Ambassador Urbancic helped hand out honors and awards to some members of the bright and talented Class of 2009

Using examples from his world travels as a career U.S. diplomat learning something new every day, U.S. Ambassador Frank C. Urbancic, Jr. illustrated the truth of the proverb “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” Ambassador Urbancic shared this quote, by the great American educator and philosopher John Dewey, during the 100th commencement ceremony of the American Academy in Larnaca on June 26, 2009. The school was founded in 1908 by Presbyterian missionaries from the U.S. The Ambassador spoke at the invitation of the school’s Governing Council, led by Mr. George Kalopetrides, and School Director Tom Widdows.

Ambassador Urbancic delivered this year’s graduation message and urged the students to follow the school motto, “To Grow and To Serve,” as they continue on their paths in life. He urged the graduates to stretch and challenge themselves, and to keep in mind that education is worthless unless you do something with it. The Ambassador also asked the students to follow core American values and ideals – in particular, respect for differences, whether they are in background, religion, language or opinion. The career diplomat pointed out to the students that they, too, are all becoming diplomats after graduation, as they will always represent their alma mater and their country.

In addition to delivering the commencement speech, Ambassador Urbancic helped hand out honors and awards to some members of the bright and talented Class of 2009.