"Many years ago, when we started school, we were like baby chicks just emerging from the egg of youth. As Freshmen we struggled to escape the immaturities that held us captive. Over the years though, and little by little, we have each grown into a magnificent bird (well most of us). I for one like to picture myself as an albatross, soaring over a bay. Payden Yates, with his colorful attire, is obviously a peacock. Jordan Fish is definitely a dove, hence his being named most caring and his probable future winning of the Nobel Peace Prize. Conner Earl is an owl, not because he is wise, but because I once caught him eating a field mouse, but that is neither here nor there. So the questions that face you today are what kind of bird are you? And when you spread your developed wings, ready to take off from your nest, where will you fly? Actually scratch that last part, I believe how you fly is more appropriate. Will you be tossed about by the tempestuous winds of life? Or will you fly straight and true, right through the storm? Will you fly as low as possible, so if you fall you won’t get hurt? Or will you fly as high as you can, brushing your feathery wingtips against the clouds? Will you fly south for the winter? Or will you suck it up and go buy a ski pass? Friends, acquaintances, and people I have never seen before, how you fly will determine your success in life. So fly like a champ.
Finally, I would like to say…”check me out mom, I’m valedictorian.”
pretty ironic I thought.