Salutatorian address

Welcome everyone! To our families, friends, teachers, and coaches, thank you for packing this room with love and support tonight as we celebrate not just the end of one chapter, but the exciting beginning of the next.

Standing here today as the salutatorian is something I never would have imagined. Just few years ago, I stood in this exact spot, speaking about my class at our 8th grade promotion.

I remember feeling so nervous, afraid of being judged, worried that my words wouldn't be good enough. But when I looked out at the crowd, I realized no one was judging me. In fact, most people were silently cheering me on. As I stepped down from the podium, still shaking, I thought to myself: “I wish I could do that at graduation someday... but I can't. I'm not smart enough.”

Throughout high school, I became my own biggest critic, underestimating myself and doubting what I was capable of. But as the years went by, it wasn't until late in junior year, something changed. I started to realize that maybe, just maybe, I could be standing here today, giving the very speech I once thought was out of reach.

When I got the news that I would be the salutatorian and that I would have to get going on my speech right away, I was in disbelief. All those years I spent overlooking my own achievements suddenly faded and blurred into pride, pride in everything I had quietly accomplished, even when I didn't believe in myself. I share this story today as a reminder, especially for the underclassmen: if you think you can't do something, you can. Just try. I’ve learned to set the bar high for myself because I know that with enough effort, I can reach it. And so can you. There are so many accomplishments that I have undermined due to the thought that 'it could be better.' I'm here to tell you to celebrate them. Be proud of every step forward, no matter how small. If you told my 8th grade self everything I've achieved since the last time I stood at this podium, she would be in shock. And honestly, sometimes, I still am too. But that’s the beauty of it. You are capable of more than you think.

While that moment was 4 years ago, it feels like it was just yesterday. One of the main things you hear in graduation speeches is that time flies, and I will be the first to admit I never believed it. I've spent my last year in this school hearing that it will go by so fast, but it truly doesn't kick in until you're creating your graduation cards, designing your cap for graduation, spending your last few moments with your class on your senior trip, and especially when you put on your cap and gown for the first time just to see how it fits. In previous years, when I sat in the audience at graduations and heard all about how it's all over in a blink of an eye, I never believed it. I remember thinking, 'they're just saying that. How can 4 years go by in a blink of an eye?' But as I stand up here today in front of everyone that has been a part of my journey, I can't believe that this day is already here.

Four years of high school, the excitement of knowing you'll soon be a senior, every year building up for this exact moment, only to wish you could go back to square one. Wishing you were entering your first high school class again, wishing you were still nervous about talking to upperclassmen, and wishing you had a few more moments with your class. You spend all of high school preparing for your next step and ready to get out, but when you spend the day watching your parents and underclassmen cry for you, you know that there's no going back. The life you've known so well for so many years, the small chapter of your life in high school, is coming to an end, and it really did happen in the blink of an eye.

So, a little advice for those of you sitting here thinking I'm just saying this, I promise you, I'm not. Before you know it, you'll be the ones walking across this stage, just like we're about to do. And when that day comes, you might find yourself wishing you'd gone to that Friday night football game. Wishing you'd joined in on homecoming week. Wishing you hadn't taken those little moments for granted, just because they didn't seem like a big deal at the time. I would give anything to go back and do it all again, and if I could, I'd get involved even more than I already was. So be involved. Join the student council. Try out for a sport. Go to that game. Make the most of every single moment, because even the things that seem small now can turn into the memories you'll cherish the most later.

I could go on and on with thank yous as there has been an innumerable amount of people that I have to thank here tonight, but I will keep it as short as I can. First, I want to thank the teachers and staff who have had the challenge, and the patience, of guiding our class over the years. I know we've had our moments, and I honestly don't know how some of you put up with us, but you never gave up. Instead, you pushed us to be better, and for that, we're truly grateful. As many of you know, sports have been my second home. I thrive on both a court and a field, and I don't know how I would have made it through without having them to lean on. So I also want to thank every coach I've had the honor to learn from, head coaches, assistants, and even those who simply offered advice along the way. Whether it was basketball, softball, or volleyball, my coaches always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. You pushed me to reach goals I never thought possible and taught me to trust in my own abilities. So thank you for never giving up on me, thank you for trusting me and valuing my presence as an athlete, and thank you for the countless opportunities you allowed me to experience. The lessons you’ve taught me have shaped me into who I am today, and will stay with me long into the future.

