The founder of Christ’s Victory International School System (CVISS), Dr. David D. Dann, has challenged graduates to uphold integrity, cultivate wisdom, demonstrate good character, and embrace responsibility as they prepare to navigate life beyond the classroom. Delivering what he described as a lifetime guide for success, Dr. Dann outlined key principles he said should guide the graduates throughout their lives. He emphasized that academic achievements alone are insufficient to guarantee success, trustworthiness, or meaningful contributions to society.
The graduation ceremony, which brought together graduates from the school’s two campuses, was held at its main campus in the Rehab Community, Paynesville. Parents, guardians, and well-wishers attended the event to celebrate the students’ academic accomplishments. Dr. Dann told the graduates, who reportedly performed well in the national examinations, that they should not merely receive a diploma, but step into the world as torchbearers of truth, wisdom, and excellence.
In his address, Dr. Dann identified several principles he believes should shape the graduates’ futures, including mindset and intelligence, character, ethics and integrity, emotional intelligence, attitude, responsibility, and the pursuit of a victorious destiny. He referenced the Greek philosopher Aristotle, whom he described as one of the most influential thinkers in Western intellectual history. Dr. Dann highlighted the importance of educating both the mind and the heart, quoting Aristotle as saying, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
The CVISS founder said intelligence is a valuable gift but argued that academic knowledge alone does not determine a person’s greatness. “True intelligence is not merely the accumulation of facts or the ability to excel on examinations; it is the capacity to think critically, act discernibly, and continuously seek wisdom,” he told the graduates and other attendees. He encouraged them to pursue wisdom, referencing Proverbs 4:7, which states: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
On mindset, Dr. Dann explained that a person’s attitudes, beliefs, and assumptions influence how they perceive themselves, approach challenges, interpret failure, and respond to opportunities. He said the graduates’ mindsets would significantly influence the direction of their lives, urging them to embrace what is commonly described as a growth mindset—the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication, resilience, and faith. “When you are faced with obstacles, do not view them as walls that stop your progress, but as stepping stones designed to build your spiritual and mental endurance,” he advised.
Dr. Dann also emphasized the importance of character, ethics, and integrity, describing them as the unseen foundations of a person’s reputation and lasting success. He quoted the Greek philosopher Heraclitus as saying, “A man’s character is his fate.” He explained that character is reflected in a person’s moral and behavioral values, how they treat others, and how they respond to life’s challenges.
The ceremony also featured remarks from the school’s principal, student council leader, valedictorian, and parents, who joined in celebrating the graduates and commending the administration for its contribution to education. Meanwhile, Pastor Annette M. Dann, Co-Founder of Christ Victory International Ministries, who was scheduled to deliver the keynote address, reportedly took ill and was unable to attend. Dr. Dann consequently delivered the address on her behalf.
Key points
- Dr. David D. Dann challenges graduates to uphold integrity, cultivate wisdom, and demonstrate good character.
- CVISS founder emphasizes that academic achievements alone are insufficient to guarantee success.
- Dr. Dann outlines key principles to guide graduates throughout their lives, including mindset, character, and emotional intelligence.
