July 13, 2023 at 12:30 a.m.
'THIS IRREPLACEABLE BOND'
‘This irreplaceable bond’
I would like to take this opportunity to show my appreciation for those gathered with us today. Every member of this community has made an impact on my life in some way. To the parents of my classmates, thank you for making me feel welcome in your home. To the teachers, staff and peers of Catholic Central who have surrounded me throughout my six years here, thank you for being the heart and spirit of this school. To my mother, thank you for being the light of my life and the place my heart will forever call home. Catholic Central Class of 2023, I’m so proud of you all.
The Class of 2023 is a class who has been burdened with loss like no other. Friday, March 13, 2020 was the day we freshmen were excited to have a two-week vacation. Those two weeks turned into a month, and that month stretched into a monumental loss of opportunities. We lost the livelihood of summer, experienced the trial and error of online learning, missed out on dances, had shortened sports seasons, and experienced mental, physical, and emotional lows due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the loss didn’t end there. By junior year we thought we were back on track — only to find out that for our senior year of high school, we would move away from the place we called home. Everybody’s definition of home is unique, and I believe each one of us has many homes that shape us in a beautiful way. My grandmother, Antoinette Duncan, was one of my homes. This past summer, my gram was diagnosed with Stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma. There was never another day within those next two months that I did not cherish every word she said to me. I would give anything for her to see me up on this stage today, but I know she is with me, because my heart is with her — the same way that all of your loved ones are here with you right now, and the same way that Dani’s (Marceline) spark is lighting up this room and has all year. My message to all of you can be encapsulated into this: “Through darkness comes light, through fear comes love, and through pain comes triumph.”
The beauty of our Class of 2023 lies in how we have derived strength from these losses. Our class is one of resilience. We have transformed adversity into adaptability. I’m sure the faculty can speak on the fact that our class has never been an easy one; we are everything but that. We are a class of perseverance, curiosity and humor. We are never afraid to speak up against injustice, never hesitant to pave our own paths, and always looking for ways to make our mark. The truth is, our losses have brought us together in a way that can never be replaced. Our class will always have this story, this irreplaceable bond — no matter where we may end up.
In first grade, I met a girl who I thought was just another elementary school friend. We were always good friends, which teachers must have noticed and began pairing us together for activities during school. After fourth grade, she moved schools and I wasn’t sure where that would take us. Little did I know, eight years later, this girl would change my life. Even after bouncing between friend groups, struggling to find ourselves in our own ways, we always came back to one other. She taught me how to see the beauty of a true friendship. Friendship is unconditional trust, compassion, vulnerability, support and love. Friendship is being there for one another during the brightest and darkest moments — flourishing together and bettering the other simultaneously. We are such opposites, yet we complement each other in so many ways; our friendship is magnetic. Without her, I truly do not know how I could have made it through high school. Whether we bicker like a married couple at the gym or cause complete chaos with our laughter, we are electric together. And with that, I wish for all of you to find a Molly Mooney and make them your best friend.
The Class of 2023’s journey may not have been the one we wished for, but our class has defined better than no other that “home is where the heart is.” My heart is with all of you. Thank you.
Emily Paglia
Valedictorian
‘Our journey does not end here’
Reflecting upon our graduation, we are reminded of the countless stories of perseverance and dedication that have been woven into the fabric of our class. We have witnessed transformations, both personal and collective, and have overcome obstacles that seemed insurmountable. The lessons we have learned, the bonds we have forged, and the memories we have created will forever remain etched within us.
This milestone is not just a testament to our individual accomplishments but a reflection of the collective spirit that has defined our class. We have stood united, celebrating each other’s successes and coming together when the times got tough, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our diversity, both in thoughts and experiences, has enriched our environment and prepared us to tackle the complex challenges that lie ahead for us all: the future.
While the future will present its own unique set of challenges, the skills, support systems and experiences gained during high school will position us well to face them head-on. We have the ability to adapt, learn and grow because of what we had to deal with as a class. We can overcome the obstacles that lie ahead. Our graduation serves as a reminder of our resilience and capability, and it is a testament to our determination and hard work.
We have made it through the ups and downs, the victories and defeats, and we have emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before. As we move forward, let us remember that our journey does not end here. It is merely the beginning of a new chapter, brimming with endless possibilities and opportunities.
Scott Taylor
Salutatorian
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