President shares power of ‘Make it a great day’ message | News

Even the simplest expression of encouragement, like “make it a great day,” can still mean a lot. In his commencement speech at Des Moines Area Community College’s Carroll campus Monday evening, Eddie Diaz shared this lesson, drawing on his combat experience in Iraq and inspiration from an education mentor who lost his life. life at Perry High School-Middle School. filming this year.

Diaz is now the director of DMACC at Perry VanKirk Career Academy. He served seven years in the Marine Corps, including a tour of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom as an infantry team leader. The DMACC graduation program stated: “During this period, his battalion played a central role in organizing and securing Iraq’s first democratic elections in what was known as the Triangle of Death . »

A California native with a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and two master’s degrees from Drake University, Diaz has spent the past 15 years working in education, including as a professor at his alma mater, Perry High School.

Diaz told graduates and the audience at the commencement ceremony, held at Carroll High School, that he remembered the morning announcements at Perry High School always ended this way: “And remember, do on a good day or not, the choice is yours!

Diaz said: “At first glance, it may seem like a simple farewell, a farewell wish for a good day ahead. But as you reflect on these words, realize the profound truth they contain: it is our attitude, our mindset, our courage that has the power to shape the course of our day and the trajectory of our lives. I attribute these words to Dan Marburger, my assistant principal when I was in high school, the principal who hired me as a teacher, and ultimately one of my mentors.

In the Jan. 4 Perry shooting, Marburger is credited with sacrificing his life to protect many others from possible victims of the 17-year-old shooter. A sixth-grade boy was killed that day, and Marburger died from his injuries 10 days after being shot by the shooter, 17-year-old Dylan Butler, who was a student at Perry High School. Butler also committed suicide that day.

Diaz said, “It took me many years to embrace this message (to make today a great day), but upon reflection, I have come to believe that our attitude accounts for 90% of our experiences. Think about it. How often do we find ourselves lifted up by a positive outlook or, conversely, dragged down by our own or others’ negativity? Today, as you approach graduation, it’s easy to make a great day out of it. You have achieved something remarkable, something worth celebrating. But for some, that’s easier said than done. Maybe you’re far away from loved ones, or maybe small disappointments threaten to overshadow the joy of this moment.

“Nine days out of ten you can absolutely choose to make it a big day, and today is a big day. Enjoy it. But know that this day comes from time to time: no matter what you do, making it a good day doesn’t depend on your attitude. For example, 20 years ago this year, I deployed to Iraq with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment. Our infantry company’s mission was to secure three cities and help prepare Iraq for its first democratic elections. We accomplished this by searching for and engaging enemy forces when we found them. During our deployment, our battalion arrested hundreds of insurgents, helping these cities become safer, but it came at a cost. Thirteen Marines from my unit lost their lives during our deployment. No matter what our attitude was on those difficult days, we couldn’t make it a great day. It’s now that I realize that “make it a good day or not, the choice is yours” means that even on the worst days, your attitude can still make the best day possible given the circumstances. .

“For these reasons, even in the face of adversity, even when the odds seem against you, you have the power to choose. You have the power to turn difficult days into something remarkable. That’s exactly what my mentor Dan Marburger did on January 4 of this year when he sacrificed his life in a tragic shooting by putting himself in harm’s way to save others. None of this surprised the people who knew Dan best. In nearly 30 years as principal, he had many difficult days, but he worked hard to make each day a great day.

“I challenge you to have as many great days as possible, but I also encourage you to make those terrible days the best day possible. Because the truth is, there will be days when life throws upheavals at you, when nothing seems to go right. It’s in these moments that your resilience, character and courage truly shine.

Diaz thanked the Carroll community and DMACC officials and staff for supporting the Perry community during these difficult times.

He concluded: “Congratulations, graduates. The world is waiting and I am confident that you will leave a mark on your communities, our state and our country. We can’t wait to see it. Make it a great day when you can, and make it the best day possible when you can’t, or in other words, be a Dan.

In his welcoming remarks, DMACC President and CEO Rob Denson recognized Jim Knott, retired dean, professor and administrator of the DMACC Carroll Campus. Knott died on February 29 at the age of 94.

“For more than half a century, Jim demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his students, inspiring and encouraging them to reach their full potential. They believed in themselves because Jim believed in them.

Before joining DMACC in 1988, Knott was head of the English department at Carroll High School, where he taught English, literature, social studies, speech, mock trial and drama from 1962 to 1987.

“Jim’s genuine care for others and unwavering dedication to serving students transcended generations,” Denson said. “As we reflect on Jim’s remarkable career and countless contributions, we express our deepest gratitude for his tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to academic excellence. He was a great ambassador for DMACC.

Approximately 100 students have earned an honors degree or certificate from Carroll DMACC. More than 80 people participated in the launch.