Valedictorian's Speech: InspiRED: Behind the Curtain

By Holly Robillard

It takes just one moment: that instant when our lives are changed forever. A compliment from a complete stranger, a first kiss, a smile from a forever friend. Then there are those moments that we will NEVER EVER forget and that we will reflect upon constantly. In my life, I can honestly say that I’ve only had the pleasure of calling two events this memorable. The first of those rare, picture perfect times is one that we are all experiencing right now: our graduation. And, to be brutally truthful with you all, I wasn’t sure exactly how I was going to put into words how beautiful this instant is. That is, until a few months ago when I had the pleasure of working with a group of motivating, captivating, awe-inspiring individuals: the cast of the Berlin High School Spring Play, “Our Miss Brooks.”

Now, many of you may be asking yourselves, “What is she talking about? I’ve never heard of this ‘Little Miss-’ I mean ‘Dear Miss-’ well, whatever you call it show!” And I’d be lying to you if I told you that this was the play that will be remembered by the entire school for years to come. Our audience may have been small during those shows, but if you ask any one of those in attendance, they would probably tell you that it was one of the best productions in the history of BHS. And, more importantly, it meant the world to the little group of 16 of us to actually be able to put on the show.

It was the play that never should have happened. We faced the loss of our director, a division in the cast as to whether or not to even have a performance, a change in venue, and a lack of support from of our peers. But it did. We defied the odds and proved that the amazing can happen. Three smooth performances with dedicated actors that convinced the audience that they were their characters.

And it all started with a challenge, a road block if you will.

Ultimately, the best things in life really do stem from the impossible, or as an engineer would say, improbable. Every last one of us can say that we've gone through a few difficult times. From breakups to failing grades, from financial instability to family issues, we all have our fair share of hardships. Still, we've come out stronger and have found out more about ourselves than we ever thought possible. When we overcome or survive the events that have knocked us down a peg or two, we are showing the world the motivation that lies deep with each of us. We are not proving everyone wrong; we are proving to ourselves that we can. We will be able to look back at our past experiences and say, “If I could do it then, why can’t I do it now?”

In life, we are directed by our role models: those people who guide us into acting as better human beings and who inspire us to take on a persona that is more outgoing, confident or, in my case, relaxed. Our backstage crew is our family, making us look and sound better than we might actually be just by highlighting our good qualities. Sure, they may be a pain when they constantly remind us to ‘stand up straight’ and ‘smile’ in front of complete strangers whose names we may never remember, but they annoy us in those ways because they love us beyond the center stage of life or the confines of the wings of the stage where we stand ready to fly into our own experiences, as individuals. Mom, thank you for helping produce my life’s play and for taking over “Our Miss Brooks;” it means more than the world to me to have your support even during the darkest of times.

We are given the opportunity to spend quality time with other cast members who have been written into the script of our future: these are our friends and enemies. They may come and go, some staying longer than others, but they are all present for enough time. They all mold us into dynamic characters, constantly growing and becoming more memorable to our audience made of none other than the rest of the world. With internet these days, there’s nothing hidden in private anymore. So, it’s clearly no surprise that I’m going to acknowledge the entire “Our Miss Brooks” cast. I am so proud to call all of you my second family and I’ll always remember the times we’ve spent. To all of the underclassmen cast members: continue to reach for your dreams. You are all strong actors with lively personalities that the world should see in more performances. And to the six of you seniors in the cast: I am honored to be able to graduate with such accepting and remarkable people. Let’s stay as close as we are now; I can’t just let you drift from my life even though I think it’s high time that this class was graduated.

Yet, most importantly, we can never forget that this is our starting moment. From here on out, we are the primary focus of our own lives. As adults, we need to be responsible and mature along with exciting and memorable. It may not happen right away, but by the time we dive into college, the armed forces, or our career, we will be prepared for all obstacles that lie in our way. So, when someone asks, “Scared?” You will confidently be able to say, “Not anymore.” You may ask, “What is it going to be like?” Well, I can’t answer that. Only you can, after you experience that life altering moment. Trust me, it will come and you will be grateful for the change.

Some say that when the curtain comes down, it’s all over. But, here’s the reality: the curtain is going up and this is just the beginning.