Seekonk Valedictorian: College, Job or Military, the Future Beckons

Seekonk High School Class of 2011 Valedictorian Ashley Richards thanked her family, friends and faculty and wished her 138 other classmates good luck in their futures.  

Below is the speech she shared with a large audience Friday, June 10, on the Warriors' football field. 

"Good evening, Superintendent Meyers, Principal McGovern, faculty and administration, fellow graduates, family and friends. It is an honor to stand before you today as valedictorian of the Seekonk High School Class of 2011. Yet today is not only my day to shine. Every graduate present here is deserving of high praise and recognition, and I would like to congratulate each of you on reaching this milestone in life. I think I speak for my fellow graduates when I say that this is a moment we have always imagined and one we will remember for the rest of our lives.

"Although today is certainly one of our proudest moments, it is also one filed with feelings of contradiction. On the one hand, it is the successful completion of twelve years of preparation and the beginning of the rest of our lives. Whether it’s college, a full-time job, or military service, the future beckons.  Certainly today is a joyous occasion, yet at the same time we’re also saddened at leaving Seekonk and the friends we’ve made here.

"What I have learned during my time here at Seekonk is that nothing is ever handed to you in life. The accomplishment of your dreams and goals is only possible through dedication, passion, and effort. Don’t ever become easily discouraged, believe in yourself and your dreams, stay determined in the face of adversity, and never let your fears hold you back. As Louisa May Alcott once said, “Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them and try to follow where they lead.”

"I believe that we are fully capable of realizing our goals and our dreams through dedication, perseverance, and confidence in what we desire and in ourselves. It is a fact of life that tall things are difficult before they become easy. I am convinced that a big part of our life is not what happens to us, but what we make of what happens to us. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, 'Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.' Don’t wait until tomorrow to do what you can do today; sometimes taking the road less traveled leads to unexpected opportunities and memorable experiences. Never forget to embrace opportunities that will broaden or challenge you perspectives.

"I would now like to take this time to thank my family for their endless support and love. To my parents: thank you for your encouraging words, your advice and for always believing in me even at times when I gave up on my myself. Just as you have stood by me and helped me accomplish so many goals, I hope to be able to fulfill many of your dreams.

"I would like to thank my younger brothers, Nick and Sam, for always seeing the best in me and never failing to put a smile on my face. And to my friends, who are like a second family to me, I love you all more than words can express and I don’t know where or who I would be without your presence in my life. As Maya Angelou said, 'But nobody, no nobody can make it out here alone,' and I think my fellow graduates will agree with me when I say that this moment would not have been possible for each of us without strong support systems. I would like to thank all of the parents, family members, and friends here today for the contributions you have made do our lives.

"I would also like to thank every faculty member here at Seekonk for sharing your knowledge, for serving as mentors and for your patience and support. The many opportunities I was given both inside and outside of the classroom contributed to my growth, as a student and as an individual.

"After today, we will move thousands of miles across the country and embark on our own unique paths. As we close this chapter and continue to write the pages of our lives, let’s never forget the bridges we’ve crossed, the bonds we’ve shared and the memories that we’ve made. Let’s always remember the important role that Seekonk High School played in helping us accomplishes some of our goals. Congratulations Class of 2011! Thank you."