Courtesy photo. Alexander Ashley Chisholm, 18, of New Smyrna Beach, is the salutatorian for the 2009 graduating class at New Smyrna Beach High School. He plans to attend the University of Florida where he will major in physics. He gave this speech to his fellow graduates during Wednesday's ceremony at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach:
Good evening to everyone – the superintendent, school board members, platform guests, family and friends – and congratulations to the Class of 2009. Fellow students, I ask you to think back for a minute to when we were at the “old school.” We were within walking distance to the beach and bowling alley. We were surrounded by walls that had contained decades of students before us such as our parents. We were reluctant to leave and undergo a change.
We arrived on the first day at the “new school” with an utter sense of confusion. Yet three years later, we have adjusted to the new facility and all of its advantages and have trekked onward to tonight. Once again, change is at our doorstep. We are about to be released into the so called “real life,” where we are not acquainted with everything.
For some, there is a sudden sense of mystery and curiosity. We want to know how our lives will unfold. Others might be apathetic to the future and want to live in the now. However, we all can look back and extricate knowledge to progress and fond memories to entertain. Upon departure tonight, the mold that we have been crafting for thirteen years will begin to harden and take form. The finished piece will be put to its first test of strength soon. The materials used and craftsmanship will determine whether the mold remains solid over time or crumbles into pieces.
As you reflect upon your prior years, ask yourself if your mold will last a lifetime or even at all? The education that you have acquired will significantly influence the rest of your life. Thirteen years of your life have culminated in you walking across this stage tonight. I ask you to simply allow this achievement of graduation to be momentous as you transition into a new chapter of your life.
Do not falter as you walk out of here, but instead stride forward in confidence. Believe in yourself. You have the ability to acquire your desires if you set your mind to it. Next time you are discouraged by a magnitude of commitment, remember tonight. Remember that you committed yourself to an entire thirteen years for the benefit of a sound education and you succeeded.
Even for those who have designated an end to their formal education, I strongly urge every one of you to continue learning and adapting. Otherwise, you will be left behind as society moves forward. In the world today, information is so readily available. Take advantage of this convenience.
Could you imagine if Einstein had the internet? His eyes would be glued to the screen.
In conclusion, I am extremely proud of the Class of 2009. We have stuck together and together we shall revel in the achievements of tonight. Do not only congratulate your fellow graduates, but congratulate yourself. Congratulate the teachers, who put up with us so we could succeed. Congratulate the family, friends and everyone else who helped us so we could succeed. Because you are here now, you have achieved success. I have succeeded. You have succeeded. In future years, the Class of 2009 will continue to succeed.
Thank you.