Good afternoon, everyone. First and foremost I would like to thank you on behalf of the class of 2017 for joining us today for our graduation ceremony. To me, this celebration is more than just a big “congratulations you made it,” but a time to reflect on the past four years, a time to take a step back and realize how much each and everyone one of us has grown as an individual, and a time to show our thanks to all who have supported us, pushed us, and believed in us. Before entering into high school I had no idea how much guidance I would receive from other students, teachers, and community members or how that would shape my time here at BRHS and me as an individual.

I remember by first time being exposed to the high school, it was the fall of my eighth grade year. I was shadowing a friend to see if this was where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life. I remember sitting through double period math, a movie about rats in world cultures, and weird looks from upperclassmen who had no idea why a little eighth grader was wandering through the halls. The beginning of the day left me undecided, which for those of you who know me, is no surprise at all. When the final bell rang Mr. Welch pulled me into his office. We discussed any questions or concerns I had, then mapped out what my class schedule might be for the next four years. We decided what language I wanted to take and if I wanted to be in honors classes. He then reviewed the math offerings. When I was a freshman only a few kids were allowed to double up and take both geometry and algebra two. He told me that he thought it would be best if I just took geometry because he wasn't sure if the curriculum at CTL would align properly and prepare me enough.

Like most kids when told I shouldn't do something that became exactly what I wanted to do. Even with his warning of its difficulty I asked to take both. After a slight hesitation he agreed. He told me that if that's what I wanted to do he would guide me when taking on the challenge. That he was there to assist me in achieving my goals and aid me in any way that he could. That was the point when I knew that even if Boothbay wasn't the perfect fit, I would be surrounded by people who wanted to help me and wanted me to help myself as much as possible. I came to Boothbay to be a part of the community, to immerse myself in a culture where in both classes and extra curriculars, people would support me, push me, and care for me.

Fast forward to this fall. I was a stressed senior, trying to accomplish the daunting task of figuring out my plans for next year while at the same time having to fix my class schedule, trying to fit in the right classes to make sure I had taken all the requirements for certain colleges. I was in Mr. Welch’s office everyday for probably a couple of weeks. By the end of that time we had probably changed my schedule five times, at one point he even offered to teach me a class. He was willing to take the time out of his busy schedule and teach me a class if that's what I wanted to do. The endless support and help I received was not only what kept me slightly sane during that crazy time but taught me the importance of finding mentors and being a part of a community.

Being a student at BRHS teaches us how to be a part of something larger than ourselves. To find connections with people and groups that will help us while we strive to better ourselves in whatever way possible. We have learned about empathy and the value of building relationships. Right now, everyone in this room has helped us; parents, teachers, and other students, attain our goal of graduating. Without your support, many of us would not be standing up here, not going on to attending the colleges we always dreamed of attending, or finding the jobs we always hopes of finding. Now, we must use that experience of community and take it with us onto the next chapters.

To my classmates: wherever you are headed next, it is your job to find your community. Become a part of something larger. Make connections with people who will help you and people who need your help. Use what you have learned and experienced and go find a community that you can contribute to. Show the same compassion that was demonstrated to us to everyone you encounter. Keep connected, involved, and leave a positive difference with every challenge or situation you encounter.

Thank you for allowing me to share one of the most valuable lessons I learned here at BRHS and thank you joining our class today as we officially graduate.