To the Class of 2025…   

            Four years ago, I know each and every single one of us perceived this moment as millions of miles away- knowing it was inevitably coming, looming so far in the distance, but we were so caught up in the whirlwind of all these new things that I don’t think any of us ever appropriately stopped to appreciate the significance of all the moments we’ve lived. So now, since the future is already well underway, I want us all to think back and congratulate not ourselves now, but the selves of our past. The freshman you who had no idea what the years would bring, but tackled it headfirst- or more realistically, were probably drug along- and who is now, not completely gone, but wholly transformed.  Now, lets think about all the bad haircuts, the terrible outfits, the group projects, the sports matches won and lost,  the grueling all nighters, the presentations, the exams, and  the life-changing memories that we will still recall for generations to come. Decades from now, this is the high school experience that we’re going to be laughing with our families about, and I hope each and every one of you made each and every day worth it. If not, then take today, right now, to live in this moment, and savor every second. We’ll never graduate from high school again, and despite all our differences of club, sport, grades, and attendance (haha), we now take this moment to walk through this door together, on clean slates and equal footing, united as the Great Oak High School class of 2025. We are the first and last of our generation, and even if you feel these past few years have not been as rewarding and memorable as they should have been, then take this moment to make a vow to yourself to live for you from here on out, because your deserve it. This is no one else’s world but yours, and it can be whatever you make it- so don’t squander anything, laugh loud, be kind and generous, find value in every second, take time for yourself to cherish this life you’ve built and know that it will never be the same again. Every single one of you, you have now graduated high school, you are so young and full of potential, and you are so ready for whatever lies ahead. Salud!