'Chances are that far greater bay is the one you're in now'


NDP MP Ryan Cleary (St. John's South-Mount Pearl) stands with Erin McCarthy, valedictorian of the graduating class of St. Kevin's High School in the Goulds Wednesday (Nov. 14th), following the distribution of awards and diplomas.

NL comedian Rick Mercer had some interesting advice for Memorial University graduates during a convocation address in 2005, when he was awarded an honourary Doctor of Letters.

His advice came down to one word - moisturize. 

 "If you take anything with you today, take that advice," Mercer said. "You will thank me down the road. Remember, your skin is an organ."

 And so I related that story to St. Kevin's graduates Wednesday evening in the Goulds, along with my own advice about never forgetting where you come from, or the fact we're all ambassadors for Newfoundland and Labrador.

 I also told the more than 100 fine young graduates that no matter where they travel in this world, there is no better place than Newfoundland and Labrador - "chances are that far greater bay is the one you're in now."

 In the words of the great NL journalist Ray Guy, who was awarded an honourary doctorate in 2000:

 "And if some of you see your way clear, find yourself a dear and fine Country with a far greater bay. If no one else does, call yourself to the colours of that Country. Give the enemies of that Country no quarter and hang them high on the mighty and splendid Cape of your own choosing."

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