Mr. Patrick Collins, Dean of Webb School of California:

Mel Tajon is our senior chapel speaker today. Every student who comes to Webb School of California makes a significant commitment. Creating a bright future for yourself doesn't happen automatically or easily. Taking that big step to be much more out on your own has to happen: has to: but can be pretty daunting, too.

For Mel, Webb is literally half a world away from his parents, who are professionals with ARAMCO in Saudi Arabia. Mel came to Webb as a sophomore.

That his two older brothers are both graduates of Webb School of California probably helped Mel a bit; more important, though, I think, is his positive, friendly, and confident attitude. Mel quickly grew comfortable with Webb as his school home, and by now, in his senior year, he seems to be one of those classic "Webb guys" who is truly established, truly a part of his class and his school.

In addition to the customary Webb commitments of classes, dormitory residence, and school activities, Mel has made a special contribution to the athletic program, where he has been a varsity member of three teams: track, wrestling, and football. Those of us who saw the first football game this year could plainly see that Mel was really coming into his own this year: one particularly explosive run made that very clear: until his season was abruptly ended by an injury. Still, it's clear that Mel is a talented athlete. And, as in every area of life here, his presence is appreciated and enjoyed by his teammates.

When I read through a senior's file in preparation for his chapel talk, it is interesting to see what others have said about the student. Sometimes, all the letters, recommendations and so forth reflect a common theme. That's true in Mel's case. Two ideas are repeated again and again and again. The first is something I did not know: the Mel is, apparently, an accomplished juggler. I'm not sure how I've missed that, but I know it now. The second is: that those who have known Mel have invariably been impressed by his positive spirit and good character. I'm glad to say that I haven't missed noticing that. It is a pleasure to have a good Webb guy like Mel Tajon here at our school, and a pleasure to introduce him to you today.

Bad Experiences

It was another warm sunny Saturday morning on the Webb Campus. The sky was blue; the grass was green. And there I was on the sidelines, watching Webb Gauls Football Team giving it all they've got on the field. I was simply watching the game just as all of the others parents and spectators on the stands. It had never actually crossed my mind that I was in full pads and that I would have to get in the game at any given moment. I was just kickin' back, hoping that it'd just be another win and that lunch was gonna be burgers or something good. Then out of nowhere, I hear Coach call out my name. "Melvin!!! Melvin!!! Get in there for fullback!!!" I grabbed my helmet and sprinted with enthusiasm into the huddle. By the time I got into the huddle, I was already tired. Now I could understand why Coach didn't have me starting. Anyway, the quarterback came in and told us to quiet down so we could hear the play. "Strong left, 34 belly, on one. Strong left, 34 belly, on one. Break!"

I slowly walked to my position and got into my stance. As the quarterback called out the cadence, it seemed like each call was separated by a span of minutes. "READY"¦"¦ SET"¦"¦..HIT!!!!" Just after the final call was made, I could have sworn that my heart skipped a beat. I got out of my stance, got the ball from the quarterback and headed into the hole. Well, I was running the ball, but then someone from the other team came up to tackle me. Not having any moves like the legendary Barry Sanders or Noa Martinsen, I simply lowered my shoulders, closed my eyes, and just started running faster. I felt some contact for a second, but then again, I didn't!! I opened my eyes and realized that I've just knocked the guy over!! I was just thinkin' "SWEEEET!!!"I broke a tackle!!! Then, about five yards down from me, another guy came up. Except, this guy seemed pretty big"¦but I knew, that he was no match, for Da Melvinator. I lowered my shoulders, closed my eyes, and ran faster. This guys tackle was a little bit harder to break, but somehow, I was still able to break through!! After breaking that tackle, the only thing I could see was "¦the goal line!!!

I ran as hard as I could. After every other yard I ran, my mind started coming up with some of the cheesiest ideas. "I'm finally gonna score my first touchdown!!!" "I'm gonna win the game for Webb!!" " I'm gonna get all the girls!!!" After each idea I came up with, I was inching closer and closer to my first touchdown. 13 yards"¦10 yards"¦7"¦5"¦. 3"¦BAM!!!!!! I was blind sided from the left, and I fumbled the ball"¦I look up only to see Chadwick's defense swarm onto the ball, and there I was sitting in the end zone, picking the grass out of my teeth"¦

That was my sophomore year when I was still JV football. It was only two years ago, but I've grown up quite a bit since then. It's amazing how many bad experiences and bad decisions you can have over the span of two years. For me, I've definitely had my share.

