Graduation Speech

My mother once said to me, that her dream was too see me in a cap and gown. Well mom, I made it.
As we stand here before you today, we have proved to not only our family, friends, and peers but to ourselves that we can conquer anything. Today marks the end of our 12 year quest to obtain the title of high school graduate and take grasp of the paper that determines the rest of our lives. Today, the system we had grown so accustomed too comes to a close. We, as a class, represent the Phoenix. We dueled out all the ridiculous hardships, survived the "best" years of our life, and it is finally combusting into flames. As we rise out of the fire though, we embark on a new journey through life, as full fledge adults.
It was not always like this though. Before we walked through the doors of McLain I think we all had the fear that this school, like any other high school, would be the same. We would be overlooked for not being captain of the football team, forgotten for not taking part in any sort of club, and only passed because we could not be dealt with. That was far from the case though. When we came teachers actually remembered our names. They were truly interested in getting to know us as people and help us to achieve. The counselors made it a mission to do anything possible to help us gain credits. And we did. Even the administrators of JeffcoNet took the effort of learning about us. This include those who were not always in trouble either. For the first time in ages, the desire to go to school was revived. No longer was it a burden to wake up and sit in a class. It became enjoyable, which is something that is generally unheard of. This is all thanks to the people of McLain, and to personally the staff of JeffcoNet. I truly believe that this school is Jefferson County's best kept secret. And none of us, class of 2009, would be here today, ready for the next step, without them.
So here is to them, for not leaving us behind. And here is to us for not giving up. I wish you all the best of luck in everything you do.
Congratulations class of 2009, we really did it.