Hi. We did it. We finally did it. Through all the obstacles and setbacks, starting from the teacher walkout our 8th grade year, then a global pandemic that shut down the world for about the last 3, we’ve still managed to find a way to make it here tonight in our caps and gowns. I’m not sure how, but we did it. The last 4 years have led me to face some of my most difficult challenges, and without the support group and people I’ve had by my side for the last 18 years, I never would have been able to overcome the many challenges that high school has led me to face. I’d especially like to thank my family for making the trip and being here for me today, it really means the world. I’d especially like to thank my mom, who’s been there with me through it all, from changing my diapers, to helping me pick out my senior prom dress, my father who has pushed me to always be the best I can at everything I try, starting back in T-Ball when he told me to hit a baseball off of a tee straight between the eyes of a kid who was making fun of me for my small size, and my Grandfather who I have always had to give me advice anytime I may need help, no matter the time of day. Without the support of my family, I never would’ve accomplished the things that I can now proudly brag about to my Grandma Judy, in Clarksville, during the holidays. I have also come across many people here at SHS who have left a definite lasting impression on me. This last year, I had the honor of getting to take Mrs. Gibson’s 4th hour anatomy class. Even though I only knew her for 1 year, her kindness, sense of humor, and lightheartedness will always leave an imprint on me, and be the source of some of my best memories here at SHS. On another note, I know Covid has taken a toll on everyone across the globe, and especially on those who lost family members and friends during that time, but through adversity, the Class of 22’ was still able to achieve incredible things. Through athletics, academics, band, FFA, and all other organizations in school, we were able to show just what we’re made of. If I could take one thing that I learned away from high school, it would be to never fear a challenge and to rise in the face of adversity, whenever the opportunity may reveal itself. If you never try, you will never know what you’re truly capable of doing. Sometimes what we see as failures or setbacks, may actually be tiny blessings in disguise. I often struggled throughout high school. Not as a student, but as a teenager, growing into a young adult. One of the biggest lessons to take away from high school, in my opinion, has absolutely nothing to do with academics. Throughout high school, we learn who we are, how we want to be remembered, and who we are going to become. The choices we make, mold the paths that we take, so I wish the best of luck to the Class of 22’ and will leave you with one quote, which I would like to consider a family tradition. In the words of the wise Master Yoda, “Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.”
Addison Sullivan, Sallisaw High School Class of 22′
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