Edge High School Graduation 2009

"Good evening. Thank you to Greg Hart, Bob Barrette, Rob, and the board for inviting me to be here. Thank you to the graduating class of 2009 - you may remember me from prom. I am very honored to be speaking to you all tonight. 10 years ago this month I walked across this very stage and received my high school diploma from Edge High School. Actually, Lenny handed me my diploma. I, like many of you, came to Edge for a second chance, a new beginning. Edge provided me with a different learning environment where I felt that I very much belonged. The teachers and staff and faculty provided me with the opportunity to achieve and to succeed when I didn't know that was an option for me. With the support of Edge, my family, my friends, and my husband, I have been able to continue to achieve and to reach each new goal that I set for myself. Since my time with Edge I have graduated from the University of Arizona, received my Masters of Education from Northern Arizona University, and am very proud to now serve on the board of directors for Edge. It is a great pleasure to give back to my school and to its students. I am truly grateful for the opportunities that Edge High School has provided to me.

But tonight is not about me, it’s about you, the graduating class of 2009. I, along with your teachers, your family, your friends, am very proud of your success here tonight! Graduating from High School is one of the best gifts that you will ever give yourself. As a high school graduate you have opened up immense opportunities for yourself. Your challenge now is to take advantage of those opportunities. Do not be afraid to try something and to fail at it; this will only make you stronger for the next adventure and remember that no one gets it right all of the time. Do not hesitate to rely on your friends and family and even the staff of Edge to help you through difficult times and to help you celebrate your successes; they have proven themselves thus far. It is not alone that we face this world, so take the help that is offered to you, and remember to give thanks where it is due.

I know that you are capable of amazing things, as you are sitting here tonight; the world is at your feet waiting. Whether you decide to continue from here on to college, into the workforce, to raise a family, or whichever other path you may choose for yourself, give it all of you got and have a good time. Remember that completing high school, while a huge accomplishment within itself, is only the beginning of a life full of opportunity and adventure!

I wanted to leave you with something very meaningful, some words of wisdom from someone more eloquent than myself, so I have two quotes that I hope you will enjoy:

This first one is by one of my favorite writers of all time, Dr. Seuss:

“You have brains in your head.You have feet in your shoes.You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.You're on your own.And you know what you know.You are the guy who'll decide where to go.”

And, finally, from another graduation speech by painter Gary Bolding;

“Your families are extremely proud of you. You can't imagine the sense of relief they are experiencing. This would be a most opportune time to ask for money.”

Thank you and congratulations!!!!!"