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Salutatorian
Speech:
by Virginia Albert '10
As I stand here before you today, I see a variety of smiling faces who have supported me throughout this journey at
Alexander-Smith Academy. Look at how far we've come, the friendships we've made, the lives we've changed, and what we've
accomplished! And look at where we're going! Most of us are off to college next year, away from Mommy and Daddy, and finally free to stand on our own two feet. As English teacher Pam Rameau puts it, "No one will be holding your hand." From there, we'll graduate college, start a career, get married, have a family, and send our children to Alexander-Smith Academy. Only joking.
It's amazing to see what we've accomplished during our high school careers. I would like to thank everyone in the graduating
class of 2010 for making my last year of high school so memorable and special. Orion, you have proved to be an incredibly
hard worker, and I admire you and your math skills in Calculus. Alex A, you have been, well, funny. Your humor and wit
never ceases to amaze me. Madison, that's awesome that you're a published poet. Andrea, I when I first met you as Gillian's
bat mitzvah partner in 6th grade, I have thought you were one of the most loyal people I've ever met. Vincent, your dry wit
and sense of humor, coupled with Alex's more obvious sense of humor brightens my day. Jessica, you are hilarious. You have
certain catch phrases, such as "that's awkward," or "that's stressful," that whenever I hear them, I will think of you.
Serena, I enjoyed our time hanging out during your break period. I hope you know when I tease you it's out of friendship.
Lauren, you're such a good singer! I heard you singing "Somewhere over the Rainbow" in Mrs. Rameau's class and I couldn't
believe it was you. I guess I could. You have so much heart and you're such a fun person. Taylor, you're an incredibly
strong person and you'll do great in life. Alex Martinez, I remember when I met you at one of the Camp Stewart Camp Mystic
dances. I remember thinking, "that kid is tall." and then I saw you every year after that, and we always talked. Will, I
hope that you do well wherever you go and shine in whatever you do! Brenda, your resilient attitude shows that you can go
through hard times in life, but remain strong. Sean, or as you told the lady from Loyola in New Orleans, Seen, I have come
to appreciate your humor and hope to see you someday on the stage of SNL, following in the footsteps of all the SNL greats.
Annie, I really hope you change the world someday! Your strong beliefs and convictions inspire others to do good in the world.
James, I have come to the conclusion that you are the most frat-tastic person in the graduating class. You never wear jeans,
you always wear polos and sunglasses, and you can be seen carrying a red Dixie cup walking in the door almost every day.
You're a really nice person, and it's crazy that you used to go to Kinkaid. Evan, how awesome is it that you're going to
play college baseball. When I get older and see you on TV, I can tell my friends that I went to school with you and backed
into your car! Paige, I'm really happy that you came to ASA last year. I hope to see you in Austin next year.
When I first enrolled in ASA, it was after an incredibly tough semester at Kinkaid. The first two weeks of school here
junior year, I just didn't care. After having a 13 in AP English, I realized that I needed to get my act together. I remember
ed my dreams of attending a prestigious university, and I looked at my situation and laughed. So i made a pact with myself
that I would try harder. I talked with Mrs. Rameau, my English teacher, about what I was thinking and all the makeup work
I needed to do. I sat in my office and organized my papers into folders and made a list of the things I had to do. I still
struggled from time to time, but junior year I managed to raise my semester grade 65 points in English!
Thank to you my parents, for supporting me, being there, and sending me to private school all these years. Thank to you
to God, for with him nothing is impossible. Thank you to Maggie and Pam. Pam, I can't express my gratitude for helping
me junior year. Thank to you my teachers. I think I've had all of you at some point except for Mrs. Weller and Teal De
La Garza. That's ok, y'all still rock anyway. Thanks to Dave Arnold, for letting us attend school here. Dave, you should
know that the most popular requested mascot was the fighting Arnolds. However, we decided to go with a more traditional
route, choosing the Aces. Thanks to my friends, who have filled my life with happiness and love. I love you guys! Thanks
to Monique, for reminding me on my manners when asking for a stapler. Thank you to everyone who attends school here, in
some way you have changed all our lives for the better and I feel that I can speak for the graduating class when I say,
"you're gonna miss us."
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Class of 2009 |
Guest Speaker:
The Honorable James A. Baker, III
61st U. S. Secretary of State
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The following speeches were given on Sunday, May 24, 2009 @
The Houston Marriott Westchase Hotel. Class of 2009
Graduation Ceremonies. |
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 David Arnold, Maggie De La Garza,
and James A. Baker, III |
“Dare to be a Revolutionary”
REMARKS BY JAMES A. BAKER, III
Alexander Smith Academy Commencement
Sunday May 24, 2009
Houston, TX
Ladies and gentlemen, let me start by offering my sincerest congratulations to those of you who have made tremendous sacrifices in order to reach this exciting moment in your lives.
And I am, of course, including in that you parents out there whose support has made it all possible.
I have great admiration for the Alexander Smith Academy, which in my book provides a revolutionary brand of education. The academy has successfully broken from the traditional cookie-cutter school format where students are required to fit the system. Instead, the dedicated faculty and staff here at Alexander Smith treat students like individuals with unique educational needs -- and that’s as it should be.
Our family, as I am sure is the case with every family here today, is very proud of our graduating senior. Today, all of we Bakers admire the intellectual maturity and academic curiosity Mary Baker has acquired here.
And I know that Mary’s story is not unique. It has been repeated time and time again by the other members of the senior class.
Indeed, all of us are here tonight because Alexander Smith has had the foresight and courage to shake up the status quo in an effort to respond to the challenge of how to best educate students.
And so today, I would like to present each of you graduating seniors with a challenge.
Dare to be a revolutionary! It is your American heritage.
Carry the values of liberty and justice forward as you tackle the challenges of the 21st Century.
Am I exaggerating when I tell you that you can be revolutionaries? I don’t think so. You are the children of the world’s greatest democracy, one born from revolution. As disciples of democracy, you can build a future that is just and right.
Listen to what Samuel Adams wrote in a letter to a friend 40 years after America won its independence. “What do we mean by the American Revolution? Do we mean the American war? No. The revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people.” Adams captured the essence of the American spirit.
American history has been an attempt to secure the rights and dignity of the individual. And we’ve done pretty well.
What country has provided the greatest degree of freedom? What country has been the most generous with its resources? What country has been the most willing to defend liberty around the world?
You graduates will inherit the answer to those questions. So today, I ask that each of you respect the heritage of the American experiment by dedicating yourself to its revolutionary spirit -- the effort of a united people who tirelessly strive to build a better world.
Thomas Jefferson understood this spirit when he said this about Americans: “Every generation needs a new revolution” because “a little rebellion now and then ... is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government.”
Indeed, a revolutionary spirit is encoded in our DNA. This birthright that is passed from one generation to another makes our country and our citizens special. We rebel against the status quo when the status quo is wrong or evil. (Or, even when it just needs a little fixin’.)
If you want proof of this revolutionary spirit, look at what has occurred during only the past 20 years.
We helped lead revolutions of thought, technology, and action that have changed the world for the better. We led an ideological revolution that brought a peaceful conclusion to the Cold War. We led a technological revolution that changed the way we communicate, work, and entertain. And we have supported democratic revolutions in many countries of the world.
As you sit here today, consider how you might answer Jefferson’s call. What will be your generation’s revolution? What will be your individual revolution?
Will your ideas alter today’s paradigms about the way things work? Or should work?
The answers to these questions are important because to solve the daunting challenges that lay ahead of this country will require revolutionary ways of thinking.
Your generation will be asked to find ways to satisfy our energy needs at the same time that we improve the environment. You will be asked to craft a legal system that protects the rights of individuals at the same time that it limits the evil intentions of terrorists. You will be asked to lead the world into a new era of globalization.
Give vent to the revolutionary spirit in every aspect of your life. There are great revolutions to be accomplished in art as well as agriculture. In literature and law. In music and medicine. And in poetry and politics.
This all may sound overwhelming. Great accomplishments often are. But your generation has the potential to make the extraordinary commonplace. Take comfort in knowing that throughout our history, Americans have seized the moment. We draw strength from our revolutionary spirit when times are tough.
As you embark on your revolution, please remember three things that can help you accomplish it.
First, remember that each revolution starts with small steps -- the steps of learning. The inspirational writer Margaret Lee Runbeck said that “learning is always part rebellion. Every bit of new truth discovered is revolutionary to what was believed before.”
Therefore, think of your education not as a hectic dash, but as a long marathon with no finish line. Today, you conclude an important step in that direction by graduating from high school.
But don’t stop now -- or ever, for that matter. At this moment, quietly make this promise to yourself: “Each day will bring a learning experience.”
