READ THIS- the whole thing

This is the first draft of my Valedictorian address. Tell me what you think, what do I need to change, a little bit or the whole thing? I don't have long to edit this, so the sooner you comment the more likely I will be able to make improvements.

Good evening everybody. Parents, Grandparents, Superintendent McCollum, faculty, and Class of 2005, welcome.

I am honored to be here this evening to represent our class - truly a humbling experience that has left me with more than a few sleepless nights and hours of sheer terror while staring at my blank computer screen with a serious case of writer’s block. I have received a steady stream of well intended advice from family and friends, all the while searching the internet as if to find my muse with the inspiration needed on how to string together the perfect pearls of wisdom for tonight’s ceremony. I have learned not to be trite or cliché, told to “never let them see you sweat” and above all else, be sure and smile – all great advice….I have no doubt….but I remain haunted by the pithy saying “It is better to remain silent and have people think you are a fool, then open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.”

That being said, this speech is about wishing South Medford High School a fond farewell…some might say good riddance…..but I choose to say fond farewell as each one of us, no matter how great or how little our success, if challenged to confess the truth, would acknowledge that the past 4 years did contain many memorable moments that have shaped us, influenced us and will inspire us to the future. What those moments are, comes from a very subjective and unique perspective for each of us but we will all leave here with our own “truths” based upon our experiences, some great, some not so great, some happy, some sad, enjoying laughter, sharing tears and all that the years did bring, knowing that we have soaked it all up like a sponge and go forth ready to pour out our lives into the greater world around us.

For me, there are many fond memories to recall. The last four years have been just the right blend of academics, athletics and social events. From singing “We didn’t live in the 80’s” for Mr. Clemenhagen’s Decades Project to barely finishing Mrs. Chadwell’s Poetry Project, from watching our Football team beat North in our Sophomore and Senior years, to cheering the guys soccer team to a State Championship last year. The assemblies, the dances and so much more have contributed to my wonderful high school experience. In that regard, I offer my heartfelt thanks to the faculty and staff along to my fellow students that have all done their part to make this a great place to call our home.
On a more somber note, the recent events resulting in the death of an Ashland High graduate leave me heartbroken with the sobering realization that such a senseless death could have been me, or you, or any one of us….and that this is a good time to take inventory of how fleeting life can be and to purpose to live each day to its fullest - being true to that inner voice within us and being compassionate and loving, practicing random acts of kindness and giving of ourselves to others, keeping short accounts, quick to forgive and living each day fully that we are blessed with, choosing an approach to life that exemplifies an attitude of deep appreciation for the gifts we are given and purposing to be prepared to “meet our Maker” if you will, with no regrets for what we have done, what we have said to others and what we have accomplished in our attempts to create a meaningful legacy.

Some of us will aspire to college, while others will heed the call of life’s adventures and travel this vast world to seek their path to deeper meaning…..some will take jobs and instantly become productive members of society, while others will take their time until they find that “next great thing” and achieve financial success…..some will marry and have kids at an early age, while others will wait on marriage and family till their 30’s and beyond as they establish their careers…..some will pursue their passions of music or theater or writing, while others will serve their country in the military, become members of the clergy or find expression in other forms of public service.

The point being, there is no right or wrong answer here, only an infinite series of possibilities in a world where opportunities still abound. Today we take one small step towards adulthood and with that there comes the personal responsibility for how we choose to shape the rest of our lives. We draw ever closer to the freedoms we have dreamed of and with that comes greater accountability. I quote President John F. Kennedy, from the undelivered speech due to his assassination on November 22, 1963. President Kennedy said, “If we are strong, our character will speak for itself. If we are weak, words will be of no help.”

So least we shy away from the terror of being kicked out of the comfortable, cushy South Medford High School nest, let’s drink a hearty non alcoholic toast for the friends we have made, the experiences we have shared and start planning now for our first class re-union and the stories we will tell.

Thank you and God Bless.