Graduation Joy: Celebrating Achievements with Movies and Speeches

Spokane, Washington — Graduation season is in full swing, with students across the nation celebrating their achievements and looking forward to the next chapter in their lives. From kindergarten promotions to college graduations, heartfelt ceremonies mark the transition.

This year, Le Moyne College President Linda LeMura delivered a warm commencement speech on May 11 at Spokane Arena, where she encouraged over 1,400 undergraduates to reflect on their journeys and embrace their futures. LeMura, the first female lay president of any Jesuit college or university, used pop culture references, including monsters from her childhood TV show, to illustrate her message.

“Do you realize what you’ve done?” she asked the graduates, inviting them to appreciate their past achievements while contemplating their future possibilities. “For us, time is dynamic and fluid. It is porous. Today’s actions, yesterday’s lessons, and tomorrow’s possibilities are always in play.”

Among the speakers were notable alumni like Dr. Cornelia Davis, who recounted her own journey into public health and urged graduates to embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth. U.S. Senator Tim Kaine echoed her message, reflecting on the lessons learned from advocating for civil rights.

This graduation season is also a great time to celebrate through cinema. Streaming platforms are filled with inspiring films and series capturing the essence of graduation and personal growth. Options include dramas about navigating the complexities of youth in high school, documentaries chronicling educational journeys, and feel-good comedies about the transition into adulthood.

Whether through heartfelt graduation ceremonies or via streaming entertainment that uplifts and inspires, this season is a time to celebrate achievements and look ahead to a bright future. Congratulations to the class of 2025!