Valedictorian Speech

Good morning, and welcome to the graduation ceremony of the class of 2014. It is incredible to think that today, 12 long years have passed, and we have finally reached the day we dreamed about as children. Today is a day of mixed emotions that can only be explained one way: the end of a favorite book, movie, or television series. That may sound silly, but a majority of us have been there, turning the last page of a book, feeling the pit in your stomach grow. For me, the worst was the last Harry Potter book, and it took me days to recover. It felt silly because, after all, it's just a book. Graduation has the same effect; we have been looking forward to this day for years, so the pits in our stomach seem unnecessary. Yet, just like with a series of books, turning the last page is difficult, even if we have another one waiting for us.

The diversity and ability to grow our own way is perhaps the greatest quality of the class of 2014. We do not have a 4.0 student, or 15 people pursuing the same dream. This class is made up of future military members, farmers, educators, nurses, lawyers, as well as many others. The diversity of dreams and personalities has made for an interesting four years. From terrible nicknames like Tree and Big Nose, to fights that began as organized debates and ended in tears, it is true we kept our parents and teachers on their toes.

Because of that, the Class of 2014 will not be remembered as inspirational or academically competitive. This class will be remembered for crying constantly during elementary school, playing violent games of "boys vs. girls," and for suffering from senioritis back in Mrs. Iksic's 6th grade class. Even then we could not finish our work on time. We will be remembered for yelling at each other one period, but sticking up for each other the next. Our four years of high school have been a whirlwind of movie nights, fire pits, and sporting events, where a majority of the class supported the athletes from the sidelines. Cheering Jacob and Nathyn on at football games, seeing our boys wear bright pink to volleyball matches, and celebrating victories together are some of the best memories we have as a class.

Though we would argue it, this class has become incredibly close. Our friendly discussions always become debates, and the battle to be "right" or the alpha never ends. Because we are so against the status quo, we were often considered the misfit class of the high school; however, we would not change this for the world.

Because of that, we would like to thank our teachers and coaches. You have taught us a great deal of responsibility, which also included tolerating us when we weren't as responsible. A special apology to Mr. Moffet, who somehow survived six years of debates, drama, and Kayla and Kim shouting at each other across the room. To our coaches, thank you for helping us accomplish so much. If you would have told us as freshman that our incredibly athletic class would actually break a school record and win some hardware in numerous sports... we would have laughed at you. However, the dedication and determination of our coaches helped us achieve so much more than we ever thought we could. You have taught us that with hard work we can do anything.

Mrs. Wraspir, Mrs. Allington, and Mr. Read also deserve a special thank you. After years of service to the school, community, and, most of all, the Class of 2014, we are both proud and sad to announce that these three wonderful teachers are retiring. We hope you enjoy a relaxing retirement; we all agree that you deserve, and probably need it.

Lastly, a huge thank you to our families and the community of Odessa. You have taught us to not take life too seriously, that being unique is a good thing, and you have given us all the skills and tools we need to be happy and successful in life. Getting us to graduation day was not easy, and we thank you most of all for making today possible.

Graduation day has arrived. We finally made it. As we turn the last page of this book, another is waiting for each of us. Though there were days we claimed otherwise, graduation is not goodbye for us. To the Class of 2014, never forget where you came from. Not many people can say that they have the support group we have in each other; I hope 40 years from now we can come together and laugh the same way we have the last 12 years. To all of you in attendance, thank you.