“Tonight, I do not stand before you with some profound message or the secrets to life,” began Curry Bradley ’98, Trinity-Pawling’s alumni speaker at the recent Senior-Parent Dinner for the Class of 2023. “I am here as a man who once stood in your shoes, with little cookie crumbs of knowledge that might help you as you begin your journey.”
Before arriving on campus to address the Class of 2023 and their parents that evening, Bradley realized that — besides a brief visit five months ago — the last time he was at Trinity-Pawling was the day he graduated in May 1998. “It’s an incredible feeling to be back, to see the many improvements and transformations, and to witness the investment that people have put into the School that we love so much,” he shared. “It’s an honor and a privilege to speak to the Class of 2023. To be able to share a little bit of my background and pass on the crumbs of knowledge that have helped me along the way.”
Throughout his address to the graduating class, Bradley focused on four important concepts: passion and purpose, success and failure, empathy, and gratitude. He reminded the class to prepare themselves for adversity and the highs and lows of life that will inevitably come. Perhaps most importantly, he encouraged the graduates to say ‘thank you’ — to their parents, teachers, and all who have played a role in their successes thus far.
“Tomorrow’s Commencement is an enormous step in all your lives. Your parents, the faculty, and staff here at T-P have helped prepare you for the next step in your journey. Take a moment between now and graduation to thank them,” he shared with a smile. “My parents dropped me off here 28 years ago, and I had little idea of the tremendous sacrifices they were making as an investment in my future. I had little appreciation for the work and dedication that the team here at T-P puts into each and every one of our lives. So, take time to thank them today.”
Looking back on his time at Trinity-Pawling, Bradley is grateful for the lessons he gained in effort and self-confidence. “The many skills I learned here at the School became the foundation of the person I am today. They helped me succeed in college, during my enlistment in the Army, in building an industry-leading business, and most importantly as a father, husband, and member of the community,” he concluded. “Never lose faith in yourself — T-P taught me that and I’ll be forever grateful.”
In closing his speech, Bradley left the Class of 2023 with a relevant quote from former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt: “‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.’ Enjoy tomorrow, celebrate your accomplishments, and go do great things. Congratulations, Class of 2023!”
by Emma Quigley