Karle: We are a Special Class, Taught at a Special School

When I first found out that I would have to give a speech at graduation, my first thought was no deodorant will be strong enough. I’m not known for my amazing public speaking skills.

I think only Lizzy can decipher what I attempt to say. Nonetheless, this speech is supposed to be about some great advice or wisdom about how to live the rest of our lives. I am supposed to speak to my fellow classmates as if I have realized a greater truth through my four years in high school.

Although I have learned an incredible amount about myself, life, and the world, I am still only 18. I do not know of any great truth about life, any more so then you guys probably do. I am sure that one day the meaning of life will come to me, but until then I am as clueless as everyone else my age.

What I have come to learn in my last 4 years, is that we are a great school and class. I will truly miss every single one of you. I will especially miss yelling KEITH, when anything technologically goes affray, Dr. S’ friendly morning messages, and Mr. Ol’rich’s history lessons…and rants. Additionally, I have witnessed and met some of the most extraordinary people who have already begun to change the world.

We are a special class taught by a special school, just ask any of the staff or faculty, we are not your ordinary class and if you take the time to look at what we have accomplished you too will see:

• We are the class whose senior boys would dress up in our finest clothes, on most Tuesdays, looking quite dapper if I do say so myself, and parade around the school as fine gentlemen - formerly known as Gentlemen’s Tuesday.
• We are the class that enjoyed spending free periods playing boggle, chess, scrabble and words-with-friends and drinking crazy Chinese teas in the library. 
• We are the class that debated fervently about the ratification of the constitution at John Jay’s Homestead. 
• We are the class that snuck in and brought a Christmas tree into the commons, and stirred a school-wide political and religious debate amongst friends and teachers.
• We are the class that sent singing telegrams to loved ones on Valentine’s Day.
• We are the class that explored Boston and its history and couldn’t have loved it more even during a nor’easter.  
• We are the class that, instead of becoming distraught over rejections and deferrals from colleges, bonded together and created a rejection wall where students could compliment fellow classmates and disagree with a college’s poor decision.
• We are the class that has always had the best hallway decorations and the most school spirit
• We are the class that played basketball and soccer with teachers before school started.
• We are the class that loved having Mr. Karrigan teach us about oolong, black, white, green, and all sorts of other teas in our very own tea club. 
• We are the school that dedicates an entire week to celebrating and experiencing cultures from around the globe. 
• We are the school that celebrates and encourages the improvement of our overall well-being and balanced learning on Wellness Day. Where we can listen to Jamie Nabozny’s tragic stories, learn to become a firefighter, pet a wolf, knit a scarf, meditate, cook some food, sing karaoke, belly dance, spin with the Dean, play tennis, Frisbee or golf, learn how to arrange flowers or juggle, or anything in between. 
• We are the school that is more accepting of guys cross-dressing and parading and lip-syncing throughout the auditorium wearing: wigs, skirts, dresses, spandex, leggings, and other types of emasculating clothing, over any other type of act. 
• We are the school that everyone fears in just about every athletic sport.

We have already made such a difference in this school and in this community. In retrospect, our class has inspired me and shown me through its accomplishments, talents, pride, and community that we are ready to continue our journeys into the next chapter of our lives.

SO, if I had to leave us all a piece of advice, I’d say: Keep doing what we are doing! We are already remarkable and making a difference. I am so proud to be a part of such an amazingly talented class. I anxiously wait to see us all build memories, friendships, families, communities, cities, the country, and even the world. Everything will be fine, relax, and as trademarked by our stoic Ari…IT’S SUMMER.

Thank you all once again, and congratulations.