The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/830613
A-4 Local Wednesday, May 31, 2017 The Press-Dispatch 2501 Newton St (HWY 231 N) Jasper, IN 47546 www.obcycle.com 866-yamaha-6 Obermeyer H O N D A - YA M A H A - S U Z U K I 2501 Newton St (HWY 231 N) Jasper, IN 47546 www.obcycle.com 866-yamaha-6 Great SelectiOn! Great SelectiOn! Pike Central High School graduated 137 seniors on Friday night. The Valedicto- rian Adriana Sherida and Sa- lutatorian Stella D'Esposito both gave their addresses and Samuel Brandle gave the Senior address. Below are their speeches. ADRIANA SHERIDAN- VALEDICTORIAN Before I proceed, I would like to warn you all that Pike Central does not have a speech class. That should explain everything you will hear tonight. First, I'm go- ing to talk a little bit about one of the things I know best: homework. From ten page papers to independent novel projects, we've com- pleted them all. We even learned the beginning of rocket science along the way, but the hardest assign- ment of all was the most recent. I didn't even get a grade for it, but if it was in the grade book, they would have labeled it "graduation speech." That's when I real- ized a truth that no one had told me before: you do get punished for good grades. Thankfully, I know how to research and have YouTube as a resource. The first thing I learned was the "thank yous." Thank you, families, for putting up with our teen- age brains that match the de- cision-making function of a two-year-old and still loving us. Thank you, teachers, for encouraging us. Thank you, Jimmy Fallon, for teaching me how to write thank-you notes; and thank you, God, for never leaving me. The second thing I learned from YouTube was an episode where the speaker shares specific memories pertaining to the graduates that give them a sense of unity and nostal- gia. So, there are several things that tie us together, Class of 2017. For example, we can all name the teach- er who asks, "Has the ring belled? " (Mr. Krahl) We all know that there is no mer- cy in the parking lot until af- ter the busies have left and we all lack both knowledge of the current weather situa- tion and vitamin D due to the school's lack of windows. Do I even have to mention the sixth grade hot roll and na- cho cheese? The third thing I ob- served was that memory lane was followed by an in- spirational rally of the great things they would accom- plish in the future. Though we all ended up here based on the geographical location of our house, we have wo- ven into each other's lives. It's not because we're spe- cial or that our personali- ties really go that well to- gether, but because that's what humans do. So there's no need to worry. We'll do the same thing for the next four years. We'll change and grow apart, but that will nev- er change these past four year. I'll miss you guys, but it's time to move on and I'm okay with that. Like Robert Frost said, "In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on." STELLA D'ESPOSITO - SALUTATORIAN I want to tell you guys something, every one of you. I want you to be well aware of this and when I say it, I want you all to know that it is the end of our high school career. And however far, or close, your dreams take you in the world, don't forget these words because they hold a lot of meaning. So here it is. *pause for ef- fect* Just because someone is salutatorian of their high school class, that doesn't mean they're good at mak- ing speeches. Thank you. SAM BRANDLE – SENIOR SPEECH Good evening classmates, faculty, friends, alumni and of course, the Class of 2017. My name is Samuel Brandle or Sandle, and I was not the class president or valedicto- rian. I'm just some kid that they felt sorry for so they let me speak. I would like to thank you all for giving me this opportunity to rep- resent you in the best way I know how and I know you will 100 percent regret it af- terwards. It was just four short years ago that we all took that long walk into what some called the best years of our lives. Now we're here. Sitting to- gether for what could be the last time. Now being 17 or 18 years young, we look upon the past 13 years of school- ing. Together, we have seen the worst and best in each other as we have gone through adolescence. And maybe just a little hint of knowledge thrown in there. We are leaving with a world class education or at least the knowledge to fill in the little bubbles A-E. As I stand here and look out over my classmates, I see a pool of the most talented and smart individuals one could ever hope to meet. This is because of the esteemed faculty here at Pike Central. Teachers have a difficult job with a very small paycheck, with their reward limited to the hope that the wisdom they pass along will make even the smallest of dif- ferences in their students' lives. They have the power to motivate and inspire us. Thank you all for believing in us before we did. Next we have to thank our parents, or that's going to be an awkward conversa- tion on the ride home. Each and everyone of our lives is different and this thank you is for whoever in your life has played the role of par- ents. In our road to success, you have always been there teaching us about life by ex- ample. From you we have learned to be strong, lov- ing, and to go out and give the world all we got. We may not thank you everyday, but there has never been a day where you haven't been there without unconditional love and support. From all of us, thank you. Finally, on to you Class of 2017. It is finally our time, as was yesterday and so shall be tomorrow. Up to this point, our lives have been in order and we have been put in place by others, with our pathways leading up to the next. We now look ahead to life and how can we not be envied. Not for what we have or what we have done. But now we all have the ability to live the years we have not yet lived and to do what we have not yet done. From here, we all take the first step in our own journey. We leave here full of emotion and the grand idea of life that will slowly disappear for some but will stay in the hearts of others. The idea that you can do whatever you want to do and be whoever you want to be. This idea is true and will follow you along your pathway to success. Success is different for all of us, but so is failure. You can face a challenge and lose but suc- cess does not become failure until you give up. Life will not be easy my friends. For some it will be, but not for most. There will be factors that are out of our control but we will make the best of those situations. We each have an unlimited num- ber of possibilities ahead of us. Today, my friends, will go as fast as yesterday did and the four years prior. So take advantage of today and every day you receive. Look around and you will see the faces of your class- mates, some are friends, and some perhaps you have nev- er spoken to. But today we are the same. All awaiting life. Here we discover our dreams with endless possi- bilities. I hope that everyday each and every one of us in this room take nothing for granted. That we not only make the most of our own lives but also help improve the lives of others. Our high school journey may be over and it was a blessing to know each and everyone of you. But here, my friends, stands life, let us go through it with no regret. Congratulations, Class of 2017. My friends, this is our time. Pike Central's Swing Choir performs during the graduation ceremony on Friday night. Pike Central Class of 2017 graduates 137 Senior Class President Sydney Brooks leads the Class of 2017 in moving their tassels on their caps to signify their completion of high school. Photos courtesy Harting Photography. Keileigh Boger, Abby Barnett and Selena Car- penter smile for the camera prior to graduation. Brooklyn Aldridge displays her philosophy on life on her mortar board cap during graduation. 2017 graduate Blake Carroll gets a hug from Ja- ci Holman. Caleb Mullins and Kaleb Edwards are all big smiles and big glasses on graduation night. Life Milestones made free CALL: 812-354-8500 Put a free photo with write up on Births or upcoming Card Showers.