Founder and President, Helen McCormick's perspective on Commencement and The House, Inc.’s holding belief to the graduating class.

Abraham Lincoln once said, "I am a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn’t have the heart to let him down."

This season, we celebrate not only the graduates, but also the family, friends, and mentors who stood beside them—those who kept believing, encouraging, and reminding them of who they are and what they’re capable of.
Your journey reminds us of a story from sports history—Roger Bannister, the man who broke the “impossible” four-minute mile. For years, experts insisted it couldn’t be done. Then Bannister proved them wrong. And once he did, hundreds more followed. What changed? The barrier wasn’t physical—it was mental.
You’ve proven the same: that limits are often only in our minds.

And now, another Olympic story that echoes your journey—the story of Derek Redmond. In front of 65,000 people, Redmond was running the race of his life, poised to qualify for the finals. But suddenly—a pop. His hamstring tore. He collapsed, dreams shattered in a heartbeat. But Redmond didn’t stay down. Gritting his teeth through searing pain, he rose and began hobbling toward the finish line.

Then, out of the stands, came his father—dodging security, pushing past barriers, shouting, “That’s my son out there!” He ran to his son, wrapped an arm around him, and together they continued.
Just before the finish line, Redmond’s father let go, and Derek crossed it on his own—limping, but not broken.

That moment—of courage, perseverance, and love—is what today is all about.

Let that be your mantra:
“I want to finish my race.”
Say it. Live it. Carry it with you.

Because this is your race.
Every success you’ve achieved—the scholarships, the championships, the standing ovations—didn’t come easy. You worked for them. You pushed through hard days. You kept showing up.
And now, the world needs people like you.
Because real problems are waiting:

• Half the world still lives on less than $2 a day.
• A billion people can’t read.
• Another billion don’t have access to clean water.

This isn’t just a graduation. It’s a launch.  And don’t wait for someone else to make the change you were born to lead. Picture a stadium packed with people cheering you on. Not because this moment was handed to you—but because you earned it. Because you kept going. Like Derek Redmond, don’t let injury, fear, or setbacks define your story. Get up. Keep moving. Finish strong.

I believe in you. I can’t wait to see where you go from here.

Godspeed, Ms. Helen