MONROE - Four years ago, when Monroe's Class of 2015 was finishing eighth grade, Monroe Middle School English teacher Mike Flanagan challenged them to complete five necessary tasks in order to leave a legacy behind in high school. Those five necessities, he told them, were caring, trying new activities, performing acts of kindness, prioritizing and being uncommon.
On Sunday, during the Monroe High School's Class of 2015 commencement ceremony, he upped the ante with one more challenge as the graduates look to make their next steps in life: Learn how to accept criticism.
"If you want to make a mark in whatever walk of life you choose, you must learn how to face criticism," Flanagan told the 183 graduates. "In our society, the ability to deal with criticism is becoming a lost art. To leave a legacy one must perfect it and expect it.
"If you are determined to reach your potential, you have to come to terms with the reality that you will be criticized," Flanagan said. "I especially believe that our youth today have been conditioned to avoid criticism. It's not your fault. You have so many adults in your lives who truly and deeply love you and because of that, they want to protect you from the injuries critics often cause. As you journey out into that place we call the real world, criticism will come to you. You will either step out of its way or take it head on. I advise you do the latter."
As Black Hawk girls basketball coach, Flanagan said he opened himself up to more critics. Flanagan has coached girls basketball at Black Hawk for nine years and has guided the Warriors to the state tournament three times.
"I have been criticized for how I have won and for how I have lost," he said. "From time to time, I have been forced to evaluate why I ever ventured into varsity coaching. There are other times I wonder whether it's worth continuing. Things might have just been easier if I just stepped aside and let someone else deal with the pressure. Then I remember all of the basketball experiences I would forfeit if I were not coaching, the phone calls from former players seeking advice. I can't imagine a life without coaching basketball. I could avoid criticism by giving it up, but I would also give up a part of myself."
Criticism isn't always a negative, Flanagan said.
"Don't be offended when criticized," Flanagan said. "Use it as improvement regardless of its delivery. Don't shut down even if it hurts."
Flanagan said the No. 1 reason many students' voices don't emerge in writing is due to a fear of criticism.
Critics may talk in small circles and computer screens, but Flanagan advises to evaluate the criticism.
"Be prepared to reject unwarranted criticism, jealousy and spite and delusional thinking," he said. "If the criticism they offer is invalid, brush it off and move on."
Erin Gellings, a graduating high school commencement speaker, used the Sesame Street letter of the day reference and chose a word of the day - be - to address the future of the graduates.
Gellings implored her classmates to be original with their own special talents and identities. Gellings told graduates to be themselves with their own quirks.
"Popularity ends in 12th grade," Gellings said. "No one in the real world cares if you were voted most likely to cure cancer. Figure out what you love to do and do it. If it floats your boat, do it. Be courageous and take risks, but be prepared to fail.
"Success is born from failure. Don't let anyone tell you what you want to do is not worth doing."
She encouraged classmates to be active and "be doers."
"The most important thing I have learned in high school is not to wait," Gellings said. "Don't wait for a sunny day or for tomorrow, not for Friday night, summer or next year. There is not enough time in life to wait. If you want to make something done to make life better. You have to do it. The world isn't going to get better by waiting. It will only get better by doing."
She wants graduates to be proud.
"No one can take this moment away from us," Gellings said. "In your hand you will have the key (diploma) to your future. It's up to you how many doors you can open with it."
Citizenship awards were given to Joel Frankford and Kelley Baumann.
On Sunday, during the Monroe High School's Class of 2015 commencement ceremony, he upped the ante with one more challenge as the graduates look to make their next steps in life: Learn how to accept criticism.
"If you want to make a mark in whatever walk of life you choose, you must learn how to face criticism," Flanagan told the 183 graduates. "In our society, the ability to deal with criticism is becoming a lost art. To leave a legacy one must perfect it and expect it.
"If you are determined to reach your potential, you have to come to terms with the reality that you will be criticized," Flanagan said. "I especially believe that our youth today have been conditioned to avoid criticism. It's not your fault. You have so many adults in your lives who truly and deeply love you and because of that, they want to protect you from the injuries critics often cause. As you journey out into that place we call the real world, criticism will come to you. You will either step out of its way or take it head on. I advise you do the latter."
As Black Hawk girls basketball coach, Flanagan said he opened himself up to more critics. Flanagan has coached girls basketball at Black Hawk for nine years and has guided the Warriors to the state tournament three times.
"I have been criticized for how I have won and for how I have lost," he said. "From time to time, I have been forced to evaluate why I ever ventured into varsity coaching. There are other times I wonder whether it's worth continuing. Things might have just been easier if I just stepped aside and let someone else deal with the pressure. Then I remember all of the basketball experiences I would forfeit if I were not coaching, the phone calls from former players seeking advice. I can't imagine a life without coaching basketball. I could avoid criticism by giving it up, but I would also give up a part of myself."
Criticism isn't always a negative, Flanagan said.
"Don't be offended when criticized," Flanagan said. "Use it as improvement regardless of its delivery. Don't shut down even if it hurts."
Flanagan said the No. 1 reason many students' voices don't emerge in writing is due to a fear of criticism.
Critics may talk in small circles and computer screens, but Flanagan advises to evaluate the criticism.
"Be prepared to reject unwarranted criticism, jealousy and spite and delusional thinking," he said. "If the criticism they offer is invalid, brush it off and move on."
Erin Gellings, a graduating high school commencement speaker, used the Sesame Street letter of the day reference and chose a word of the day - be - to address the future of the graduates.
Gellings implored her classmates to be original with their own special talents and identities. Gellings told graduates to be themselves with their own quirks.
"Popularity ends in 12th grade," Gellings said. "No one in the real world cares if you were voted most likely to cure cancer. Figure out what you love to do and do it. If it floats your boat, do it. Be courageous and take risks, but be prepared to fail.
"Success is born from failure. Don't let anyone tell you what you want to do is not worth doing."
She encouraged classmates to be active and "be doers."
"The most important thing I have learned in high school is not to wait," Gellings said. "Don't wait for a sunny day or for tomorrow, not for Friday night, summer or next year. There is not enough time in life to wait. If you want to make something done to make life better. You have to do it. The world isn't going to get better by waiting. It will only get better by doing."
She wants graduates to be proud.
"No one can take this moment away from us," Gellings said. "In your hand you will have the key (diploma) to your future. It's up to you how many doors you can open with it."
Citizenship awards were given to Joel Frankford and Kelley Baumann.