Salutatorian Aria L. M. Woodend

Salutatorian Aria L. M. Woodend gave this address:

Welcome family, friends, and my fellow graduates.

I would like to thank my Mom and the other present members of my family for supporting me in everything I do. I also need to thank my friends and the teachers that have helped me get to this point. If it weren't for them, this achievement would not be possible. This is a surreal moment for most of us. I know that many times in my high school years I didn't think I would make it, but we did.

Throughout the years we have had many challenges, for example, the pandemic. But despite it all, we made time for fun. Some of the best memories that I can think of have happened on college campus trips, Spirit Weeks, and in-class discussions. We have always been a pretty lively class and when you pair us with these activities, something is bound to happen.

There are many memories, some I can't share in this setting, but one of my favorites has to be the class discussion we had in my junior year leadership room. One of these discussion topics were if the class thought that ghosts were real. This simple question started an almost hour-long debate and ghost story time that ended with fits of laughter.

Our class has mastered some pretty unconventional skills, such as the art of procrastination and the ability to keep our teachers off topic. Along with these more unconventional skills, we have also developed some that will be crucial in our upcoming adventure. Such as our ability to make life fun and our unwillingness to not back down from challenges.

I encourage all of us to use these skills in our life.

If a coworker or fellow classmate is having a hard time, help them find joy. When you see injustice in your life, fight to make it right, stand up for the weak and be a voice for those who feel that they have no voice. I believe that if we put these skills to use, we can make a real difference in our world and create a better tomorrow.

We are the Class of 2022 we will always be a catalyst for joy and for change in everything we do in life.

Thank you for your time and supporting each other over the years. I wish all of you the best of luck on whatever you decide or have decided to do. I know you can achieve whatever you set your heart on.