First Lady Michelle Obama to King High School Class of 2015: “You are the Ones Who Can Change the Narrative about Your Community”

Deborah Bayliss | As of Friday, June 19, 2015

First Lady Michelle Obama delivers Martin Luther King College Prep High School'S commencement address, June 9, 2015 at Chicago State University's Emil and Patricia Jones Convocation Center.
First Lady Michelle Obama delivers Martin Luther King College Prep High School'S commencement address, June 9, 2015 at Chicago State University's Emil and Patricia Jones Convocation Center. Photo by Deborah Bayliss.

First Lady Michelle Obama’s commencement address June 9, at Martin Luther King Jr. College Prep High School’s Class of 2015 graduation ceremony was inspiring, complimentary and honored Hadiya Pendleton, the 15-year-old who was fatally shot Jan. 2013 while spending time with her school mates in a Bronzeville Park near her home.

The First Lady said to the 177 graduates who brought their “pomp and circumstance” to Chicago State University’s Emil and Patricia Jones, Convocation Center, all of whom are headed to college, “I am feeling so proud of you. I am feeling so excited for you. I am feeling so inspired by you, but one thing I’m not is surprised. “

Obama said she’s not surprised because she knows the community and was born and raised in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood.

King College Prep was honored with the First Lady’s presence, after winning a video competition where students were asked to promote the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. King College Prep students produced a video spoof of the ABC television show "Scandal"

The first lady surprised the students with a congratulatory video from the Scandal cast members.

“I am who I am today because of this community,” the First Lady said. “I know the struggles many of you face…how you walk the long way home to avoid the gangs; how you fight to concentrate on your schoolwork when there’s too much noise at home; how you keep it together when your family’s having a hard time making ends meet.”

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Photo by: Deborah Bayliss

Hadiya Pendleton who was shot and killed Jan. 2013, was remembered and honored by her classmates, the King College Prep High School faculty and commencement speaker, First Lady Michelle Obama, during the school's graduation ceremony held June 9, 2015. Hadiya's parents, Cleo and Nathaniel Sr., and little brother, Nathaniel, Jr. were on hand to accepte her cap and gown and class ring.

A graduation chair, decorated in lavender fabrics, pink boa and fresh flowers was prepared for Pendleton who would have graduated Jan. 9 with her classmates. Her parents and little brother were on hand to accept her cap and gown and class ring.

“For Young people like Hadiya who was taken so young, you need to stay hungry for them,” the First Lady said encouragingly. “If Dr. King can sacrifice his life…I know that you can go to a tutoring session…you all are the ones who can change the narrative about our community with the way you carry yourself each day.”

Student speakers also acknowledged Pendleton in their remarks saying how much they missed her and presented the class gift, a commemorative bench as a way to honor her memory.

The First Lady said she also wanted to speak at King College Prep to bring awareness to the nation about the real struggles and challenges that families on the South Side of Chicago face every day, and still manage to strive.

“I want you all to know that with your roots in this community and your education from this school, you have everything you need to succeed in life.”

King Principal David Narain referred to the Class of 2015 commencement event, as historic.

“We will all remember this for the rest of our lives. This is the class that has gone through so much and come so far. I look at this class and see so much potential and talent. Now it’s time for each of you to speak and write your own story. Which of you will be the next Martin Luther King…or Michelle Obama? You are the future and I’m so proud to have played a small role in your journey.”

CSU President, Dr. Wayne Watson told the graduates to focus on the next steps of their education and development.

“I would say you have an outstanding example in your commencement speaker today. She’s a role model as a wife and mother and …improving quality of life for young people.”

Interim Chicago Public Schools CEO, Jesse Ruiz, spoke at the graduation saying it was an honor to share the stage with Dr. Watson, faculty, and First Lady Michelle Obama.

“I took a law class taught by (President) Barack Obama,” said Ruiz. “We developed a friendship and stayed in touch. He told me he was going to run for President and I asked him why…I think it worked out well for him and for our nation. There will be challenges and great joy, as you move towards your dreams. Think about the impact you’ll have on others… Go out and leave your mark on the world and leave it a better place than you find it.”

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