VALEDICTORIAN

Good evening, teachers, administrators, families, and of course, the class of 2026.

It’s honestly hard to believe that we’re finally here. I remember my first day of high school like it was yesterday, and I’m sure y’all do too. Back then, graduation felt so far away.

But soon enough, we began to count the months, then weeks, then days, and now, we’re here, wondering where all that time went.

Over the past four years, we’ve all grown and changed so much. We’ve made memories, learned lessons, and shared moments together that I know we’ll carry close to our hearts long after tonight.

I’d like to take a moment to personally thank those who have helped me get here. I’m incredibly grateful for all of the teachers I’ve had throughout the years, but I’d like to give a special thank you to two teachers who truly made an impact on me. To Mrs. Weddle, who I had for both Advisory and English, thank you for your patience and countless funny stories throughout the last two years. To Mrs. King, thank you for all of your guidance and support this year with my BRVGS senior capstone project. Your advice from that class will stick with me through college and the rest of my life.

Thank you to all my friends, but especially Brooke, Emma, and Maggie who filled my classes with laughter and love, making this year truly one I’ll never forget. While our time together in high school has come to a close, this is certainly not the end for our friendship.

Thank you to my family, especially my sister, Sophie. Being the younger twin, I‘ve never known a minute without you, and I hope I never will. You have been my best friend and biggest inspiration, so thank you for everything you’ve done for me.

To the class of 2026, we have each had so many amazing accomplishments in high school, and I know there are many more ahead of us. So, wherever you go next, whether that be the military, trade school, the workforce, or college, I know each and every one of us will succeed greatly.

Stepping into this next chapter of our lives, I’d like to leave you with a quote from Taylor Swift, “hold on to the memories, they will hold onto you.” Even as we leave high school, the memories from it will continue to comfort us and shape our lives long after we walk away from here today.

So, congratulations class of 2026, we made it.