastny, science and computer teacher at Freeman Academy used the opportunity as the keynote speaker at the 2024 commencement to give the graduating seniors advice.
“I often tell the students when I have an opportunity to give my two cents — which I equate to advice — I will,” she said. “Sometimes, it turns into a nickel’s worth. Today may be more like a few dollars’ worth.”
The advice? Five things, she said, that are easy to remember “because we have five fingers (or phalanges from a scientific perspective).”
1. Be present
“I believe with all the distractions that are in front of us today, we have to actively choose to be present and engaged with the people around us,” Stastny said. “Take in what they have to say or share. Make memories and be able to tell your stories. There is a picture that sometimes floats about the internet of a person surrounded by 100s of people with their phones all trying to capture something that is happening and the one person is just taking it in — no phone, just observing. I ask you this: Who is going to tell the better story?
“Let the gift of your presence be the most important gift you give to someone and to yourself as well.”
2. Perseverance
Now when I say this, it does not mean that things will be easy or there will be no obstacles to overcome,” Stastny continued. “This may take work and that work may be hard … I know there have been times in my life where I thought there is no way I am going to get through something, whether it was a difficult conversation with another person or a difficult task or just a difficult situation or illness in the family, but you know what? ‘I did’ and ‘you will, too.’ You will have learned something or gained new insights about the situation, but you will have persevered.”
3. Be you
Stastney quoted from Psalm 139:14, which says “you are fearfully and wonderfully made.”
“Now when we make something to be fearfully and wonderfully made, it takes time,” she said. “Do you know how long it takes to knit a blanket? Or to make a wonderful dessert … well, imagine how much care went into making each of you with your special God given gifts. God has made each of you for a purpose and today you will graduate from Freeman Academy and take those gifts that each of you uniquely has been given and grow and nurture them and share them with others.”
4. Be forgiving
“The weight of unforgiveness is a heavy burden and can affect our mental health in a definitive way,” Stastny said. “It can cause the roots of bitterness and negativity to develop. Yet, ‘forgiveness is an action, not a feeling; forgiveness is an attribute of the strong,’ the bible says. Give the weight of unforgiveness to God as he can handle it much better than we can. You can restore many relationships through the simple choice of forgiveness. Like Elsa from Frozen would say, ‘Let it go, let it go….’”
5. Be encouraged
“If you look at the word encouragement, ‘courage’ is embedded in the word,” Stastny said. “Encouragement has the power to ignite potential, provide confidence and foster growth. Throughout your life you will receive encouragement from others but sometimes you will have to encourage yourself.
“Each of you (Sam, Jessica, Liam, Stefany and Sam) are here today as graduates at Freeman Academy. You are at the top of that hill. You did it. You are on the other side. There will be other mountains to climb, but sometimes you will just need to give yourself a high five, or speak words of encouragement to yourself to give you the courage you need to move forward.”
Stastny concluded: “Today you become part of a 120-plus year legacy of Freeman Academy graduates who have walked in the same spaces you have walked and have faced some of the same things you have faced or will face. They have experienced some of the same joys you have or that you will experience. These Freeman Academy graduates have impacted their communities, churches and families in a very positive way.
“Be present, persevere, be you, forgive and be encouraged, and know that you are loved and especially prayed for as you take these next steps into this next chapter of your life.”
Freeman Academy’s graduation on Saturday also included a welcome and prayer from Jessica Paschal, music by the school’s Chamber Choir and a senior reflection from Liam Ortman, who talked about the class journey.
“These past 12 years have been a blast and we are so thankful for every memory we’ve made,” he said. “We can’t wait to see what our future brings, and we really appreciate your support.”
