Kelsey Ayres

Thirteen years ago, I walked into Ms. Bailey’s kindergarten class at Oak Heights Elementary, new backpack and crayons in hand, excited for my first day of school. I had no idea that many of those new faces I saw during that day would still be my classmates, teammates, and friends as we are sitting here all about to graduate tonight. Although I often cringe when I look back at those elementary school pictures of me in my bright pink stretch pants and enormous hair ribbons, they remind me that in all of my years of schooling from Oak Heights, to Alderwood, to LHS, I have never walked into school the first day without recognizing a familiar face.

Together many of us share the same memories of “boys’ and girls’ tunnels,” soccer games at recess, and getting to take the long-awaited trip to Camp Orkila as 6th graders for outdoor school. I fondly remember our girls’ basketball team’s fierce rivalry with the girls on the Lynnwood Intermediate team. Thankfully, when we left our respective elementary schools for AMS, we realized that the opposing team’s players weren’t quite as horrible as we had thought, and went on to play on many successful teams together. This year, many of us girls played our last season of high school basketball for LHS, in addition to earning 8th place at the volleyball state tournament.

While not everyone’s high school memories are connected with athletics, we have all formed strong bonds over the years whether it is through involvement in drama, band, or simply sitting next to each other during math class. My friends who did not become a part of my life until they moved to this area during high school are important parts of my memories of homecoming, prom, and tonight, that I will remember for years to come. Indeed, no new student at LHS is ever made to feel unwelcome; we have a diverse community with a large population of students from all parts of the world. Not only do we have an annual diversity assembly that showcases the cultural traditions of many nations, but all of our educations have been enriched by daily interaction among students from varied backgrounds and experiences.

Graduation is a tremendous turning point for all of us whatever our future plans may be. And inevitably when we graduate the question of “what are you going to do next?” surfaces. While I realize the importance of looking ahead, and setting goals, I hope that tonight all of us take time to savor this moment, as we say farewell to a significant phase in our lives.

I couldn’t speak tonight and attempt to give you advice on how to become successful, happy, or fulfilled after you graduate, because just like every other senior I have no idea what the future has in store for me. Next year for the first time since kindergarten I will be going to school someplace where I won’t have the comforting feeling of being able to walk into my first class knowing that I will find a seat next to someone I know. While we cannot ignore that the future is now, it equally important to take time to appreciate the amazing experiences, friendships, and memories that have come before today. Thank you for giving me the pleasure of being a member of such an incredible class, and for listening to me speak tonight!