I bet right now a lot of you are thinking: “Wow. I can’t believe this is really happening. I can’t believe we’re finally here.” I got to say, for me, it’s not that hard to believe. True, I would say our class is a little rough around the edges; we’re notorious for sleeping in — for the entire day on many occasions – we like to drive our teachers up the wall and we have our own way of doing things which normally involves a lot of ruckus and a lot of laughter. Sometimes our way is not always the best way, but for the many years I have known you we have always pulled through together.

Together we braved all the English classes – some of us through song – together we cleared the science classes, without getting the chance to dissect an animal, I might add – together we survived Bennie’s history class – 45 minutes of taking notes in the dark, five times a week – together we survived the dreaded math classes – heck, Thor single-handedly survived calculus! Together we made it through sports, theatre, UIL, band and art. By hanging together with band, some of us created a legacy filled with memorable music.

When I say “together” I’m not just talking about us, the senior class. Right now, I give a million infinite thanks to our parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, friends, teachers and administrators who supported us every step of the way. Without you I don’t think that there would be a single graduate sitting over here.

I don’t consider myself an elegant speaker or writer, so when I was given two days to write this I completely flipped because I really wanted to write something important, something meaningful for everyone to hear. But as I racked my brain for ideas, I realized that I didn’t have much to say. I guess, it was more like there was so much I could say, I just didn’t know where to begin.

So, out of all the things I could have said, let me say this: Life is tough. I don’t think that there is another class that understands that better than ours. The loss of parents, friends that go their separate ways, watching friends endure hardships before our eyes, struggles with home and work; we have experienced them all.

But listen to me when I say that “tough” doesn’t mean impossible, it doesn’t mean failure. What I’m trying to say is don’t be afraid to come back and ask for help. I know there are some of us who wouldn’t like to readily admit it, but Skidmore is our roots. It’s a part of our lives. Look around you. For every graduate sitting over here, I guarantee there’s a least one person sitting over there or in the back who would gladly catch us if we stumble or fall along the way when the trail gets a little rough. All we have to do is say the word.

Now, I would say have fun with your future lives, grads, but, well, that’s the only way we know how to do it!