Justin Timberlake is not referred to as “one of the greatest all-around entertainers in the history
of show business” only because of his slick dance moves and iconic vocal range, but because
of his longstanding advocacy for the importance of music education and the example he sets
by representing the product that can come from such an education.

Alex Lacamoire is not considered one of the most innovative and forward-thinking
orchestrators and musical directors in the world just because of his extensive credits and
showstopping musical numbers, but because of the way he uses these productions to connect
people and provoke dialogue around acceptance and inclusivity without social confines.

As each of us enters the next chapter of our lives, we must strive to identify and embody our
purpose before we can hope to follow in the footsteps of these musical and creative legends.
We must hold each other accountable to perform, and create, and teach, and innovate, and
heal authentically and with purpose. We as individuals remain stagnant without a purpose to
ignite us, and we as a community are nothing without our individual purposes that collectively
encourage and challenge us to work together toward achieving a stronger force and voice
within the music industry.

While we may not know what the future holds, there's one thing | know, and we have all
experienced in some fashion to be true: This industry has flaws. This world has flaws. But above
all else, music heals and purpose drives change.

| leave this chapter of my life with nothing but gratitude. Thank you to my mentors for
challenging me to look deeper. Thank you to my best friend for helping me find the levity in
life. Thank you to my partner for not only listening to me, but for always hearing me. Thank

you to my family for encouraging me to reach beyond my goals. Thank you for all that you as

a community have done to shape me, and | encourage you to continue to follow suit in shaping
this world. Congratulations to the class of 2019.