Second, remember to be a willing leader of your own revolution and be not afraid to proclaim it. Never surrender to the fashionable type of pessimism that expresses itself in a cynical or sarcastic spirit. Or the pessimism disguised in the perverse theory that we are all governed by vast historical forces -- so why bother? Do not allow yourself to accept a world in which right and wrong have been boiled down to a shrug of the shoulders. “Whatever.”
Instead, focus on your possibilities. Lead your journey with a confident optimism that empowers you to better yourself and the world around you.
And third, remember that a lot of people have good ideas. But the person who conducts a successful revolution is the one who wakes up in the morning and does something about those good ideas.
There’s a lot I could say here about dedication and hard work. But instead, I’m going to give you one very specific piece of advice. If you forget everything else I say today, I hope you will remember this.
My father was a lawyer, and a very good one. When I was a boy, he taught me something he called the “Five P’s.”
“Prior preparation prevents poor performance.”
Does it surprise you that I would mention something this simple to young adults like you? If it does, I’m sorry because I am completely serious. I have had many opportunities in my life, including the chance to serve my country in high office and to work for four great American presidents.
And those opportunities came to me, I believe, because my father taught me to get up a little earlier in the morning, to work a little harder all day, and to stay up a little later at night to be sure I was ready for the challenges I would face.
And so, ladies and gentlemen (and particularly you graduates) let me conclude by saying what commencement speakers always say -- a “commencement,” is by definition a “beginning.”
I encourage each of you not to view this ceremony as an end of one experience, but rather as the start of new opportunities. As you close the door today on one important part of your life, another door opens. It’s the door to the future.
As you go through that door, remember to accept your responsibility as apostles of the American spirit and as members of the human family. Keep that spirit alive through a personal revolution that will carry you until you are my age and, hopefully, longer.
To you -- Alexander Smith graduates of the Class of 2009 -- dare to be a revolutionary!
It is your American heritage.
Good luck to you on your journey into a waiting and hopeful world.
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Class of 2009 |
Valedictorian:
Giulia Saier
Salutatorian: Tanner Wiethorn
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Valedictorian Speech
Giulia Saier '09
This is it, graduation. It is a scary thought to think that we are all going to be leaving Alexander-Smith Academy, and moving off to colleges and universities all across the country. It feels like the first day of freshman year was just yesterday.
It’s amazing to think it was three years ago I started at ASA. I remember my first day, sitting quietly in the break room, waiting for the bell to ring so I could go to class. All I could think was all I had to do was not fail any classes and I would be ok. I had promised my parents that I would start to try and work hard once I got into high school. It was something I said over and over again to justify not trying in middle school. I was so scared I would disappoint my parents, by not being able to do the work. I use to think that I was incapable of making anything of myself. Everything looked like it came naturally to my brothers, but for me nothing seemed to come naturally. That first year here though, something changed, I understood what we were learning and though it was hard, the teachers were there to help if I needed them. I have talked to old friends in England, and they are always amazed to hear how well I’m doing in school, and looking back on the last three years I know that the reason I was able to learn and grow at ASA is the unique learning atmosphere. I now know that even though I will always be dyslexic that I can work around my terrible spelling, and do what ever it is I want to accomplish, as long as I work hard.
The teachers here are so amazing, whether you need help with homework, or if something just isn’t going right out side of school, they are always there for you. I know that if it wasn’t for Mr. Flanagan spending hours with me working on calculus I would not have understood half of what I know today. I have to thank Ms. Demmer for just always being there, Monique for teaching me the proper way to ask for tape. I know that without Mrs. Rameau’s advice and confidence in me I probably wouldn’t be standing here today. All the teachers here at ASA are truly amazing, and without there support and help we wouldn’t be here, only moments away from graduating. For me ASA has opened doors, its given me the possibility to go onto a college I would have never had a chance at before, and the confidence and skills I need in order to stay in college.
Mom and Dad, there is no way to sum up everything you have done for me. When ever I was feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or completely confused, you where there to encourage, support, and point me in the right direction. You have instilled in me an appreciation for education, which has been one of my personal motivators, and most importantly you have always been there, no matter what I decided.
So today we are gathered to receive our diplomas. Our families, our friends, and our teachers who have supported us over our high school careers, are all here to see us off as we enter the next stages of our lives.
Not only are we leaving ASA but we are moving out on our own, from our parents and the cozy comfort of home. There is no way of knowing what tomorrow will bring as we all work and follow our own paths. So even if you don’t succeed at first, try again, and most importantly always be true to yourself. As Dr. Seuss said “be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”
I know I am going miss psychology class with Mary, Joe and all of his amazing hugs, Shelby and her upbeat attitude, and everyone else in this amazing class. Thank you for making the last three years so special, I can’t imagine anywhere else I would rater have spent high school. I don’t have any idea what to expect next year, but I know I will always carry the memories and what I have learnt here at ASA from both the teachers and the students with me always.
Class of 2009 we made it.
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Salutatorian
Speech:
Tanner Wiethorn '09
Thank you all for coming for this very special event.
When I first entered ASA three years ago, it was a totally new experience for me. ASA is a unique place and its students are a unique collection of individuals from all over the city and different backgrounds. The one-on-one relationship with the teachers was a new experience for me, as well, and I quickly found out you could not blend into the crowd if you were not prepared. They would find you! However, to my surprise learning became less of a chore and more of a challenge. Thomas Edison was asked if he ever got discouraged at the number of failures when he was attempting to develop the light bulb. His response was no, I found 2,000 ways not to make a light bulb. Similarly, I found, thankfully, not quite as many ways how not to do things during my career at ASA. I didn’t fail, I learned ways not to do many things. With the patience of Pam, Maggie, Arnold, and many others, I and we ALL survived and are here today.
Toward the beginning of this school year, I suddenly realized something. It wasn’t only my last year in high school, but also my last year in Houston. At that time, I was planning to head to Austin for college. That’s when I started to think about how short my remaining time was at school and with my friends. I have been told by many that I should have been the poster boy for Senioritis! I worked hard and when you see you don’t have much time left you become more selective on what and how you spend that time. What is really important to you? For me, that has been my friends and I will always remember this year and the time we spent together.
This year has been the best year of my life. I’ve done things I’ve never done before, because I knew I probably wouldn’t have a chance to experience them again. I’ve done worthwhile things; things I wanted to do and things I wanted to share with others. And I managed to graduate at the same time.
I am honored to be the Salutatorian of the 2009 ASA Senior class. And to my classmates, always remember you make your own future. You don’t fail, you just found a way not to do something; live everyday like it is your last and always, always take care of your friends.
Thank you.
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Class of 2008 |
Valedictorian:
Rachel Kobernick
Salutatorian: Lauren Koucouthakis
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The following speeches were given on Sunday, May 25, 2008 @
The Houston Marriott Westchase Hotel. Class of 2008
Graduation Ceremonies. |
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Valedictorian Speech
by Rachel Kobernick'08
There are so many people that I would love to be able to thank for an awesome three years at ASA, but I’m afraid some invisible orchestra
would start playing some awful tune. For those of you who don’t know, yes I did say three years. Much to Jared’s chagrin I skipped a grade, and joined this
amazing class. I don’t think that I would have ever made it without Mr. Arnold’s confidence in me and Mrs. Weller’s generosity with her time when I wasn’t even
her student, as well as the help and support from all my teachers. But I’ve had a very full, and very hectic two years to get to know everyone in it from Lauren and her
craziness, racing me to get the answer in Bio 2, to Asher and his famous debates with both Mrs. Rameau and Mr. Treadwell, to Karl who has been on time for the
entire quarter, to Clay and his doughnuts, Hayley and her mesmerizing doodles, and many others who if I listed, we’d probably be here all night, and we’d never get
our diplomas.
Diploma, it’s such an amazing word, and an amazing idea. These pieces of paper, this education that ASA has provided us, is just the beginning;
it’s the basis for the rest of our lives. Edward Koch said that “The fireworks begin today. Each diploma is a lighted match. Each one of you is a fuse.” Let it burn,
let passion’s flame take you wherever you need to go to find your true place in the world. If there’s one thing that I must stress, and no, not the ‘I have a deadline next
period’ kind of stress, is passion.
Whether it’s passion for sports, art, music, politics, or the sciences, it is that passion that will drive
you to succeed, as you have already done by just being here. It is one of Confucius’s teachings that “wherever you go, go with all your heart”.
And that is what I must say as well. Your heart, your passion is your drive, and your education, your key. Use it as a springboard to launch yourself into
your future and guide throughout your life.
However, before I wrap up, there are a few more people, who mean a lot to me, that
I must thank; for without them, I would not be standing here at this podium right now, shaking like a leaf and picturing you all with funky fruit hats.
Those people are my family. My parents have always supported me through thick and thin and have patiently listened to almost each and every single
paper that I ever wrote for Mrs. Rameau. Trust me, I’m sure that my dad has had enough of Hamlet and his insane shenanigans to last him for a good while,
at least until college. But, I am most grateful that my grandparents, my Bubbie and Zadie were able to make it down here to my graduation.
