Theodore Gemmer

Published 9:00 pm Saturday, June 12, 2004

How are we all doing tonight? Families, friends, and fellow graduates of the Class of 2004, the moment we have anticipated has finally arrived!

Four years ago, we set foot into Lakewood High School as freshmen, ready to face new challenges. We arrived as a group of fledglings, but here tonight, we are the masters of our destiny.

Many of us did not recognize the importance of a quality education. Some may still question: “When are we actually gonna use this junk?” or “Why do I need to know that a squared plus b squared equals c squared?” Regardless, we have been given the skills to succeed by a team of dedicated teachers and staff at Lakewood High. But high school is only a stepping-stone.

“A heart once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions,” someone once said. Our minds have much room for growth.

How many of you feel that you have experienced all you could possibly hope to experience? Having been through high school, we have had some fun, and some boredom, but high school is only phase one.

We are living in a changing world. No longer will we be passive bystanders. We have the opportunity to make this world better, if only through simple actions.

The only advice I can impart unto others is to enjoy life, avoid getting in your own way, and hand to posterity a world much changed, yet much improved.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Congratulations and farewell Class of 2004!