Next, I would like to thank my family, my biggest supporters from the very beginning. Whether it was academics, athletics, or just life in general, you've always been there, cheering me on from near or far. Mom and dad, I truly couldn't have made it through without you. The endless amounts of time spent studying in my room, or the nights I spent crying thinking I didn’t do well in school or after a tough game, you were always there with the reality check I needed, all while still being my number 1 fans. I always say that I am so blessed to know that I have parents who support me without question, who always show up, no matter what. And I know that's something not everyone gets, so I never take it for granted. Even through the annoyingly cold softball games, blowout basketball games, boring volleyball games, or the lengthy academic banquets, you never missed a moment. You showed up every time, and that has meant the world to me. The values you've taught me are what has been the foundation of who I am and I'll carry them with me into this next chapter of my life. So, Mom, Dad, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I love you more than words can say, and I appreciate you more than you'll ever know. I promise to keep making you proud, and I know you'll be right there with me, every step of the way.

Of course, one of my biggest thank-yous goes to my classmates. To the people sitting beside me today, I truly couldn't have made it through high school without you. The classes we've shared and the memories we've made together are ones I'll never forget. From decorating hallways during our freshman homecoming, to making the most of every moment on our senior trip, we've always known how to bring the fun and make the best of every situation.

While we may get rowdy at times, and our class group chat may be spammed with drama every so often, I still wouldn't trade this group for anything. I feel so lucky to have made these memories with all of you. We've been through so much together, and it's hard to believe that this is the last time we'll all be gathered in the same room, wearing our school colors, and sharing the same mascot. While some of us might cross paths again, this, right here, right now, is our final memory as one class. So take a second, look around, and let it sink in. We've spent these years as a family, facing our first big chapter in life together. Today isn't just about graduating; it's about celebrating everything we've shared along the way. So thank you, all of you, for being part of my journey. From the moment I first walked into our third-grade classroom as the new kid, to this day we've all been waiting for. Thank you.

Now, last but certainly not least, I want to take a moment to give a special thank you to someone who has been there for me in every way imaginable throughout my high school journey. As many of you know, after this year, Gilman isn't just saying goodbye to its best graduating class, we're also saying goodbye to one of the most honorable teachers to ever walk these halls. Mr. Gingras, or as I call him, Uncle Mike, decided earlier this last summer that this would be his final year as a teacher. And after years of serving as Gilman's high school math teacher, I think we can all agree, he's leaving behind some pretty big shoes to fill.

As his niece, I've spent a lot of time in his classroom, whether we were gossiping, joking with each other, or him trying to recruit me for track, his room easily became my safe space. He has assisted me in not only his own classes, but in other classes, and life in general. I know I can go to him with anything, and somehow, he always knows exactly what to say. He has pushed me to be my best and made sure I got everything I could out of high school, even if that meant falling victim to signature judgmental looks when I ask him how to factor after three years of his classes ... I still don't know how. And I know some of you might think I'm biased because he's family, but I've seen firsthand the impact he's had on so many students.

Students' laughter from his sound effects and jokes, the trust students have when they go to him for advice, and yes, even the tired faces when he's been telling a random story for the past half an hour. As he wraps up his final weeks here, we all take pride in knowing we were lucky enough to be taught by him, and that our math foundation is solid because of it. So, Mr. Gingras, on behalf of the Class of 2025, we invite you to celebrate with us as we cross the finish line together.

With that being said, Class of 2025, this chapter is ending, but our story is just beginning. So let's give it all we got and go forward with confidence. Our moment has finally come, and we earned it. So congratulations guys, we did it! Thank you. — Kayleigh James, Salutatorian