Class of ’08, we have been blessed to have such an amazing base of support from many directions: other students, our families, and our wonderful teachers.
Now, I challenge you to make the best of it, use your passion and “shoot for the moon”, for according to Les Brown, “even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
I wish you all the best of luck, and give you my deepest thanks for an amazing high school experience.
Now if you don’t mind, I leave you in good hands, because it’s almost my bedtime.
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Salutatorian
Speech:
by Lauren Koucouthakis'08
It’s hard to believe that one little sheet of paper
sums up the past 4 years of tears, sweat, work, and giggles. I mean, couldn’t it be a trophy or at least a rocking pair of shoes?
Well I guess that wouldn’t work because everyone wouldn’t like or fit into the same pair of shoes. Oh well, at least we get the sheet
of paper with our names on it.
As I sat down to write this speech I thought about what graduation and the last 4 years means to me.
Of course I couldn’t avoid the cliché thoughts “wow it went by so fast” and “yes! I finally made it!” But what really stood out to
me were the people that entered my life over the past years, including the teachers and staff of ASA and all of my fellow classmates.
I really want to thank all of you for being there, being who you are, and helping me develop as a person. I will truly miss all of you, as well as
the insane, quirky discussions and the endless laughter we shared on a daily basis.
Although this is a sad ending, we can’t dwell on that, but instead focus on the exciting beginning it brings.
WE ARE GOING TO COLLEGE! Escaping from high school and taking on the real world, where there is no Pam, Maggie, or
Monique chasing us down to keep us in line. For some of us this may come as a rude awakening, but for others a sigh of relief.
As we spread across the country, welcoming the college experience and attempting to shun our newfound workload,
we will carry these people and experiences we graduate from on this evening. Whether it is the fond memories of four-square in
the parking lot or the not so fond memories of getting chastised for dress code, which I of course would know nothing of. Every little happening has
fastened itself onto our characters, causing us to grow and change.
Congratulations my fellow graduates, on earning a personalized sheet of paper and gaining a whole lot more you didn’t mean to along the way.
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Class of 2007 |
Valedictorian:
Cody Melcher
Salutatorian: Alexandra Comly
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The following speeches were given on Sunday May 27, 2007 @
The Houston Marriott Westchase Hotel. Class of 2007
Graduation Ceremonies. |
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Valedictorian Speech
by Cody Melcher
'07
Good evening Faculty, Family, Friends, Friends of Family, Family of Friends, Friends of Faculty, Family of Faculty,
Faculty of Friends, Friends of Friends, and Friends of Friends of Faculty, tonight, it’s finally here, graduation night.
I’m going to do my best to avoid overused and tedious metaphors, for they are LIKE an ocean that spills over the horizon
where there is no land in sight. See, that’s a simile. Similes are ok. Seniors, I mean the students, not the citizens, you’re
moving on continuing on the journey of your life, and this is one of the most important parts, life after high school.
This is the point in our lives to still have fun, as I’m VERY sure all of you will have no problem doing, but also get
a little serious about our futures. We’re not supposed to know now, and we won’t even know then, but as I think it goes, it’s
not the destination, but the journey. As David Bowie said, You can neither win nor lose if you don’t even run the race. What’s
important, is that your future is nigh, which means it’s near. However, this is the only sappy advice that I’ll give you during
this melancholy verbiage. When you’re wherever you are, remember, normal is a relative term. What you may consider normal, someone
might consider weird, and vice-versa. Dr. Seuss said that you should be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t
matter and those who matter don’t mind. Go somewhere different and do something different. The future will be difficult, but if you can
live through me talking for this long, you’ll survive.
As I stand here, I have to feel the pressure to thank those that have helped me get to this podium, since they’re all staring at me.
First, and foremost, my family. Without the creation of, and help through, all of the insanity of my life, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
I’m still trying to decide if that’s a good thing, or not. They’ve always been there, well, not at that table since this is a one night thing, but
they’re still a core to my essential being. Secondly, my teachers. All of the teachers at the school, not just the ones that have taught me, have been
a great help and inspiration to me. I came to the school thinking I was pretty mature already, and learned that I still had a lot of growing up to do,
and still have a lot to go. E.E. Cummings said something that sticks with me at this point, It takes a lot of courage to grow up and become who you really
are, and I thank all of you that helped me grow up to discover who I really am, and I only hope that the journey continues as well as it already has.
Well, this seems like a good time to start wrapping up before Maggie bangs the gong and I get whisked away. Ask your parents about that joke. So, to all
of you, good luck and remember that Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So, throw
off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. And, in case the sailing references weren’t
enough of a clue, that was Mark Twain. Anyway, goodnight, good luck, and thank all of you. You have been great to me these four years of my long, confusing
life, and fantastic the minutes of this long, confusing speech.
Thank you all, goodnight, and have a pleasant tomorrow. Only pleasant, nothing too grand.
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Salutatorian
Speech:
by Alexandra Comly
'07
I have been at ASA for 4 years and many times, I feel like I took the school and the people for granted.
I came to ASA four years ago, a trembling wreck, and most of the time I was so busy wishing that high school
was over and done with, that I never took the time to appreciate the people around me. I cannot begin
to thank the teachers for putting up with me; you have all been an inspiration to me. It feels like
just yesterday that I was a “no good, rotten freshman”. And now I’m graduating and I’m
left wondering where the time went.
The most inspirational people in my life are my family members; without them, I would have lost my
ambition and drive to succeed. My mom has always kept me on my feet about my grades; checking edline
whenever she got a chance, and then reporting it immediately to me. My dad and my sister have also
been there for me with my studies; they made a stronger person by always pushing me to the limit.
I would also like to mention my grandmother; with out her constant donations to my academic endeavors,
I would never have been able to attend ASA. Her love and kindness have opened many doors for me, and
for that, I will always be thankful. My family has always been and will always be the root of my
existence and the most influential people in my life.
I would like to quickly mention one important detail about our senior class; besides the fact that
we are the best, we have 3 original freshman: Zach Fein, Cody Melcher, and of course, me. We have
always backed each other up through all of the drama that has occurred over the past 4 years.
I sat at my desk the other night, wondering just what I was supposed to write about our
senior class; I could say that we are unique, that would be appropriate, I could say we are
interesting, eccentric, crazy, or I could just say we are perfect. It might seem cliques-ish,
but the truth is our senior class is perfect.
I will leave you with a classic Robert Frost, one of my favorite poets:
“I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
Do what you want to do, and that choice will always lead you in the right direction.
This is your life, your future, and a new experience, so go a little crazy, make mistakes,
but never regret, move to a new chapter, but never forget the past and most importantly, do what
you love and live as if this is all there is.
I am truly proud of everyone and I wish all of you the best of luck in your future endeavors!
WE DID IT!
CHUCK UP THE DUECE! I won’t actually say that, unless it’s alright!! haha
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Class of 2006 |
Valedictorian:
Amara Fedke
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The following speeches were given on Sunday, June 4, 2006 @
The Westchase Hilton Hotel. Class of 2006
Graduation Ceremonies. |
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Valedictorian Speech
by Amara Fedke
'06
I realize that this speech is usually about the FUTURE and how we're supposed to go foward into it without doubt or worry. But I can't lecture you on unshaken confidence because i am terrified to leave Alexander Smith Academy. There are days when i want to stay at ASAfor the rest of my life. Can't you see it, me at 30 and Mrs. Rameau still telling to up the language in my papers?
Then it occurs to me, I am not going to miss ASA, I am going to miss the people. I am going to miss Jaz messing with my hair in spanish. I am going to miss being lost in physics, nodding and pretending to know what Mrs. Kennedy is talking about. And Colin and Mrs. Rameau's epic object throwing, are you kidding me? Where else could i have learned pens can Ricochet?
I have a confession to make. the first day i came to ASA, it scared the living daylights out of me, because it was so diffrent than the school i came from. It was in aa freezing office building, Students were calling teachers by their first name, and one kid got within an inch of another kids face and was screaming at him. I did the only thing i could; I went home and didn't come back for three months. When i did return, I learned the important things about ASA. That it really is a family, and that the teachers really care about you, and do their best to make sure you succeed. Monique is like a second mother, she must have received a million calls from my dad when i started driving.When i had my infamous seizure Dave was right in my face when i came to, calling my name; and Maggie was in the Ambulance with me and stayed for hours in the hospital with my mom. I have discussed a current event every week for the past two years with Mrs. Johnson, and spent hours talking politics with Ellen in spanish class. ASA has really changed me for the better. I have grown up here and i will always remember it with love.
