Good evening Bishop Cote, Mother Anthony, Professor Reyes, Sister Loreto, Members of the School Board, Faculty, parents, friends, relatives, and class of 2008. Good evening Bishop Cote, Mother Anthony, Professor Reyes, Sister Loreto, Members of the School Board, Faculty, parents, friends, relatives, and class of 2008.
I can hardly believe that four years have passed since we entered what will become, in a few moments, our Alma Mater On that first day, most of us were strangers to each other. A few of us were acquaintances. We were, though, in it together; and together we have come to this day.
Ready or not, we traveled down the road of high school life and maturity. We were timid and apprehensive young girls when we started school together. Tonight we leave the Academy not as strangers but as friends, and we have matured into strong, independent, and confident young ladies. Tonight we have come to the end of that four-year road. We will each take a different branch off this road which will lead us to the beginnings of our futures.
Our time at the Academy has laid a strong foundation of faith, knowledge, love and understanding upon which to build our adult lives. Throughout our years here we have learned about God's enduring love for us. From our schoolwork and academic lessons we expanded our minds. We learned some of life's lessons and grew in poise and confidence through sports, drama, and glee club. Through day-to-day interactions, we have formed strong bonds with each other. We learned to value and appreciate our individuality. Each member of our class has different tastes in music, sports, literature, and how to spend our days off.
We each have our unique dreams and aspirations. That is what makes us individuals and will lead us down separate paths to our future. But we still share the same basic values instilled in us by our families and by the Sisters of the Academy of the Holy Family. Our individuality- that is the mark the class of 2008 will leave on the Academy.
My fellow Seniors, although we will be moving on from being together here at the Academy, I know that the friendships we have formed and our faith in God will always keep us bonded together wherever life takes us. We will all be a testament to our class motto:
Do not follow where the path may lead . Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. (Ralph Waldo Emerson.)
I would like to take this time to thank everyone we hold dear and everyone who has influenced our lives. I would especially like to thank all the Sisters of Charity who taught us both in and out of the classrooms, and our wonderful and dedicated lay teachers. Most of all, and I believe that I speak for each senior; I would like to thank our families. They have made it possible to attend the Academy in order to give us the best educational opportunity. They gave us support, encouragement and love.
As Oliva Newton-John sang in Grace and Gratitude,
Seasons come and seasons go
No matter what we choose
A thousand lanes
A thousand roads
All lead to one simple truth
I thank you for life
I thank you for everything
I stand here in grace and gratitude
And I thank you.
As we start another chapter in our lives we will make you proud of us and will uphold the traditions of the Academy of the Holy Family.