BY KAREN BOSSICK
The 2002 Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer will be the commencement speaker at Community School’s 2018 graduation service.
Palmer, a Community School parent, will speak to 45 graduating seniors and one exchange student who will receive a Certificate of Completion at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 3 at the Sun Valley Pavilion.
Palmer played football at the University of Southern California from 1998 to 2003 and was the first overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft.
He played quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals for eight seasons, leading the team to their first winning season and playoff appearance in 15 years. He then spent two seasons with the Oakland Raiders and five seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, taking the Cardinals to the NFC Championship game despite being plagued with injuries.
He was named to the Pro Bowl three times. And by the time he retired in 2017 he had accumulated 12 all-time records in all major passing categories in his 15 years with the NFL.
Palmer said he was honored to give the commencement speech.
“These young men and women will be leaving this beautiful valley to take on the never-ending challenge of making our world a better place. A Community School education prepares our children for a life filled with respect and compassion for the environment and for others and the confidence and skill set to face challenges and competition in an ever-changing world.”
Head of School Ben Pettit noted that Palmer has demonstrated a strong commitment to youth organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Lighthouse Youth Services and the Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and had a positive impact in the communities in which he’s lived.
“Throughout his life he has worked to maximize his talent and pursue his passion wholeheartedly, which is something we hope all of our students will embrace,” he said. “I am excited for Carson to share his story—both the triumphs and the challenges—with our graduating class as they take their next steps in leading purposely lives and pursuing their own passions.
Palmer and his wife Shaelyn, who reside full time in the Wood River Valley, have four children. Three of them attend Community School.