Now I know I wouldn't be here in front of you today is it weren't for my family. As corny as it sounds, it's true. My mom has always been an optimist, the world could be ending and she'd would still say, "Well, no more homework."; she is my confidant and my best friend. My dad is like a big kid, our Sunday movie ritual has always calmed me down, and as cheesy as his jokes are, they still put a smile on my face. and my brothers have always kept me grounded. If my head gets a little to big, whether it be about losing a couple of pounds or being Valedictorian, they're quick to say "Didn't you just aeat a piece of cheesecake?" or "yeah, you're Valedictorian, but of how many?" So thank you Mom, Dad, Ian, and Mainey.
I say all this to say that i didn't want this speec to be about the our future and becoming adults because ... well it's scary. I know becoming an adult is inevitable and that one day you realize, "O man thats something my mom would say", but i don't want this class to lose what makes them, them. Just because Houston has to grow up, it doesn't mean he still can't be the loud mouth coach we saw on the softball field. and Colin should maintain his crazy sense of humor or his comptetiveness, even though i'll kick his butt in any game of charades. Class of 2006, Maintain your goofiness, maintain your heart. I will leave you with a quote not from Shakespear, and not from Robert Frost, but Rascal Flats, a country singer." my wish for you is that you're life becomes all that you want it to. You're dreams stay big, your worries stay small. You nev3er need to carry more than you can hold. And while your out there gettin where your gettin to, I hope you know somebody loves you and wants the same things too. This is my wish for you", Class of 2006.
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Class of 2005 |
Valedictorian:
Amanda Comly
Salutatorian: Nicole Ferguson
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The following speeches were given on Sunday, June 5, 2005 @
The Warwick Hotel. Class of 2005
Graduation Ceremonies. |
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Valedictorian Speech
by Amanda Comly
'05
It’s crazy to think that 4 years have past since I was first welcomed by a shock of frigid air into the first floor of that business building, which is Alexander Smith Academy. Strangely enough, I kept walking through that door to find the same sub-zero temperatures greet me every year. It’s surprising that I didn’t get frostbite or grow hairy.
Back then; I thought this moment would never come. I’d never survive freshman year, never learn Biology, and never get anything to print off the library computers.
This school would soon become my second home for many reasons. Of course, new people would be added to the mix, and others would leave the scene, but for the moment I want to focus on the things about my life and ASA that have remained constant and never failed me.
I discovered my true passion at age 3, as most of you know, in horses. My dreams and goals from that day forward lay solely in the equestrian sports that have consumed almost every minute of my existence outside of school. I learned how to be competitive, learned dedication, and sportsmanship, all things that helped shape my soul and provided the backbone for the person you see today. Without this, without show jumping, I could never have made it through school.
At the root of all this, fueling and supporting my riding endeavors at every stage, every peak and every depression, she was there. When opportunity knocked, she was the one who opened all the doors and invited it in for me. She took her job as Ed-line expert of the house seriously. I don’t think I ever knew my test grades before she had found out from Ed-line. She is my mentor, my mother, and my friend.
I have never been at a loss of love or care from my family, considering that I owe my entire education and equestrian expenses to the generosity of my grandmother in Germany, who I may not be able to see in person every day or even every year, but who watches over me from a distance.
This brings me to the people I have seen everyday… The people who taught me everything from writing essays to unscrambling calculus equations. Some guided me in the production of a movie about Spanish cross-dressers, while others showed me the importance of fumigating a room with Lysol; some even fueled my
addiction for hot chocolate. These are the people who have watched me grow from a pathetic lousy freshman, to an obnoxious senior, the people who have taken my hand and walked me through 4 years of high school, and 4 years of my life. These amazing people are those I call my teachers and counselors. My teachers have seen me cry a little, and smile a lot. They’ve seen me sit in the library for hours at a time, wondering when I’d ever leave.
Well it’s time; Time to finally leave…Time to live another life, because I’ve spent too much time on this one, as Henry David Thoreau would say. Time for a change, a graduation and move away from our familiar houses, and home cooked meals. It’s time for us all to live a different life, wear down another path in the wood, and enjoy the vie w from a different vantage point on the vessel…
Farewell ASA
&
Good luck class of 2005
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Salutatorian: Nicole Ferguson '05 |
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Class of 2004 |
Valedictorian:
Elena Capelson
Salutatorian: Michael Nann
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The following speeches were given on Sunday June 6, 2004 @
The Warwick Hotel. Class of 2004
Graduation Ceremonies.
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Valedictorian Speech
by Elena Capelson
'04
Welcome Class of 2004-I'm happy we can all join here
today to share this event together. And thank you to the faculty and all
of our loved ones who have come to support us.
In preparing this speech, I had no idea what to do to add a personal touch. I
thought about telling a poem, singing a song, and even doing a little dance
number too, in order to add a little variety to the common graduation speech
we all know and love but I decided to save myself that embarrassment.
And I'm sure you've all heard the common clichés people use when giving
graduation speeches. This is just the beginning, two roads diverged in a
wood, Today is the first day of the rest of your life, etc, etc.
Although I tried to stay away from these cliché's, I found it quite
difficult, because in reality, this situation breaks down to a cliché, I mean
come on it is high school graduation, so all I can do is say what's in my
heart, express what I am feeling at this time and assume you are all
experiencing the same. And if you're not, since you're stuck with me giving
this speech, you're just going have to bear with me for the next five minutes.
There's a sense of great relief about it all. We are finishing high school,
finally escaping from everything tying us down, getting to be free, and on our
own in the world. I couldn't be happier about this. But at the
same time I feel a sense of melancholy knowing that this might be the last
time I see some of these people all together. But then I remember that
even though we all might be separating and moving on, I know that everyone
here will be out in the world doing their own thing to make them happy.
I know everyone here will give it their all in whatever they do and find out
who they are in the process. We will be moving on to greater things, and
this replaces my melancholy with great optimism for us all.
I'm going to miss everyone here when we all leave in a month. I'm going
to miss the ridiculous arguments we have in class ranging from politics to the
Janet Jackson scandal. I'm going to miss Mrs. Rameau's spunkiness,
Maggie's sense of humor, and Mrs. Kennedy's awesome sense of mellowness, not
to mention a unique character like Dave Arnold. I'm definitely going to
miss having the option of taking an in class absence. I'm sure we all
have things we will miss about ASA, but maybe we don't realize them all just
yet.
So what does the rest of our life hold for us? Do all the events in our
lives happen by pure chance or is there a certain path already laid out for us
that we can't see. Like, is there a certain lesson to be learned why I failed
to get accepted to a certain
Berkeley
college or was it pure chance that it didn't happen? By the way, many
fellow ASA people said it's "too liberal for a Texan anyways", so
thank you for your compassion. The bottom line is that it really doesn't
matter what controls our future, whether is a roll of the dice or some kind of
"higher power" guiding us all. Because in the end, by making
the decisions we make through life, we are going to end up in the same place.
Yes, some paths can get you richer or more famous, but it doesn't matter
because in the end you are still going to FEEL THE SAME about yourself and
your life. As long as you stay true to yourself, you can do no wrong
with whatever life throws you. Stay true to yourself, I guess I did have
to use a cliché in my speech after all, but that one definitely makes sense.
In conclusion, As a fan of simplifying things, I would like to quote Dr.
Seuss.
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
You are the guy who'll decide where to go.
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and
those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2004!
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Salutatorian
Speech:
by Michael Nann
'04
As Tom Hanks stated in
Forest
Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna
get.” This is how life as been
for me. These last three years
have brought me an assortment of flavors.
Coming from the Loomis Chaffee Prep School in Connecticut where the
average day was composed of a normal school day, six hours of homework, three
hours of sports, and a grueling rubber band civil war with my roommate during
study hours each night, to me there had to be something more in life than this
rigorous, undesirable routine. I
did not desire a degree from Harvard, to be the next Wayne Gretsky, or the
best rubber band shooter out of the South.
I had qualified to benefit from an experience many never will be given
as well as developed new and great friendships and a painful GPA.
I realized that once again the box of chocolates was open and ready for
me to try a new kind.
This time I picked the right chocolate, long lasting, savory and
sweeter than past kinds. This
piece brought me to this school - the
Alexander-Smith
Academy
. Here I realized the true value
of family, relationships, and so much more.
I have developed a more diverse lifestyle.
ASA encouraged me to draw from my idol, my father, while evolving
skills learned from him into my own unique character.
I, after six months at this school, realized who I am and what I desire
from life. Mr. Arnold, along with
the rest of the administration and faculty, encouraged me to reach my goals
while making sure I truly desired and was prepared to achieve them. He as well
has provided an environment in which individuals can be just that, an
individual, expressing their thoughts, participating in extracurricular
activities and participating in a killer ping pong tournament to symbolize the
school year’s end. I personally
owe this school more than words can say. I
love this place because I am the
Alexander-
Smith
Academy
.
With the foundation laid for me here, I am striving for glory which is
achieved when one reaches their goals and is recognized for them.