When I first came here as a sophomore, I did a very bad thing"¦I didn't do my summer reading"¦ but that's not all"¦in an attempt to take the easy way out, I turned to the forbidden pages of Cliffs Notes. But even with the shortened version of A Farwell to Arms, I was still too lazy to read. I wished there had been Cliffs Notes OF Cliffs Notes. When it was time to do the in-class essay over what I was supposed to have read, , I didn't write about what happened in the book"¦instead I wrote an essay explaining why I didn't do my summer reading and how I am a hands on learner. After having a nice little talk with Mr. Kingstone and Mr. Tipton, I finally realized how bad of a first impression I made. Maybe if I told them that there is no such thing as books in Saudi Arabia"¦

In the very beginning of my Junior Year, I also did something that I regretted. One afternoon during preseason training for football, I over heard Josh Kaminsky share some of his many words of wisdom. If I can remember correctly, he said something like this: "you put this stuff on yourself and oooooooh it feels so good"¦" When he was saying this, I noticed that he had a container of "Blue Stuff" in his hands. So later on that afternoon, I was walking into the trainer's room and noticed on the table a container that looked just like the one in Kaminsky's hand. I read the label and said to myself "hmmm"¦IcyHot"¦this must be the stuff that Josh was talkin' about"¦" Makin' sure that no one else was around; I rubbed this Icy Hot in places where icy hot is not meant to be rubbed. I noticed a slight tingling sensation that felt kinda good. Liking it so much, I decided to put more. I soon found that little tingling feeling increase into a very painful burning sensation. I tried washing it off with water, but the burning did not go away. I tried some ice, and the burning still didn't go away. The only thing I could do was run around like a chicken with his head chopped off. It was then when I realized that Da Melvinator actually has a weakness. I ran across the gym into the multipurpose room and just started running around in circles screaming in pain until I finally collapsed from exhaustion and started crying. This "Icy Hot Incident" is by far one of the most painful experiences that I have ever had.

Now on a serious note, there are some things that I truly have regretted doing during my years at Webb. I remember it was the last day of regular classes of my sophomore year. I was in Mr. Patterson's MEH class, and instead of reviewing for finals for our last day, we devoted the whole period to just sharing our thoughts about the class. I remember everyone in the class thanked Mr. Patterson for his kindness, generosity and sincerity"¦well, everyone except for me. The only thing that I said when it was my turn was "this class was cool"¦" Now that Mr. Patterson is gone, I truly wish that I could turn back time just to that moment so I could thank him for being such a great person, great teacher and a good friend.

To save myself from making the same mistake again, I would like to use this opportunity to thank all of the people who have affected my life:

To my Mom & Dad: even though you aren't here right now, I would like to thank you for the many years of dedication and hard work you have put into to give me all of the opportunities that you've never had. I Love You.

To my brothers, Mark and Michael: even after those many times you guys have given me tittie twisters, wedgies, and made me slap myself, no matter how painful it was, deep down inside I know it was all done out of love"¦or something like that. I Love You.

To the faculty: Thank you for all of the wisdom and knowledge that you have passed down to me. All of the lessons you have taught me thru personal experience or thru books (or cliffs notes), I will cherish for the rest of my life.

To my Coaches, including Coach Conroy, Mr. Schul, Dr. Hartzell and Coach Pride: thanks for believing in me and pushing me to be a better athlete. You've taught me to never be satisfied with where I'm at"¦ to always work to be better. I'll be sure to mention your names' when I'm in the Pros.

To the underclassmen, including Bryan, Buerger, Durrey, Elie and Kenny: thanks for reminding me on the daily basis how sexy I am.

To the guys behind me: thanks for reminding me on the daily basis how fat I really am.

To the ladies on the balcony and the ones who couldn't make it - I will always have a soft spot in my heart for you. Even when it was just a simple little "hi," it was enough to make my day a little bit brighter.

To anyone else who I haven't mentioned - thanks for all the good times.

This closing song is dedicated to all m' homies back in Saudi Arabia"¦