Speeches supposed to have been given at Monroe High School graudation
Because of the rain during last week’s Monroe Township High School graduation ceremony, student speakers were unable to offer their remarks. What follows are the texts of the speeches they had planned to give.
Valedictorian
Good Evening Class of 2007. It is an honor to be speaking tonight on behalf of our graduating class.
Four years ago, I never would have imagined that I would have the privilege to be standing here in front of you today.
So, let me begin by acknowledging my classmates, my friends, my fellow graduates. I would also like to acknowledge our distinguished guests: Dr Ralph Ferrie, superintendent of schools and Mr. Robert Goodall, our principal.
In addition, I would like to thank our faculty, family and friends for being here today to share in this momentous occasion.
None of us could have gotten this far without our family and friends. I for one know that without my parents’ motivation I could not have made it as far as I have. They always stand by my side no matter what the situation is. I knew then and I know now that I can always trust them and count on them in times of need.
We have all made some good friends over the past four years. Although some friends come and go, they will always remain in our memories and have greatly shaped our character.
As we go forward in time, there will be more instances in which friends depart from our lives, but we must recognize the profound effect that they have had on our existence. These individuals seem to be but a minor part of our lives, but in actuality they have made a major impact upon our being.
I, like my fellow classmates, am very thankful for family and friends.
Our class came together in the fall of 2003, expecting a valuable education. We are leaving today with so much more. Today marks a milestone in our lives, a culmination of four years of learning, growing and sharing memories.
One of my fondest, yet most disturbing memories is the class assembly regarding the lack of school spirit and participation in fundraising. Poor Ms. Basile stood in front of the filled auditorium screaming her head off, while the class did not seem even a bit sympathetic. We even had the audacity to begin to celebrate and cheer about our pitiful performance; it was one big joke.
Though a bad experience, we went forward and had some very successful fundraisers, displaying the unity of this class. Thankfully, we have all come a long way from those earlier days. Today, we are yet again in alliance over the fact that we will miss the times we had at Monroe Township High School.
High school is said to be the best four years of our lives. I do not know if I truly believe that this is accurate. How can these years be the best when we do not know what the future has in store for us?
In reality, the pleasures of life depend on an individual’s perspective. Existence cannot be categorized into stages and these stages should not be compared to each other. Life is just a journey that we all take. Of course, there will be bumps in the path, but with perseverance and a strong state of mind, any situation can be a positive one.
For example, one minor bump in my life was my opposition to a bold sign being drilled above my bed. That sign is accredited to my persistent mother and reads, " Each day is a gift." At first, I resisted its placement, but after extensive arguing, I gave in. I was irritated waking up to the sight of that silly sign, but I was not exactly interested in picking a fight with the woman who feeds me. I can now recognize her intention to teach me a valuable life lesson. Just to let you know mom, the lesson has been learned.
Often, we complain about the most minor setbacks, such as a small-unwanted sign sitting above a bed, but in comparison to the big picture they do not mean much. Each day truly is a gift that we should cherish. All of us here today should recognize the gifts that we have been blessed with, although sometimes they seem to be expected and can be taken for granted. Each day is like a new chance, full of opportunities, and I am truly thankful for that.
One of these opportunities is slowly approaching. Within the next two or three months most of us will be heading off to college. Some of you may see this transition from high school to college as a sad experience and I am sure that many of you have tears in your eyes just thinking about it, but today is not a day to be upset. It is a day to celebrate. It is not the end, but rather a new beginning, a clean slate, a chance to use the knowledge that has been instilled in us.
I have always been told that hard work pays off in the end. It is now that I realize how true this statement really is. I naturally take great pride in doing my very best work and I am very pleased with where it has taken me. If I were to give one piece of advice to all of you, it would be to always do your very best. Good luck, Class of 2007, I know you will be successful in your endeavors and I wish you the best. Its been a great four years and I am sure there will be many more to come. Our class has made a mark in Monroe Township and I believe that after high school each of us will make our mark in life.
Alex Malvone
Student council president
Good evening friends, family, teachers, and honored guests. It is so hard to believe that this is the day that many of us have been counting down to for the last few months or maybe even years while others have been dreading this closure to such an important part of our lives.
At one time I thought I would be really sad standing up here knowing I would never be a student at MTHS again, but about two weeks ago Mr. Snook was in my language class and said something I’ve been thinking about ever since no one ever lived anytime but now, and therefore you must always be living for the present, not for the future or the past.
So yes, the past four years have been quite excellent and I’ve learned and lived and grown so much, but it is time to move on.
As this year has come to an end, and I’ve experienced my last band concert or volleyball game or student council activity, I’ve told people it was fun and I’m really glad I had the opportunity. But I’m definitely ready to move on and I think that’s how I feel about high school in general. I’ve done all that I can and have gotten the most out of this experience, as I’m sure many of you have as well, and now the time has come for us to leave and let others experience the great things we have.
The memories of tonight and these last four years will soon be added with new memories, new friends, new jobs, new relationships, and most importantly a new you.
As we transition into a new chapter of our lives, I challenge you all to take the advice of the band, The Starting Line. In one of my favorite songs, they say make it a point to appreciate the life you lead, don’t rush the days, you’ll wish they stayed for one year later. No matter what your plans are for tomorrow, make sure you enjoy whatever you are doing today, don’t just go through the motions. Life is meant to be lived.
It is like when we were little, or even today I’m sure, we’d be driving to grandma’s house or the grocery store or some far off land with our families, and we’d all ask "Are we there yet?" "How much longer?" We never took time to sit back and enjoy the ride, the journey.
Life is one long journey and often times people are too concerned with the final destination or the little pit stops along the way to glance out the window and soak up all life has to offer. Yes, the sights might not all be scenic and gorgeous, but they’re part of the trip, part of you.
So we’re graduating. We’ve made it over a huge mountain in the road and, whether you are jumping on the parkway or taking the back roads, learn from Gov. Corzine. Buckle up. The road may be bumpy. Congratulations, Class of 2007, and good luck exploring the infinite abyss.
Rachel DeBaun