From Br Steve Hogan fsc
This week I wish to share with you the graduation speech for the Class of 2026. While written for the graduating class the message is a narrative I keep before all students throughout their journey at Oakhill College.
Class of 2026, tonight you become an Oakhill Graduate.
To our guests here, you may well ask, What is an Oakhill Graduate?
An Oakhill Graduate has their feet firmly grounded, aims for the stars, and knows that life's journey will not always be clearly defined, straight or predictable.
An Oakhill Graduate knows they have a strength of spirit that enables them to rise above the fleeting things and engage consciously with life.
An Oakhill Graduate strives for what matters, looks out for others, is up for the challenge, keeps the faith, is good, kind and just, and knows they contribute to God's Kingdom.
Year 12 2026, you are now the Oakhill Graduate.
t feels like only yesterday we were welcoming you into the College community for the first time, and now your journey as students at Oakhill is drawing to a close. Along the way we have shared countless experiences that have shaped you into the young men and women you are today. As you stand on the threshold of what comes next, it is natural to feel both excitement and uncertainty. Graduation is a moment to look back with gratitude and pride, while also looking forward with confidence and purpose.
Throughout your time at Oakhill, you have learned from success and grown through challenge. You have discovered that resilience is not about avoiding failure, but about rising again when life does not unfold as planned. As President John F. Kennedy once said: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Do not be afraid of the unknown. Instead, embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead with the same courage, determination and spirit that have defined your years at Oakhill College.
John F. Kennedy also challenged a generation with these words: “The New Frontier is here, whether we seek it or not.” And: “It is not a set of promises. It is a set of challenges.”
Year 12, you are now stepping into your own new frontier. For some, that frontier will be university. For others, employment, apprenticeships, travel, or new opportunities yet to be discovered. Whatever path you take, it will be uniquely your own.
The challenge before you is not simply to build a career, but to build a life. A life of service, leadership, compassion and purpose. That future is not a destination. It is an ongoing journey.
Step out from here with a desire to learn, to adapt and to innovate. Be courageous enough to stumble and wise enough to learn from your mistakes with a fear nought for caring…. Aim for the stars. Work hard. Always strive to do your very best and celebrate your successes with humility and gratitude. And when challenges arise, remember the words of Theodore Roosevelt from his famous Man in the Arena speech:
“Life belongs not to those who watch from the sidelines, but to those willing to enter the arena, to strive, to fail, to learn and to try again.”
That is the spirit of the Oakhill Graduate.
Remember the lessons learned inside and outside the classroom.
Remember the friendships you have built.
The bonds of mateship formed here are among the greatest gifts you take with you tonight.
Be eager to achieve. Serve with passion. Lead with integrity. Be good. Be kind. Be just in everything you think, do and say.
Tonight, you take that first step.
Laozi, a contemporary of Confucius said "a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step".
As Oakhill Graduates, you have what it takes.
To Conclude: I wish to thank our parents, teachers, staff, and our P&F, Rugby, Football and Basketball Clubs, and Mr Michael O’Brien and the Board for their dedication and support.
And finally, to Year 12 2026:
Remember these words from John F. Kennedy:
“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.”
Because, as Winston Churchill reminds us:
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
And as Master Shifu said to Po Bear:
“If you only do what you can do, you will never be more than you are.”
You are something more.
Be courageous in your choices.
Be generous in your service.
Be steadfast in your faith.
Be humble in your success.
The future awaits you, and as Oakhill Graduates, you are ready.
Congratulations, and may God bless each and every one of you.
Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal












