"...for you are all better than that" ABM Ministries

   In the past few days, while I was preparing for today, I got too relive many passion-filled memories from my days in high school. My ups and my downs, and it will all be summed up in just one speech.  It truly is a great privilege to be speaking in front of you today.  I never did think I would be giving this speech, so let's get this show on the road.

   I would like to share a verse with you that helped me in many ways to carry out my life.  That is Proverbs 19:26: "He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach."  This is my life verse.  It helped me to see the error of my ways.  It made me realize what I was doing to my family.  I was hurting them, on top of ruining their legacy.  This was the verse that when I read it, it made me want to change.  As you all know, change is never easy, but reading Proverbs 19:26 also gave me comfort during this transition.  I hope that it can give you all comfort during your changes. 

    Many of you know where I come from, Las Vegas, Nevada; Sin City.  That is truly an accurate description. That is where I was raised, as well as where I went to my first high school.  I did things that I am ashamed of and I paid the price for it.  My life was corrupt and things seemed worthless to me.  My grades were extremely low and I rejected any morals I did have.  There is a time though, where enough is enough.  That's how I felt.

   I wanted to change, to leave the restraint of a former friend, who is my new adversary. I wanted to prove to myself that I was put this hearth for other reasons than sin and destruction.  I was on a pursuit of success.  Like many of you, I was sent to ABM Ministries or Lighthouse Christian Academy.  I am so thankful for it, like you all should be.  My attitude towards life improved, as did my grades and morals.  I made the "A" honor roll for the first time as well. More importantly, my relationship with my loving mother and father improved tremendously, and now I am graduating.

   Now, my success was not all on my own.  I have many people to thank and show my gratitude for.  First, all my thanks goes to God for comforting me and answering my prayers.  I want to thank my mother, for never giving up on me and always providing for me.  I love you so much, I could have never done it without you.  I would also like to thank Mrs.Carmen and Mr.Larry for taking me in, and for teaching and training me to be a leader.  I would like to give Ms.Beth a special thank-you for all the help in school.  You deserve an award for all that you do in the classroom.  I would also like to thank you for your kind an optimistic spirit.  Also to Mr.Reed and Mr.Dustin, for instilling in me the art of friendly competition.  Your interaction with me means a lot and thank you for your cheerfulness.

  At this time I would like to have a few words for the under-classmen.  You, that are still in high-school, strive for better for yourselves and your families.  I beg you to keep learning.  Learn from all the mistakes I have made and from your own.  If we fail to learn from our history, we will be doomed to repeat it.  So please learn an soak up all the knowledge and wisdom you can.  Learn, for goodness sake.  One last thing, do not lower yourselves to poor standards, for you are all better than that.

  Now I have come to the end and feel it is my time to bid farewell.   Enjoy everything while you have it, and thank you, Lighthouse Christian Academy, let this diploma be the stepping stone for greater things ahead.  Thank you and goodbye.

 By: Jonathan Saltis