Graduating class, family, friends, and faculty, it is an honor to be here today. Since the first day that the Class of 2010 stepped foot into Wachusett, we have all experienced change. It's important we use our past to help us shape our future and we learn that there are no limits to our dreams.
Thirteen years ago, we left our houses with power ranger backpacks or with Barbie lunchboxes, ready to step into the world of elementary school. I remember wearing frizzle socks and my only concern was remembering to grab $1.75 for lunch that day or making sure I got on the giant yellow bus. Years went on, and soon enough it was the last week of fourth grade. My teacher had our class make a timeline of our lives. I can vividly remember two things I wished to aspire in my future; One: Go bungee jumping, (which surely will never happen).. and two: Write a graduation speech. I wasn't going to put a limit on what I could and could not do. But the difference between fourth grade and now is what I have learned and how I have learned to go about my future.
Over the past four years in high school, we have been taught how to be responsible and independent students. We've read The Odyssey, made new friends, and walked the halls of the mods while construction was still in progress. I remember freshman year when class time was spent counting how many pencils had been lodged up into the old ceiling tiles as we sat in unheated rooms wrapped in winter jackets. We need to thank our parents for their support both emotionally and financially; and for the support they continuously provide. We need to thank our teachers, for their patience in guiding us through and the lessons they have instilled in us. And finally, we need to thank the faculty and our Principal, Mr. Beando, for helping us succeed in such an experience, and pushing us through. In the past few years alone, we have seen change, and lived through times of chaos. We experienced the ice storm, outrageous gas prices, and our athletes have won the title as football champions. Our others sports teams, clubs, and fine-arts programs have also been phenomenal this year alone. We have made it this far, and our destinations have proven limitless.
Dressed up and ready for kindergarten, we had our choices made for us, but now it is time to make our own. Waking up every morning at 5:30 to catch a 45 minute bus ride shows just how secluded from civilization I have been. I live the farthest mile-wise from this high school, but when I walk through the school doors each morning, I am part of the strong community Wachusett holds. I also live in a town where the speed limit is often 30, not because of safety, but to avoid a possible cow that has wandered into the road. Things are sure going to change next year, as some of us move from our comfortable rooms at home, to a dorm half the size and living with a roommate. But It's time to step into this big world; Bigger than both prom queens, and bigger than Facebook. We have to take responsibility and adjust to the real world. Our families today, are proud of us. Looking around, trying to figure out which cap and gown their child's face is under. I guess that's a problem with graduation: The students are all dressed identically, and I need to tell them how being an individual is the key to success. But it's not what they wear, or who they are sitting next to; It is what they all have learned, how they have changed, and who they are becoming. The moments in life that matter most will not stop here.
As we sit here, possibly still shaken up from the anticipation graduation has brought, we look towards our future. Whether it holds being an athlete, a politician, a businessman, or an artist, we all have one thing in common- to be the best we can be at what ever we chose to do. We will take our high school experiences with us to overcome any future obstacle. As Eleanor Roosevelt had stated, "You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.'" There may be no turning back, but the future ahead holds our dreams. We will take things as they go, and change the future as we go off on our own. Graduating class, never give up on your ambitions, because there is no one to tell you what you can and cannot do. The change we have experienced will help us no matter where our future leads us along in a wonderful journey.
I entered high school as a small, awkward, weirdo.. And now I can say.. well.. at least I'm a little taller. Congratulations Class of 2010, this is it!
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