Matt Taunt ‘99 Shares Inspiring Lessons at Baccalaureate Mass

“Wherever you go and whatever you do – if you continue to compete, to think critically, and to cultivate your relationship with God you will do great things.” 

At the 2024 Baccalaureate Mass, Matt Taunt ‘99 delivered an inspiring speech, sharing the three most impactful lessons he learned during his time at Brother Rice: learning to compete, think critically, and pray.

Compete: Matt emphasized how Brother Rice taught him to compete not just in athletics, but in all areas of life. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone builds character and resilience. He encouraged graduates to embrace competition in every aspect of life.

Think Critically: Matt credited Brother Rice for sharpening his critical thinking skills, emphasizing their importance in today’s fast-paced, information-driven world. He urged graduates to take time for reflection and develop skills like reading comprehension, writing, analysis, and persuasive speaking, which will serve them well in any field.

Pray: Lastly, Matt shared how Brother Rice helped him cultivate a deeper relationship with God, a journey that has become a cornerstone of his personal growth. He reminded the graduates of the profound power of prayer, not just as a practice of faith, but as a source of strength, guidance, and inner peace.

Matt concluded by congratulating the Class of 2024 on their achievement and bright futures. With encouragement, he reminded them that over the last four years at Brother Rice, they have truly become ready for tomorrow.