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LAWRENCE: Class of 2013 members head out with confidence

Lawrence High School’s class of 2013 is ready for the real world.

By Payal Marathe, Special to the Ledger
   Lawrence High School’s class of 2013 is ready for the real world.
   The graduation ceremony took place at the Sun National Bank Center on Tuesday. Student leaders and adults who spoke gave the class of 2013 — a sea of cardinal red robes sitting before them — a strong vote of confidence.
   Class President Amirah Brown set the tone of the evening with her welcoming remarks, in which she told her peers to go out into the world and “tear it up.”
   Seniors in the class of 2013 encountered a new administration, a new bell schedule, new standardized tests and a new curriculum during their time at LHS, Ms. Brown said. She added that only an exceptional group of students could handle all of these changes and more without flinching.
   Ms. Brown said she is certain her classmates will overcome obstacles in the real world with the same motivated, positive energy.
   ”Go on give us your best shot – we will get through it, and we will tear it up,” she said.
   Superintendent Crystal Edwards echoed this confidence when she recognized the class of 2013, and said she has no doubt these graduates will continue to excel as they pursue their goals beyond high school.
   ”Amirah is right,” she said. “We should be preparing the real world for you.”
   Still, as ready as these seniors might be for the challenges awaiting them, they received numerous pieces of advice before turning their tassels.
   Valedictorian Irene Connelly said she fears how high-achieving people often fail to enjoy life because they get caught up in all of the hard work.
   Many students go through high school focusing only on stressful exams and college applications, forgetting to appreciate the canoe trips, beach days and sports victories as they are happening, Ms. Connelly said. As important as it is to plan for the future, people should pause to enjoy these fun experiences so they can create fond memories, she added.
   ”I think we all wish we could get as much enjoyment out of living our good old days as we do remembering them,” Ms. Connelly said.
   Other speakers touched on a similar theme, warning seniors not to take themselves and their grand goals too seriously.
   Michael Baicker, class salutatorian, said he expects LHS graduates to aim high, but hopes they put more effort into achieving personal success and satisfaction than they put into achieving fame and a global identity.
   ”In the end, it’s the little things by which we are remembered,” Mr. Baicker said.
   Ms. Connelly will be attending Yale University in the fall, while Mr. Baicker has committed to Duke University.
   Principal Jonathan Dauber shared three pieces of advice with members of the class of 2013 — be patient, work hard and find piece of mind.
   Achieving great things takes time and requires tremendous discipline, Mr. Dauber said. But he added that through it all, it is most important to “find a way to be happy with who you are, what you are and where you are.”
   He ditched the stage and podium, instead delivering his farewell address on level ground with the graduates. He spoke from the floor and from the heart.
   Mr. Dauber said this commencement was particularly special for him because he had promised to complete his advanced degree requirements by the time that this group finished high school. He said he followed through on his end of the deal, and was proud to join the ranks of the class of 2013.