My name is Chase Milhorn, and I was new to Leilehua this year; in fact, this is my fourth high school, having been to two in Germany and one in Boston. There is truly no other school, community, or state where I would rather be standing tonight. And I am not just trying to avoid problems after the ceremony when I say this. From the very first day, I felt accepted by the students and the staff here at Leilehua High School. Whether it was in the classroom, on the soccer field (love you guys), or out on the waves, there was always an eager Leilehua face that not only recognized me, but welcomed me. It just goes to show that the Aloha Spirit has a strong presence in this school and the community of Wahiawa.

Now when it comes to the 鈥渓ife-changing鈥� advice that I am supposed to give you all, I can鈥檛 say that I am any more prepared for post-high school than you are. All I can tell you is what has gotten me through ten moves and four different high schools, and that is… respect. The way I see it, you鈥檒l find respect in a few forms. The most common is respecting those around you. I have found that it is just as helpful to listen as it is to talk, to learn as it is to teach.

Besides this, it is also important to have respect for the world. I have grown up with friends from around the globe, and if there is anything that I have learned, it is that people deserve respect for who they are as individuals, not what they look like or believe in.

The final and most significant form is self-respect; work for what you desire and what you believe in, and don鈥檛 let others stop you. I鈥檇 like to thank all of the teachers that have made this an awesome and educational senior year. I鈥檇 also like to thank my family: to my mom, you鈥檝e always been my emotional support; dad, thanks for risking early retirement on the waves this season; to my sisters, Lindsay and Kailey, thanks for putting up with me these years. Lastly, thank you to all of my friends; however cheesy it may sound, anyone that wears green and gold is a friend of mine, and you have made my short stay in Hawaii the most unforgettable experience of my life. Mahalo Class of 2011!

About the author: Chase Milhorn was a valedictorian at Leilehua High School in Wahiawa.

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