ASA has laid the foundation for all of us to achieve this glory.
All of you, as graduated students, have been blessed in many ways.
This school will always be your school.
No lunch, athletics, and such few students makes our school one of a
kind, and as adults you should be proud when telling your children that you
were educated at the Alexander-Smith Academy.
Education
has allowed all my relationships to grow and my thanks are extended to Mr.
Arnold, for accepting me, and to all of you who have contributed to my life.
Maggie – for all of your efforts on the 16 college applications and
for the encouragement and guidance. My
family - you bring me a smile and
I love you. Stephen and Jacquelyn,
both of you, I had to make an effort to learn to spell your names but you are
my best friends and will always hold a place in my heart.
Good Luck everyone in all your endeavors. I wish you success and
happiness, and lastly never forget, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each
day has enough trouble of its own.” (Mathew 6:34).
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Class of 2003 |
Valedictorian:
Alexis Breeding
Salutatorian: Jenny Spuhler
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The following speeches were given at Alexander-Smith Academy's Class of 2003
Graduation Ceremonies.
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Valedictorian Speech
by Alexis
Breeding '03
I’ve been
going to ASA for three long pampered years. After braving public schools for
ten years, I know the feeling of being just a number. Moving on from the
comfortable corridor’s of cozy ASA will be a great challenge for all of us to
face. In these past few weeks, as I contemplated the words to express my
feelings for this occasion, I have realized how much I greatly value my time
spent here. The luxuries that ASA accommodates for its students have become
common place, and thus, I have taken them for granted. The prospect of
college intimidates me only when I realize that there will be no Maggie twenty
feet away willing to listen to my four-letter word complaints, and no Pam to
tell me to suck it up.
The unique
high school experience that we have had the priviledge of receiving can be
attributed to the tireless administrators and teachers found only at ASA.
This special team of mentors have empowered us with not only a vast labyrinth
of knowledge, but an appreciation of learning. Despite even the latest
epidemic of Senioritis, the ASA faculty have reached a new level of tolerance
with their enduring patience.
To my
fellow graduates, it’s been a long journey filled with many obstacles that has
led us here today. The trials and tribulations that we have pulled through,
like that one time we ran out of the hot chocolate mix with the little
marshmallows, has been quite phenomenal. But, please keep in mind, that what
didn’t kill us, made us much stronger. I hope that you too can look upon your
high school career spent at ASA and recall fond memories.
To my
family and friends , I would like to extend my deepest gratitude and
appreciation. Your dedication and support has been priceless in aiding me
throughout my high school career. I could have never pulled through the
endless nights of studying without your never-ending support.
I leave
you now with words of advice from Henry David Thoreau. “ Go confidently in
the direction of dreams! Live the life you have imagined. As you simplify
your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.”
Thank you.
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Salutatorian
Speech:
by Jenny Spuhler
Welcome Class of 2003. So far, it has been a long and successful journey for
all of us. We are now closing this chapter in our lives and preparing for an
exciting new one.
“Life is a
path with several turns that often lead us astray
But life has its little
twists that keep us going the right way
Life is about experiencing the unknown
And discovering that there
is always more to live for
Life is intertwined with
happiness and pain
But it will always be the
darkest just before the dawn.” –Jenny Spuhler
Life is
a series of new beginnings. We proceed through each stage of life focused on
one main goal, making it to the next step. For whatever reason, life has
chosen to lead each one of us to this wonderful institution known as Alexander
Smith Academy.
Michelangelo reminds us
that: "the greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim was too high
and we missed it, but that it was too low and we reached it."
As
graduates, we are at a new starting line as equals looking toward an almost
limitless future in the greatest nation that the world has ever known.
Popularity, personalities, and discrepancies can all be left behind for this
new beginning. Many opportunities await us as we give up the past to prepare
for the future. All of us here today have something to offer to the world. By
creating new ideas, we will take on the world instead of letting the world
overtake us.
"For every person who
climbs the ladder of success, there are a dozen waiting for the elevator."
Anonymous
ASA has prepared us to be among those who will achieve success in today’s
competitive world. We owe our most sincere gratitude to all the superb
educators and mentors who have helped shape our lives and tolerated us each
day during our high school experience. You have inspired each of us to become
the person we are today.
We now make our way into the future, maturing into young adults. As we leave
adolescence behind, we are entering our brave new world of independence, but
hopefully not from our parents’ checkbook. As we proceed toward the next stage
of life, we go well prepared by our ASA experience.
Congratulations
Class of 2003!
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Class of 2002 |
Valedictorian: Alix Garrison
Co-Salutatorian: Vanessa Lorenz
Co-Salutatorian: Ashley Kesee
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The following speeches were given at Alexander-Smith Academy's Class of 2002
Graduation Ceremonies held at the Warwick Hotel
on June 2, 2002.
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Valedictorian Speech
by
Alix Garrison '02
Welcome Family, Friends, Faculty… Welcome graduating
class of 2002. Congratulations. Thank you for giving me the privilege of
addressing you at such an important part of your life. It is a great honor.
Thank you.
I want to share two things with you that are very
important to me. The first, a revelation, came to me like many of the things
in life, when I least expected it. And it is this -- to regret nothing.
I came across this revelation late one night sophomore
year, as I was procrastinating something, I'm sure, flipping through the many
cable channels. After scanning the guide and find nothing of interest I turned to
VH1. There was a special on Madonna, and I don’t remember anything else about
the show except one thing she said in an interview. She was asked that after
looking back at her most interesting life whether she regretted doing
anything. Her reply was a simple…. "no." She said she didn't
regret anything because everything she has done has made her the person she is
today. I thought that was incredible, after all of her experiences and
personalities she had created for herself - whether nasty, fashionably
insane…. - she did not regret a single one. She was proud of who she had
become and on TV she looked genuinely happy with herself. She was shining in
front of the millions of people and reporters who have scrutinized her life
for the last 20 years.
Madonna made me think about all the things that I have
regretted and it, frankly, made me feel foolish. I realized then that nothing
good comes out of worrying about things that cannot be changed or corrected.
One can't look back. I remember a time when I used to dwell on the "what
-would be life be like" questions. What would my life be like if I had only done things differently?
What would my life be like if I had chosen not to go off to boarding school?
And for that matter, what would my life be like if I had not chosen to leave
after six weeks? When I thought about these questions, I felt frustrated and
discouraged, and I stuck on a path of indecision. Regret had made me
paralyzed. Which path should I have chosen, which path should I choose now,
which path will I choose?
But now with my new philosophy of "no regrets" and a
newfound respect for Madonna, these questions were irrelevant. I made those
decisions and I can't change the way things happened. Today when I look back
on my experiences I would not change any for the world. Everything I have
gone through in high school; friendships, the fights, the stress, the
laziness, the loss, the triumph and all the confusion has made me the person I
am today, and I'm thankful for all of it…. every single minute of it.
The second thing I discovered is that to succeed you
first need to try. I began to feel that I might be able to do very well at ASA,
my sophomore year, Dave challenged me. He told me I could be standing up here
today as Valedictorian if I were willing to work for it. I had no idea this
was a possibility for me, but I accepted the challenge. No more indecision. I
was committed. I worked hard, but I felt so much better. A new path had been
taken.
It goes without saying, I am especially thankful for
Alexander-Smith Academy. Student-friendly, comfortable, supportive,
individualistic all describe this well kept secret that I have had the
pleasure of calling my second home for the last four years. I think the
greatest thing about ASA is that everyone is allowed to be themselves, no
judging, no conforming, just individual. ASA would not be what it is without
the dedication and enthusiasm the teachers and faculty have shown us. All of
you have illustrated to us with your words and actions that you really do
care, and we thank you for that. Students can be so lucky to find one teacher
with these qualities. We have found an entire team of inspiring educators who
have led us to this day.
To my fellow graduates, I hope your experience at ASA has
made as big a difference in your life as it has in mine. I hope that you too
can leave any regrets or what ifs behind you-as-you take the road to
responsibility. I hope you make the most of the opportunities awaiting you at
the college or university you have chosen. I wish you all well in life after ASA and hope to see you again in the future.
I want to leave you now with a quote by Thomas Hughes.
"We all have to learn, in one way or another, that neither men nor [women] get
second chances in the world. We all get new chances till the end of our lives,
but not second chances in the same set of circumstances; and the great
difference between one person and another is, how he takes hold of and uses
his first chance, and how he takes his fall if it is scored against him."
Class of 2002…. you've done well with your first chances
and I trust you will be prepared to tackle your new chances in the path on the
road ahead. Good luck and Congratulations.
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Co-Salutatorian Speech
by Vanessa Lorenz
'02
This is a very special time for us seniors. We are about
to embark on a journey of discovery and adventure. We will learn new things
and acquire new freedom. However, I now want to speak to those of you
following us.
