Former Cambridge Mayor Victoria Jackson-Stanley delivered the address at Chesapeake’s 48th Commencement and was awarded the Chesapeake College Community Service Medal.

In her speech, Ms. Jackson-Stanley acknowledged the role of grit in her own life and those of the graduates. The persistence shown by the graduates will serve them well in the future as they face challenges and become leaders.

“You are leaders and trail blazers.  You may be the first in your family, or your community to attend college. Everybody looks to you to be the role model for the rest of the family. You may have been the one everyone thought would not do anything with your life,” Ms. Jackson-Stanley told the graduates.

Ms. Jackson-Stanley urged the graduates to recognize their own gifts and talents, and find ways to help others.

“I challenge you to always remember that the limits we place on ourselves are the only limits we face. Prepare yourself to cut a path through the obstacle someone else put in your way,” she said.