You may recall those first few weeks as freshmen back in 2010. Many of you were tiny, scared, worried, crying, quiet, clueless, and some even cocky. The truth is that I possessed many of the same qualities as well, with the exception of being tiny.
Yet, together we have come a long way since then and we have even farther to go.
The Class of 2014 will be remembered as creative, bright, challenging, athletic, talented, and extremely unique. This is a vast difference from initially being portrayed as lazy, lacking empathy, chaotic, disorganized and frustrating. I have worked tirelessly to have you to view yourselves as leaders and doing things our way, and the right way. This is proof that over the years you have changed your self-imposed image.
You have truly been conquerors in some respect. You owned district, regional, state, and national athletic recognitions, theatrical performances, music performances and competitions. You have demonstrated your talents and served the South Lakes community well.
Hundreds of you have navigated your way through the IB curriculum, years of finals and SOL exams, enhanced your linguistic skills, attended Governor’s school, participated in awesome internships with perks that many adults could not rival, and expressed yourselves artistically in various venues and a variety of ways.
All of your accomplishments are celebrated and note-worthy. However, what I have tried to instill in each of you over the last few years was to first look beyond yourself, set your own unique course, celebrate your successes, embrace your failures and learn from them, speak up for yourself and the voiceless, and make good decisions. There is greatness in each one of you. I’ve seen the impact you have had on yourself, others and most of all, me.
You are some of the most selfless group of students I’ve ever worked with. You’ve embraced what it means to be interdependent and supportive, no matter the circumstances. You’ve supported one another through hard situations and learned how to respond effectively when things do not go as planned. Continue to lift others as you climb, to include leaving a good legacy for future graduates.
You have a long road ahead of you, and it will require time, patience, love, and giving of yourself in ways unimaginable.
South Lakes is such a wonderful place to learn academics and life lessons. You have been resilient while working your way through administrative, instructional, logistical and social changes during your time at South Lakes. Each moment of your life will be met with challenges and changes as you grow older. Remember your Seahawk pride and meet each of those moments with your head held high and a determined spirit.
You are just beginning.