While in Brazil, my brother and I attended the American
school in Salvador. My last year there, I transferred to a Brazilian private
school. The curriculum was new to me, and I became a bit of a curiosity to my
fellow students. They called me "Americana." The following year I returned to
the American curriculum, but this time in a boarding school in California, and
eventually Alexander-Smith Academy. I am now labeled "Brazil." Far from ever
taking offense, I considered this something that made me unique. Each and
every one of us is unique.
To one degree or another, we are all afraid of not being
accepted by our peers, and may be tempted to conform too easily for fear of
rejection. Being part of a group or clique becomes so important that we
sometimes hide our uniqueness for acceptance. By doing that, we may in fact
achieve the opposite. Being unique and not attempting to hide it may be the
best strategy, not only for acceptance, but also for a good self image. Our
diversity, together with trust and friendship is a benefit to us all. We learn
to see the same things from a different perspective, gain knowledge about each
other and foster greater understanding. We have people from different places
and different backgrounds; we have those who love music or fashion, sports and
many other things. With team spirit and a common goal, we are strong.
As we enter the world of universities, we will be exposed
to much larger groups of people, and of course, more diversity. We need not be
afraid of that. We can look forward to a rewarding experience if we are
willing to accept and respect our differences.
This we learned right here at Alexander Smith Academy,
where I have made very good friends. I wish you all the same.
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Class of 2001
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Valedictorian:
Trey
Melcher Brandenberger
Salutatorian: Karyssa
Ancellotti
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The following speeches were given at Alexander-Smith Academy's Class of 2001
Graduation Ceremonies held at the Four Seasons Hotel.
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Valedictorian Speech
by Trey Melcher Brandenberger ’01
Good evening!
I want to begin tonight by welcoming each and everyone of you to the
Alexander-Smith Academy Class of 2001Graduation Banquet. As I scan the room
tonight, I can see many friends, relatives, dates, and other individuals who
have joined us this evening to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating
seniors. To these men, women, and siblings I extend an extra warm welcome
because you are the ones who deserve special recognition and accolades. You
special people have guided us down the road of adolescence through the
winding, often diverging trail of our teen years into what will be our future
as college students and the next generation of politicians, doctors,
businessmen and women, teachers, lawyers, engineers and broadcasters. I know
that I could not possibly stand here tonight as your valedictorian or even as
a high school graduate if it were not for the undying, compassionate, and
unrelenting support of my friends, family and teachers. So, let me speak for
my fellow colleagues by personally congratulating you and expressing our
immense appreciation for attending this momentous event of our lives. This
event, twelve years in the making, is your celebration as well!
When I first interviewed at ASA four years ago I was a worn out, frustrated
Kinkaid freshman who had lost the desire and quest for knowledge. I remember
the jovial and friendly spirit of ASA’s greatest assest, President David
Arnold who welcomed me into his world which would become my home away from
home for the three years that followed. A multitude of quotes from the some of
the greatest thinkers and minds the literary world ever known come to mind
right now, but rather than quote one of these constructive minds, I would like
to repeat a phrase from ASA’s wonderful, bearded pioneer- a phrase which
impacted me immensely those four years ago and still remains an integral part
of my philosophy today, “Oppression breeds rebellion.” Coming from an
oppressive situation these few words from President Arnold gave me new hope
that I found a school where I would be free to learn without limits. From the
moment I began my tenure at ASA my sophomore year, I have felt the presence of
this mind set throughout all facets of this school. The nurturing and
encouraging classroom atmosphere restored my desire to scholastically achieve.
I found within myself my own personal motivation to succeed. Many of my
teachers can tell you of times I’ve argued my case with the aspiration of
raising my test score one or two points. Not only my teachers had to endure my
drive for perfection, but also many of them have graciously put up with my
ultraconservative views and belief that the fall of modern society is due to
the present economic advisors who have allowed the ideas of Reaganomics to
fall by the wayside. Now, I ask you where else could I have found the freedom
to express myself in such profound way without fear of being repremanded for
my beliefs. I have laughed with, whined to, and been inspired by my teachers
at Alexander-Smith Academy. In the words of William Arthur Ward, “ The
mediocre teacher tells, the good teacher explains, the superior teacher
demonstrates, the great teacher inspires.” I salute the teachers who have
inspired me and the rest of the
Class of 2001.
Thanks to my years at ASA, I am ready to take on
the challenge of college life with optimism and enthusiastic vigor. To my
fellow classmates I encourage you to head into the future with confidence and
daring because it is now up to you to shape your own destiny. It is time for
you to make your own decision and leave your own mark on the world. The
possibilities of what we can accomplish stretch endlessly before us. As Ghandi
said, “Be the change that you want to see in the world.”
Thank you!
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Salutatorian
Speech
by Karyssa Ancellotti ’01
Good
Afternoon,
fellow
graduates, teachers, and parents. Many of you are probably telling yourself,
“okay, I am finished with high school, but I have no idea what I want to do
next or in the future.” Do not worry you are probably not alone and many
others feel the same. Not everyone graduating from high school has a clear
path for the future, but I know we can come to a decision because ASA, our
high school, has prepared us to be individual thinkers and guided us to make
individual decisions for our future. Now, as graduates of this high school, it
is time to say goodbye to the sheltered days of childhood and blossom into
full-blown adults by making the biggest and most complicated decision of our
lives: future career prospects. As Buddha said, “your work is to discover
your world and then with all of your heart, give ourself to it.” For most of
us, our next step is college which is a time to continue our education and do
a bit of soul-searching to discover who we are and where we fit with the rest
of society. We will have to search for and find our own path, which may not be
easy. As Polonius said in Shakespeare’s
HAMELT, “to thine ownself be true.” While you are contemplating
future endeavors, remember to be true to yourself; don’t let others
inappropriately influence your decisions because you will forever wonder if
following your own mind and heart could have made you happier and more
personally successful.
This
lesson came from me when I was younger I hated gymnastics and had no desire to
participate, yet I remained in the sport despite the unhappiness that ensued.
I spent hours at the gym working hard to keep my coaches happy. I began
contemplating whether or not I could remain in the sport, and my supportive
parents did everything in their power to aid me in my decision. Despite my
fear of change, I switched to a new gym where I learned that I was not to
practice for the coaches or work to please them, but instead to practice for
myself and attain my own goals which were fueled by a deep yearning to
achieve.
Then,
I realized that at the previous gym I was doing gymnastics for the wrong
persons and working hard for the wrong reasons:to keep others happy. From then
on at my new gym, I decided to start doing gymnastics, I knew it should remain
a part of my world. After rekindling my love for the sport, the long days of
practice filled with sweat and tears were easier to endure because I knew this
sport was crucial in my life. Looking back, I realize that had I not overcome
my fear of change, I would have missed out on a beneficial lesson regarding
individuality and striking forth on my own. While most of us are dealing with
the transition from high school to
college, remember that this change will help spark a new dimension of your
individual character and that change is not always detrimental, but more often
than not a building block for developing a stronger mind, body, and soul. If
your path requires drastic change seek this distinction with perseverance and
diligence. As individual adults, the pleasing illusions of youth might forever
fade away, but you must live each day with the same vigor which flourishes in
the “spirit of youth.” If all of a sudden this spirit diminishes due to a
wrong decision, enliven the impulsiveness of youth and journey down a new
unventured path. Remember while following any path in life remain enthusiastic
of youth and fiery heart, like Homer says in the Illiad, “who dies in youth
and vigor dies the best.”
After finding what it is your heart burns for,
keep with it and don’t let others bring you down. If you are questioned or
criticized, simply perservere. This philosophy is one thing I love about ASA
teachers who are supportive. They never criticize or question who you are and
what you want to do. Your identity remains intact. In college, students should
find a supportive environment such as the one at ASA and immerse themselves in
it and continue their individual pursuits. Once in this environment, students
can then feed off each others hard work and motivation which will help push
them through all of the bumps in the road along their way to finding a place
in society. Remember when you are discovering your new world, to choose
something that. “tugs at your heart, something that’s your aspiration,
something that’s your dream. You owe it to yourself.”
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Class of 2000
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Valedictorian:
Marta Abrams
Salutatorian: Imran Malik
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The following speeches were given at Alexander-Smith Academy's Class of 2000
Graduation Ceremonies held at the Four Seasons Hotel.
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Valedictorian Speech
by Marta Abrams '00
As
I stand here before you tonight I would like to make one thing clear… Now
understand that there will be no graduation gowns, caps, or tassel’s to be
turned, so if you came expecting that, do not be disappointed.
Yes, this may be somewhat of a unique graduation, but then ASA is
somewhat of a unique school. Actually,
that is exactly why we chose ASA; we all had high hopes and very definite
goals. Our presence here marks
the achievement of a very special goal.
