The following in the text of the speech given at graduation execises June 4, 2016.
Going into high school, we probably all had a plan of what our particular high school experience would look like. I?m pretty sure that none of us actually expected it to compare to high school musical, and as far as I know, there weren?t any spontaneous musical numbers, but still, our expectations were there. Most of us eagerly anticipated our four years here. In the midst of these mingled hopes and stereotypes, however, we forgot to take into account one factor, the true backbone of our high school experience: the people. {{more:[Full Story]}}
We had people that motivated us ?
We had people that motivated us, and we would be remiss to forget to thank them. Whether they were parents or other relatives, siblings, neighbors, or friends, we all had people who cheered for us when we were down, convinced us that things would turn out to be okay when we doubted that the most, and stood by us even when we were in the wrong. For me, that was my family. I want to thank my parents: Dad, thank you for always believing in me; for never saying that you thought I could do it but that you knew I would, and thank you, Mom, for never failing to provide the reassurance that I needed. And of course many thanks to Katie, Jessi, Jon, and Josh for always encouraging me in whatever I did and to my family who came down from Oklahoma. I know Coach Trantham and Coach Watson joke that Texas doesn?t fall into the Gulf of Mexico because Oklahoma sucks, but I have some pretty great relatives that live there. It is my sincere hope that everyone in the class of 2016 has someone here tonight who has played as an important part in their high school journey as my family has in mine.
Their guidance was crucial to our success ?
And then we had our teachers, coaches, and directors. Although we weren?t always grateful, they pushed more than we sometimes thought possible. Our teachers constantly found projects that we were interested in to make learning fun. Many of the teachers who taught an AP class worked just as hard as we did to ensure that we were prepared for the exam. And our CTE teachers fostered our enthusiasm for a certain career area so much that we couldn?t wait until our junior and senior years to join a practicum class. And as for our coaches and directors, we might not have enjoyed the time commitment that came with some of our extracurricular activities, but they made commitments just as big. They were there for the long days and late nights, the victories and the losses. Their guidance was crucial to our success.
We most certainly had each other ?
We most certainly had each other, the class of 2016. Not only did we uplift and stand by each other during the school day, but we also became teammates outside of the classroom walls. All of those long hours after school spent on the field, in the gym, or on the practice lot weren?t solely for our individual improvement–it was for the team. Even when we were on that field long after the final bell had rung, exhausted, and ready to go home, we didn?t. Even when we were on that three hour bus ride, heading to a distant town with a population of twelve, and we were ready to quit, we didn?t. Even when we stayed in the school after the halls had cleared to promote a project that our club was doing, and it seemed like no one else cared, we didn?t throw in the towel. All of these times we wanted to give up, but something stopped us. We knew we depended on each other. And so we stayed.
Together we dominate ?
Although there were disappointments along the way, our commitment to each other paid off many times. We have state champion powerlifters, track and field runners, and our girls? soccer team. All of our teams consistently make play-offs. Our band placed fifth in the state at last year?s competition, and we have the fourth best cheerleading team in Texas. The One Act Play advanced this year, and we have had all state Choir and band members. For the first time ever, we had an archery team, and they did a phenomenal job this year. You know, I?ve always wondered how it would feel to go to a different school and look on the schedule for the week and see that you were up against Kennedale because alone, we?re pretty good, but together, we dominate.Never doubt the power of words of encouragement …
With 7 billion people on the Earth, I seriously doubt that we?re supposed to go through life with blinders on, ignoring the people around us. Now, as we go into the future, we?re not sure exactly who will be in it, but one thing?s for certain: it?s our turn. We?ve made it to the top of this particular ladder, now we need to look back and help those behind us on their climb. We should never doubt the power of the words of encouragement and the acts of kindness that we can do for others. We know we wouldn?t be here or have accomplished the many things we have achieved without the unwavering support of the people in our lives, so let?s strive to emulate that as we go on from here.
And finally, I just want to wish you all the best in whatever you do. I am so grateful to have spent the past 13 years with you. Thanks for all the memories, and congratulations to the Kennedale High School Class of 2016. It was lit.Samantha Randolph is the daughter of Jeffery and Annabelle Randolph. She will be attending the University of Southern California to study Occupational Therapy. She wants to open a non-profit occupational therapy practice.
