Dear faculty, members of the school board, fellow graduates,
friends and family:
Dear faculty, members of the school board, fellow graduates, friends and family:
I’m standing before you tonight as the Salutatorian of the Class of 2005. Although it is an honor to be number two in the class, this position still has great responsibility. I’m faced with the difficult task of trying to say something meaningful and interesting while attempting to say something different than my brother. I find this task one of the most challenging ones I have ever faced. To tell you the truth, though I have excelled in many subjects, I never got the A+ in speech writing.
After tonight, we will leave Live Oak and go off to our own separate paths. However, before we go, I ask that we first reflect on the past. During the past few weeks, I began to think about all the events that have occurred during my apparently short 18 years. This brought back memories of the Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers.
This also brought back recollections about the good old days, when school was all about drawing pictures and when recess seemed to last all day long. As I think about how times have changed, I begin to understand how much I’ve changed. I’ve gone from being unable to recite the alphabet to memorizing calculus and physics equations.
The same thing has occurred to us during our high school careers. A lot has transpired since we first walked onto Live Oak as sparkling sophomores. We’ve developed many talents while discovering new abilities. We played varsity sports, joined many different clubs and did things we never thought we would have done.
After two years of trials and tribulations, we finally became rulers of the campus. We were the role models that the underclassmen looked up to, with our nice parking spots, our own side of the gym and all the other senior privileges.
However, like all good things, our reign as the leaders of this school has come to an end. And as we reflect on these three wonderful years, we find that our memories aren’t solely based on what we learned from the classroom, but come from the various unforgettable events we’ve experienced through the years. We don’t remember the times when we solved complicated equations or failed tests (Yes, I failed my share of tests.); we remember all the fun memories we spent with our friends. Who can forget the time when our Senior Beach Day was a little cloudier than expected? How about our first day of school as a senior?
All this talk about memories has given me ideas for my own MasterCard commercials.
Senior Parking Spot: $50
Prom bid: $25
Yearbook (depending on when you buy it): $55
High school memories: Priceless
There are some things money can’t buy. For everything else, ask your parents.
Although some will stay in Morgan Hill, many of us will travel to places far away. Some of us will leave behind friends we’ve known since kindergarten. We will all create our own distinct paths in life as we travel to the future. Some paths may occasionally cross each other but tonight is the last time they all come together. So, remember to cherish these memories because you will never be able to repeat them again. The future will be a new and different experience.
I’m confident that our time here has prepared us for the paths ahead, even though they are uncertain and uncharted. So as we move on to the next stage of our lives, I hope all of you remember how you learned from your experiences at Live Oak. Take what you have learned here and go make your mark on the world.
So, as I close this chapter of my life, I’d like to end by thanking all the people who influenced me. First off are my teachers and advisers for all the knowledge they managed to stuff in my brain. Next, I’d like to thank my parents for always being there to support me during those late nights before finals.
In addition, I want to thank my family for their endless love and support. After that, I would like to thank my friends for giving me countless memories that I will remember for the rest of my life. And who could forget the senior class of 2005. Thank you for making this year “simply the best.”
As I go off on my own path, let me leave you with a few words. A doctor once told me, “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! Class of 2005, I can’t wait to see Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”