For all of us this goal of graduation required diligence, perseverance,
and determination. We have all
chosen ASA for different reasons; yet, we have all benefited in the same ways
by our choice. This choice is
reminiscent of Robert Frost’s poem “The
Road Not Taken”, where he metaphorically describes a dilemma, and I
quote:
“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, /And sorry I could not travel
both / And be one traveler, long I stood / And looked down one as long I could
/ To where it bent in the undergrowth.”
Every one of us for some reason or another made the decision to trek
down the ASA road that was more unknown.
This school is not a typical school by any means and each of us allowed
our journey to proceed on the grassier path that “wanted wear”, the ASA
route.
I must admit that
within our senior class, finding a common denominator amongst every student is
not an easy task. For, the
diversity and individuality of this class is what makes us an amazingly unique
group. Sure, we were all born in 1981 or 1982 and some time ago the Muppet
babies were our heroes. And
yeah, we all once liked to play Candy Land and Chutes And Ladders; girls we
liked to play with our Cabbage Patch Kids, while you boys were busy tearing
apart your transformers. But,
sometime after our slap bracelets were taken away because they were dangerous,
we stopped buying into these fads and began blossoming into individuals.
Like any other school this senior class has all sorts of different
kinds of people; the only difference is each clique here at ASA consists of
one person…YOU.
Now, within my own clique, I like to refer to myself
as a questioner. Even as a child
I could not simply accept any answer, hence “why” has always been my
favorite word. I vividly remember
always asking my grandma, Millie, why she constantly bestowed complements upon
everyone she encountered. From
the bank teller to the beautician, her complements have always been heartfelt.
Her response to me is, “A smile is a curve that sets a lot of things
straight.” For me, that was the
greatest response. From that,
inquisitiveness became my driving force.
This questioning characteristic navigates me towards my achievements,
and my willful integrity is the fuel that ignites my audacity to explore any
realm. However, I cannot continue
to give myself full credit for my accomplishments.
For, the spirit that shines here with me tonight is the aura that
belongs to my Mimi. Radiantly and
energetically in 1926 she too stood in front of her graduating class and
delivered her Valedictorian speech. I
know that she is not physically here with me tonight, but I am keenly aware
that a part of her flourishes within me.
However, I am fortunate that I am able to share this special evening
with my Poppy. With that same
appreciation, I recognize how my parents never trivialized my eternal quest
for a balanced development. Instead,
they always offer enthusiasm and insight into both my wants and needs.
My sister, Rochelle, and my little bro, Stephen, also definitely
deserve gratitude. They have
always kept my life entertaining, and together we all gave my parents many
headaches. I feel so fortunate that my family does not only include
immediate family. My extended
family consists of my amazing friends. Whatever
nickname we choose, whether it is TNS, or The Girl’s my sistas have provided
me with the greatest memories and lessons, but most of all we accumulated our
unique unit. We always told
each other that we are going to look back on all the times we cried and laugh,
but now that separation is approaching, we are finding that we are actually
more susceptible to cry at the times we once laughed.
Together we have experienced a labyrinth of emotions, and believe me we
left non-unsaid.
And
with that, I can say that each of us here tonight appreciates the efforts made
by others to help us achieve our graduation goal. Indeed, each of us has been plagued with some degree of
senioritis, yet as Maggie prayed for an elixir, Pam, Sandy, and all the other
teachers continued to keep our workload furiously focused.
However, we still took every necessary stride towards this graduation
day, even though it was so difficult to concentrate and hold onto our
attention during all of this excitement.
And
now, in the midst of all the excitement, we are experiencing mixed feelings.
We all ponder: “Am I really ready?
Do I want to leave my friends and family?
Who is going to be my caretaker?”
This hesitancy towards the new only exists because the old is both
familiar and extraordinarily comfortable.
However, realistically we are ready, we will make new friends, we will
envelop ourselves in a “homey” situation, and believe it or not, we will
begin to take care of ourselves. I
know this because we are all prepared.
Every
one of us should feel extremely fortunate for the quality education we have
received. School was never a
bore, not only did we learn from our teachers and counselors, but we also
learned from each other. Together,
whether at school or the Taj Mahal study hall, we attained knowledge that
textbooks could not provide. We
have been taught to analyze situations while tackling the predicament until
insight prevails. I now notice
that even the simplest daily routines can be filled with acumen, if you are
willing to not take life for face value.
For instance, driving during rush hour the other day I, amongst other
drivers, sat in the car cursing at the traffic ahead of me.
But, in the carpool lane to the left of me, cars were zooming by just
because they carried passengers. At
that moment I realized ASA’s successful strategy.
This
simple analogy is the key to triumph. It
is plain and simple, if we ride together we arrive at our destination quicker.
Conversely, if we want to wait for success to come to us – we will be
stuck in traffic - frustrated - and very alone.
By no means would I have believed that school could enlighten me on
such a universal concept, but ASA proved me wrong.
I even remember the butterflies that swarmed around my stomach while I
anxiously awaited my ASA interview, but after Dave greeted me in his cowboy
boots and with his laid back manner the butterflies seemed to fly away.
I have never before witnessed a school as a whole so committed to
paving the road to success for each individual student. In a sense the teachers make it difficult to fail.
Because, as a student it is so wonderful to observe teachers who
sincerely care, and are dedicated to enlightening us and helping us achieve.
Consequently we are forced to do well, even though at the onset the
task seemed insurmountable.
My
experience at ASA has been nothing but wonderful. I feel that I can speak for the entire class of 2000 and
acknowledge everyone’s hard work towards making this day a feasible feat.
ASA has given us the foundation we will need to succeed in the fast
pace world in which we live.
I
am glad that I chose the less traveled ASA path, because as Frost noted:
“I shall be telling this with a sigh / Somewhere ages and ages hence:
/ Two roads diverged in a wood and I / I took the one less traveled by, / And
that has made all the difference.”
THANK
YOU ASA!
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Salutatorian Speech
by Imran Malik '00
Distinguished guests, the honorable faculty, my fellow students, and of
course, Mr. Charisma himself, David Arnold, welcome, on my behalf, to the
Commencement Ceremony of the first graduating class of the New Millennium.
The leaders of the future, we the Class of 2000 are the epitome of charisma,
congeniality, dedication, talent, and, of course, as seen through Dallas
Garrison, hard work. Aware of our tremendous accomplishments, we would
love to take full credit for our success (which some of us will), but without
giving credit to the faculty, we wouldn't be doing justice to Alexander Smith
Academy. An unparalleled environment, our school has allowed us to
mature into responsible, knowledgeable young adults prepared to address the
challenges of the future.
Today is a distinguished day, a day that will never return again. It is our
day to celebrate our accomplishments, as we start to realize what we have
achieved. However, what makes today such a cherished day (besides the
fact that you have me speaking), will be our myriad memories at ASA. One
day, we too shall reflect on our "good old days" remembering our
daily antics that actually made school kind of "fun". Never
will I forget the day, when our Physics class performed a trajectory lab with
moving cars in the parking lot, which by far was he most enjoyable and
educational class of all time. And I want to thank Mrs. Kennedy, who
knew you had such a great sense of humor, and I want to thank you for
entrusting us with such a responsibility, but I have the feeling that lab went
into history never to be repeated again. Nor could I over look the time
when Pam took us to see the play "Damn Yankees", somewhat striking
to a native New Yorker like myself, but a life's worth experience
nonetheless. My friends from Room 101, which the writer George Orwell
remarked as an insidious threat to society, know all too well that Pam gives
meaning to literature. And despite her daily reprimands, that I've grown
to love, I can safely say I will always remember her as my friend who
motivated me to reach the next level.
Words can not explain the level of individualistic talent here today.
Our unity, however, is in our ability to lead. Today, I am a leader
amongst leaders prepared to make my dream into a reality. Thus, I must
congratulate the graduates of today, who are undoubtedly prepared to become
the role models of tomorrow. First off, I must congratulate Marta on her
much deserved achievement and thank her for her advice when I needed it the
most. Then there is Robyn Atlas, who showed me over the past 2 years,
that even Calculus could be fun! And I will dearly miss you Robyn,
especially your comical renditions in the future.
In addition, I must bring light on future celebrities amongst us.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we have amongst us a few, who will one day become
household names across the nation. Without hesitation, I must recognize
Umar Suhail, whose striving career as a boxer promises him a place in history
next to none other than the one and only Peter McNeely himself. Then we
have Vernon Henry, whose classroom antics prove him to be the undisputed Drama
Queen, I mean King, of the new Millennium. And finally, our most
guaranteed celeb., without a doubt, my dear friend, Eric Schmidt, shall one
day make his way to the White House with his witty employment of humor and
politics. This brings me to a very important. Ladies and Gentlemen,
reflecting on the past year, I can sincerely say that there has been divine
presence in getting ALL of us here today. Come ON, after all, even Eric
is present and enthusiastically ready to graduate on time. And Eric, I
think Maggie will take credit for that one...
