Graduation Speech By:
David Demers
A.K.A. Dave the Janitor

Video

Welcome parents, grandparents, family, and friends. My name is David Demers, the kids know me as Dave the Janitor.

I would like to thank the class of 2007 for this invitation to speak on their behalf.

We've been together for four short years and for some unknown reasons, we have become very close. This is a very special group.

Have no fear folks, these kids know everything and have all the answers.

On the other hand, this is a very needy group. I've swept their floors, jumped car batteries, painted all the lines on the athletic fields, rock salted the portable's ramp 25,000 times, turned their car lights off, put air in their tires, worried about injuries, lived through Learner's Permits and Licenses, and you know I painted the walls white. I've chaperoned dances, been to plays, concerts, proms and games. I have even removed puddles from the tennis courts, yes, that's right I said removed puddles.

But today is my reward and I'm deeply, deeply honored.

Your friendships have shown me that I really do belong here at Harwich High School. The class of 2007 has educated me about Google, Myspace, no carb, high protein diets, Hip Hop/Rap, Text Messaging and IM.

Today is also the official day I give you back to your parents. In the months and years ahead you will discover how much you really do need them.

Many decisions will have to be made, small and large, that I urge you to lean on them. The Parents, really are a lot wiser than you may think and they have all the money.

Over 40 years ago, my Dad just happened to land me a job as a school janitor, so he wasn't the one paying for my car payments. I was a typical whiny teenager and complained just about every night.

My mom, whom I lost this year, would only say "JUST DO IT FOR THE KIDS!" She would say this over and over for years.

Well, today the class of 2007 has made my parents and family very proud.

My parents also taught me that selfless giving is gaining. I would like to challenge each and everyone of the graduates to discover this.

Even the smallest gesture means so much to a lot of people and I honestly believe this is what brought us so close with one another.

In closing, I want you to know that so many of you truly mean so much to me and I wish you success and happiness in which ever path you choose. I would like to leave you with my favorite saying, "You'll never stand taller than when you stoop to help a child."

Thank You.