Step 3

Mountain Grove South Jr. High

Valedictory Speech 2006

"The Future Is So Amazing"

by Darrin Really

I believe it was President Abraham Lincoln who said, "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time." And I believe it was my dad who said, "Do your homework."

(Pause for laughter)

But seriously, Mountain Grove South Jr. High 8^th grade class of 2006, tonight marks a landmark in our lives. I can't believe we have made it. If someone had told me three years ago that I would be here tonight and in high school in less than three months from now, I would have laughed and thought they were joking.

We have all gone through these three years together. Whether it has been Mr. Mendoza's Earth Science class, Ms. Gluttman's PE class, or even Ms. Washington's math class, we've done it together and have all supported each other along the way. And America has been dealing with terrorism. So, as I was sitting with you just now, snapping my fingers to the jazz band as they opened the ceremony with their wonderful rendition of "Take the A Train," I couldn't help but wonder, "What next?" Sure, we start our Freshman year this fall, but we face life altering times ahead of us. First of all, there are so many activities in high school: sports, band, and even drama. We're also going to get mixed in with the students from Mountain Grove North and Fox River Grove.

So, I wondered, will we just forgot all about the last three years and the friendships we've forged here as we make our way through Eastwood High, college, and even adulthood? Then, I looked around at all of us sitting here this afternoon in our gold and green robes, and I realized that the answer is "No way." We will not forget. Because I can just tell that our class is so special. The friendships we've forged here are friendships for life.

And, whenever I see any of you next year, two years from now, or even three and four years from now, I know that I'm going to give you a hug... Just for the girls, though. Sorry, guys.

(Pause for laughter.)

But seriously, I will give you a hug or a handshake and ask how you are doing and if you need my support for anything.

And what about learning and what it really means in our lives? Well, as I've made my way through these three years, I've often asked myself that too: "What is the real meaning of learning?" "Why do we pursue learning?" or, in the case of eating a cafeteria lunch, "What in the world is this goop?"

(Pause for very big laughter.)

But, seriously, what is it we are supposed to get from learning? Are we supposed to just sit there and read our books and take our tests but not learn anything? I realized that the answer is no. I realized that learning is more than just knowing how to do algebra, or reading The Cry of the Wolfs, or even learning about American history. It's about learning about who you are and what your place around the world is.