So as we move on into the future, not only do we leave JR behind, but we
leave our memories and achievements as we head forward to a new
tomorrow. Before I leave, I must thank the two most important people in
my life, without whom this achievement would not be complete. Mom/Dad,
words cannot explain what you guys mean to me. I want to thank you for your
gracious support through thick and thin. You uplifted me when I was down
and provided me with the courage and vision to succeed and I would feel
honored to dedicate this one to you guys. Let me reiterate: Thank you
parents, Thank you teachers, Thank you ASA, for without you I could not have
utilized my potential and make tomorrow what it is today.
As for the Class of 2000, I should like to say to you, who are about to
embark upon your careers, that you are now guardians of a sacred
heritage. So, go forth into the world armed with courage and vision,
loyal to the standards this great school has represented for many years.
May you all serve faithfully with ingenuity and the courage to embark in your
own distinctive ways for only then will you leave ASA's mark on the hands of
time. I wish all of you the best of luck. Farewell my friends;
"We should live for the future and yet should find our life in the
fidelities of the present." Carpe Diem.
Thank you,
Yours Truly
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Class of 1999
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Valedictorian:
Estella R. King
Salutatorian: Teal De La Garza
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The following speeches were given at Alexander-Smith Academy's Class of 1999
Graduation Ceremonies held at the Four Seasons Hotel.
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Valedictorian Speech
by Estella R. King '99
I never imagined myself making this speech, but it seems that David Arnold
never had any doubt. I distinctly remember the first time I met David
Arnold. I was a below average eighth grade student desperately trying to
find a school where I could fit in. I waited nervously with my parents
in the lobby and then appeared an extremely tall man wearing jeans, boots and
a starched collared shirt who greeted me by saying "This is our
valedictorian." That instant faith from a stranger is great
motivation for a future student.
Four years have passed since I first stepped through ASA's doors and
entered into a situation that would change my life. Throughout these
four years, I have struggled to reach my goals with my family, teachers, and
friends beside me each step of the way. If I were uncertain, they would
advise me; if I fell, they would lift me up; if I succeeded, they would cheer
me on.
The pure strength of this school lies within the hearts of the
teachers. They were the reason that I came here each day. I always
entered this school with anticipation, never intimidation. These
teachers not only teach us the knowledge that comes from books, but also the
knowledge that comes from living life. They fulfill their roles as
teachers first, yet they never neglect their roles as mentors, confidants and
friends.
ASA has been an experience for all of us. It may have been
educational, spiritual, or emotional, but hopefully it was memorable. I
can honestly say that it will be difficult for me to say goodbye and leave
high school because ASA has been a never weakening constant throughout my
early adult life. As a result, I am extremely confident in saying that
ASA has adequately prepared me for the roads ahead, even though they are
uncertain and uncharted.
I would like to dedicate my achievements to my parents who gave me the
generous opportunity to attend this school. They always believed that I
possessed potential that was hidden deep within, yet they never pressured its
emergence. They have always pushed me to strive for my goals while
giving me the freedom to make my own choices whether they led me to good
fortune or a hard earned, humble lesson. They have always supported each
decision I made, and they never looked upon me as a child but as a person with
a capable mind.
I have learned many things about myself as a result of this
experience. I have learned never to give up on myself or the ones I
love, and I now know that I can accomplish anything if I am determined
enough. I am finally able to find strength within myself instead of
depending on others. I have built friendships here that will endure the
test of time and I will never again have the fear of being unhappy as long as
I fight for what I want in life. The greatest gift that ASA has
given me and that can never be replaced is an outstanding education, and I
will always be grateful for that. Notable author, Dr. Seuss, summed up
the thoughts I have had as I am about to start a new life. He wrote,
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your
own. And you know what you know. And you are the person who will
decide where to go." I am now able to believe this statement
because of my family and ASA.
Thank You
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Salutatorian Speech
by Teal De La Garza '99
Although I'd love to give myself credit for having taken this on without a
bit of help from the past, I can't. The truth is I'm blessed to have had
a million helping hands along the way. I couldn't quite mention them
all, even if I tried. I feel really classy standing here among the ranks
of the...well, I guess I can call us scholars...that I stand amongst.
There's Mr. Jacobson who I can honestly say is the most ingeniously witty
person I have ever known. I often find myself waking up, from cackling
so hard the night before, my pallet sore, and my stomach overcome with
laughter pains; all after a late night of hilarity with Scotty. Without
Miss Keller, our trio is not complete. I should call her a paragon for
achievement and describe her as ever capable of striving towards
satisfaction. I admire her courage in eliminating all obstacles that
stand in her way. It wouldn't shock me in the least to one day learn,
that she has found her opportune and propitious happiness after promoting a
band, known as the "Bouffant Staff", to the top of the charts.
Then we have Mr. Mandola, whose charming and coy way of turning a phrase has
kept me reeling and whose determination and hard work in tennis have kept me
cheering. Last, but not least, is Miss King, whose inexorable strength,
sheer will, and tenacity will bring her far in life. Estella will travel
to unsurpassed heights and I realize that one day I'll be able to say I knew
her. To say the least, I'm thrilled that I can stand here and say these
are but a few of my colleagues at a place called Alexander Smith
Academy. Started by a man with a business mind who we encumber with the
credit of creating a special world where we have recognized our
potential. This place is a high school and we call ours ASA.
What makes ASA different from the rest of the world? The existence of
our allowed individuality and each of us donates a bit of our flair to Dave's
planet. We join those who have mocked the difference and made giant
steps in the directions toward the rest of their lives. Maya Angelou,
writer and poet. devoted one of her novels "to the strong black birds of
promise who defy the odds and the gods and sing their songs." We
are indeed strong birds of promise who have rebelled in every direction
possible, attained excellence in the most perishing of adverse possibilities
and still remain exactly where our goals demand us to be.
I haven't written a book of any sort, so, I regret to say I cannot leave
one to my fellow graduates. What I can do, however, is dedicate myself
to informing them just how incredible they all are. No one can tell you
enough how special you are and no one ever will. I want to remind you
convincingly of the fact that we have succeeded. It can be said that we
have found who we are. As I stand here tonight overwhelmed with the
eighteen years of memories I am forced to look back upon, I wish to thank
those of you who lead us on selflessly in our battles to incorporate good-bye
into our summer agenda. I can acknowledge even in myself an inherent
desire to resist change, yet, it is detrimental to our lives that we push on
unheeded in our journeys to educational bliss. And to anyone out there
crying on the inside, but sustaining the biggest smile of the outside that
they can manage, I revere your efforts. This my fellow graduates is to
benefit us. This is the end of our childhood. And suffice to say
that I can understand the tears that so many of you have yet to shed, because
smiling on the outside is what I have been doing all along...
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Class of 1998
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Co-Valedictorians: Alexander Almond and Claudia Ziegler
Co-Salutatorians: Amy Lauren Cole and Rebecca Sue Lee
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The following speeches were given at Alexander-Smith Academy's 1998 Awards Day on Thursday, May 7th at
11:00am, in the school library. |
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Co-Valedictorian Speech
by Alexander Almond '98
Our School. Alexander-Smith Academy. The school that has helped shape us to what
we are today. Individuals. We thrive on it. The school thrives on it. This is
what I appreciate about this school.
On my first visit to ASA, I experienced what
probably every single one of us experienced - The Big Man. A tall man dressed in
hardcore western wear proceeded to show my mother and I around the non-conventional school. He was up front and loud, yet warm and genial. "What kind of
school is this?" I'm sure we all asked ourselves - AND probably more so, our
parents. But the fact is, it felt right. Later, when I attended the school, I
discovered that, like Dave, we are a school of individuals, all united by a
common bond. That bond is the greatness of our school. RESPECT. ENCOURAGEMENT.
LOVE. These things flow through all of us here at ASA. That is why I am able to
say we are like a big family. All headed on separate paths. All individuals...
Encouraged and striving to become better...individuals.
Co-Salutatorian Speech
by Amy Lauren Cole '98
When I think of ASA, the first words that enter my mind are dynamic, comfortable
and unique. I often recognize that ASA does not have a place for everyone when
they enroll here. Instead, every person here has carved out their own place
within our community. We, the students, conjure the spirit of our school. We
realize how fortunate we are; few can say the same. Our school does not mold us;
at ASA our personalities are nurtured and respected, our ingenuity is at once
challenged and encouraged. Students here are accepted because they show promise.
That promise is nourished and developed in this environment. Our brains are
picked and tested daily, as are our social skills. It is my hope that years down
the road, you will all look back at the time you spent at ASA and realize that
your presence, words and actions all helped shape the identity of the school. We
are a dynamic society here, unique in our own constituency and relationships. I'm
glad to have been a part of it. |
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