Christopher Jablonski will be the University of Rhode Island's student speaker at commencement exercies set for 12:30 p.m. Sunday.
Jablonski, who will graduate Sunday with a degree in environmental horticulture/turf management, said he decided to compete for the speaker's spot because "I thought it should be a positive, but short speech."
The speech is an analogy, relating life to getting a driver's license, an experience nearly everyone can relate to.
He said his four years at URI were like having a learner's permit. Receiving a diploma is getting a driver's license. Commencement is the day a person sees the freedom of the open road ahead, all the possibilities life has in store.
The Monroe, N.Y., native was actively involved in campus life as an orientation leader, a URI tour guide, the chief operations officer of the Student Senate, a URI 101 mentor, and part of the Science and Math Investigative Learning Experiences (SMILE) program.
He was also a student admissions representative, a member of the Student Alumni Association and a volunteer at Peace Dale Elementary School.
Jablonski even had time to found the campus chapter of the fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon.
The 22-year-old is one of four children of Walter and Eileen Jablonski. Walter is retired from the Federal Reserve Bank and Eileen is a secretary.
He picked URI because of its location (near beaches) and its turf program.
"I grew up playing golf," Jablonski said. "I would play golf and see people on the course, and wonder what they were doing. That peaked my interest in golf course landscape management. I never wanted to sit in an office. In this field, there is something new and exciting every day."
Jablonksi already has a job lined up for after graduation. "I will be the second assistant at the Royce Brook Golf Club in New Jersey," he said.
"Student Speaker", eh? I suppose
"Valadictorian" is no longer politically correct because of its crass emphasis on grades.projo.com | Providence, R.I. | South County(Reg. Reqd.)
