Page 100 - 1995

Valedictory Address
They say the bestyears ofyour life are the ones that you spend at schooL Well, after 11g1 jive incredible years at C.C.I., I realize they could!J't be more right. Good evening ladies and gentlemen, friends, relatives and graduates. As I began writing this speech I found ~~g~self at a loss for words. Now I know 11g1 parents and teachers won't likely belieye that, but it's true. After all, how could I express 11g1 feelings about the best school in the entire world'!
So I thought that I would start at tile beginning: Grade 9. Now I know many ofus don't want to admit that we were even Grade 9's in the first place, but don't forget that we were the ONLY Grade 9's EVER
.that weren't smal~ disoriented, overwhelmed or naive. We had it all together. Lockers, cafeteria food, dances, and initiation we handled without a problem. Speaking o f initiation, looking back on it I think we can safely say we enjoyed it very much. I mean who wouldn't like kissing lockers, pushing pennies up the floor, asking teachers to marry us, and doing push-ups over the opposite sex, all while splitting a piece o f licorice with them? It was all in the name o ffun.
As each-yeat passed we grew ttibre and more involved. ·We joined teams,"clubs, achieved higher grades, realized that teachers were actually our friends, our parents were a source o f sttength, and we lived in a very special community. Not only were the people great, but the weather was a great advantage as welL Many times we were saved by our winter wonderland climate. (What I mean is that sehool days, and most importantly exams got cancelled because o f terrible road conditions or unbelievable icy patches.) Not that we weren 't prepared or anything, just wanted to take the time to help out at home. We also learned about the unique activities that made C.C.I. exceptionaL Who can forget their fun times at Minn-a-kee, or in choir, band, and of course the uncontrollable laughs putting the best musical in the world together: Anything Goes!
Then came the year o f the owL We were king o f the hiH and ruler o f aiL Our final year was quickly upon us. This school year was the best, yet at the same time seemed to contain the most sttess and anxiety. We had toperformourbestorweweren'tgettingintoourchoiceofuniversityorcoUege. IrememberwonderingifIwas ever going to be tfone all the assignments, papers, and homework I had to do, but we all managed just fine.
Now we begin another -chapter in our lives and I'm sure that it wili hold as many memgries and good times as C.C.I. has. But before I leave I want to thank you for aUowing me the great privilege of being your valedictorian. I feel it only necessary to give yo11 a gift in return. My gift, however, comes in the form o f the word "PHIB" which is all about llg/. thoughts and wishes for each and every one ofyou.
"P"
"H" "I"
"B"
-people -Never forget in whatever job you do that you are working with people. They have feelings and problems unique to them and you must respect that. Don't limit yourself by not allowing him/her to join your group. Remember, all people want to be part ofsomething. After all, we can't be that different. We are all people. /'
-hard work-There is no substitute. Remember that paper you worked on for days and days and then got it back with a larger than life "A"? Remember that feeling.
-initiativ_e- Go out in that world and make your future as bright as it can be; don"t wait around for someone else to do it for you.· You create the tallest building in the world. You get the job you always wanted and don't let anyone tell you that it is out ofyour grasp.
-Believe in yourself. Look at where you sit tonight and take great pride in your accomplishment. Realize the desire and heart it took to come this far and draw on that when you need to. Let me be the first to say that I believe in each and every one ofyou.
Take this word with you and remember these great C.C.I. halls and nothing wiU ever be problem enough to stand in the way ofyour dreams. Good luck to all and may the OWL always be with you.
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Melanie Buie