Groton, Mass. — Speaking to the 230th graduating class of Lawrence Academy, University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan conceded that the world our Spartans will encounter after they leave the "elm tree-shaded hillside" is fraught with challenges.

"[Y]our generation will need to confront the climate crisis, our culture's addiction to guns in the resulting gun violence, threats to our democracy and human rights, the ongoing cancer of racism, the rise of antisemitism, and the growing economic inequality," said the former Member of Congress to the 115 graduates gathered on the LA Quad. "In this difficult, complicated, and — let's face it — perilous environment.

"You'll face many situations where you have to decide whose side to take, about who to stand up for, about when to use your voice, and how to use your power and your privilege," he said.

Building his argument, Meehan spoke about another member of the Lawrence Academy community who used his voice, power, and privilege for good, Amos A. Lawrence, a merchant, philanthropist, and abolitionist.

Then, noting the many difficult decisions and stands his colleague in Congress, Senator John McCain, needed to make over his career, Meehan recalled the Arizona Republican said he worked to "be on the right side of history."

Meanwhile, Meehan echoed many lessons LA students garnered over the past year. In this school cycle, the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continued to be a touchstone for Lawrence Academy.

Citing a 1968 MLK speech in Washington, DC, entitled "A Proper Sense of Priorities," Meehan quoted Dr. King saying:

There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.

Finally, noting traditions at Lawrence Academy, ways of thinking pioneered by abolitionist A. A. Lawrence, and recalling MLK and his friend John McCain, Meehan emplored LA's outgoing students, "When you are confronted with difficult moments when what you choose to do will be remembered — and trust me, those moments will be more frequent than you realize — I ask that you adhere to the values you developed and honed here at Lawrence Academy, and to the tradition of Amos Lawrence and Martin Luther King and Senator McCain.

"I ask that you choose to be on the right side of history," he concluded.

Watch the entire graduation ceremony via Vimeo. Mr. Meehan's comments begin at 42:15.