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anywhere.
From outstanding academics to spectacular spirit. From an amazing athletics
program to adventurous history trips. From unbeatable bands to lipsyncs, choirs, clubs, councils, spirit days, assemblies and the list goes on and on. When it comes to talent in all of these areas, CCI Fighting Owls are unmatched.
This school has created an envirmm1ent where getting involved is simple. Life long f1iendships are easily formed, and unforgettable memories are made that the students will take with them always.
We all owe a great deal of f,'fatitude to the people who made our highschool experience the best it could possibly be. It's the teachers and staff, our parents and relatives, and last but not least our friends, who had such a positive impact on our highschool careers.
Lee Iacocca once said "In completely rational society, the best of us would aspire to be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something less, because passing civilization along from one generation to the next ought to be the highest responsibility anyone could have." The teachers here at CCI have given us the gift of knowledge. They produced a learning environment that was fun and interesting. They have inspired us to work hard and pushed us to our full potential. More importantly, they have dedicated endless hours of their own time to students in need.
I also want to recognize the parents. They have been there through thick and thin supporting us the whole way. My parents even managed to support me through exam time when I was a stressed monkey who insisted
that if I could just break my ann, I wouldn'ehave to write exams. They provided us with love and care and tried to guide us in the right direction. For iliis they deserve our utmost appreciation.
And finally there are our friends . Friendships are a key necessity in life. Our fiiends are always there to listen, to give advice, and to create fun times that we will never forget. Without all of you, I don't think I would have made it tlll'ough the last 5 years. Let's give a round of applause to all these people.
Rather than dwell on the past, I'd like to focus on the futme. Many people see commencement as a closing or ending to an important stage in our life. In actuality the word commencement means a new start or beginning, implying the future railier than the past. l am confident in knowing iliat every student sitting here tonight has a bright future awaiting them. CCI has founded a group of exceptional young individuals who I am sure will contribute a great deal to society. Each one of us has the potential to succeed in life and all of us have a different idea of what success is. Live each day to ilie fullest and set high goals for yourself. I am a believer in dreaming big and l know that all of us have the strength and ability to fulfill big dreams no matter what they are. Wow, all
of a sudden I've turned into Stuart Smalley, the motivational speaker from
Saturday Night Live-cause I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggonite, people like me! 1realize though iliat there will be many struggles and obstacles for each of us to overcome. My hope is that when life's hibulations come your way, you'II be able to look back at highschool as I did on my first day of university and an instant smile will come across your face . ln my eyes life is I0 times better when you're smiling.
I would like to wish the best of luck to the last class of the millennium to pass through these halls. Congratulations to the graduating of
J S
• ynnott
1999. Thank you.
Jessica Svmwtt Valedictorian for the Class of1999