ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ

UPDATED 7/21/11 5:15 p.m.

We entered senior year feeling like the struggle was over. I know this because we were already counting down the number of days separating us from graduation…before the school year had even begun. But as the numbers in our countdown became smaller and smaller, memories of times we’ve shared piled higher in our minds. I remember us lying side by side in the sand at freshman camp, searching for shooting stars and constellations in the night sky. I couldn’t see my classmates’ faces next to me in the dark, just as I was only beginning to understand the people they were beyond their faces.

Now we know each other so well that we worry—will people in college understand our literary references or love our awkward dance moves as much as we do? Who will accept us with all of our quirks? With each other we can let our guards down and be ourselves. We’re not ashamed to laugh like a pod of dolphins, or to cry like a clowder of cats when we’re together. And whether we sound like angels in choir, or screaming banshees on the Project Grad trolley, we raise our voices as a single entity. Although we all have decidedly different personalities, interests, and political agendas, facing ordeals together allowed us to learn and grow as individuals.

However, we could not have come this far as a class if it were not for all the support we’ve received from the teachers, administrators, faculty, and staff here at the Priory. You’ve offered guidance when we were unsure of the path to take, and helped us stand up straight again when we faltered. Because of you, school is like a second home to us. We are grateful also to the countless others who came before us, and the members of our class who are unable to be with us now, but are here in spirit. And to the parents and grandparents, aunties and uncles here today: thank you for taking care of us, working so hard for us, and loving us enough to send us to this school.

And of course, to our beautiful class of 2011…the countdown has finally reached zero. WE MADE IT! Congratulations! Like the dove on our Ascension Day cross, we’ve grown too big for the nest and it’s time to test our wings.

As we stand here about to commence the next chapter of our lives, there are two things I hope for us: First of all, I hope that we will go forth boldly and not feel held back or restricted in any way. Our stories are far from over… Once the doors of the cathedral open and the light of the outside world washes over us, we will be free to go our separate ways. To those of us who—even as we sit here now, moments from walking out that door with diplomas in hand—are still reluctant to leave the nest: don’t be afraid to be your best self, or to let your life go in a new direction when opportunities arise. I have no idea where our lives will lead us, but I pray that fortune may follow us in all of our endeavors.

My second hope is that we remember that we are strong, and we are never alone—life is about making connections. I hope your new friends will love and support you, and get to know your strengths the way we know them. And if there’s someone here now, whom you can trust, who understands you and stands up for your best self, I hope you hold on to them because they’re not easy to come by. Know that no matter where you go these people will be there for you.

In the lives we have ahead of us, many decisions will be difficult, but if we struggle, it will mean that we haven’t compromised our idealism. It will mean that we’re still growing and learning, following our dreams and aspirations. Whether we help the lives of millions, or reach out to inspire just one person, we’ll all be wonderful. I’m so excited for the world because we are in it, and we shine so brightly. Stay gold, class of 2011. Thank you.