By ZACH SERAFINI
CS Valedictory Speech
To my classmates, the class of 2009, as well as the family members and friends who have gathered here in order to celebrate the accomplishments of each student set to walk the stage today:
 Susan B. Anthony has said that sooner or later we all discover that the important moments in life are not the advertised ones, not the birthdays, the graduations, the weddings, not the great goals achieved. The real milestones are less prepossessing. They come to the door of memory unannounced, stray dogs that amble in, sniff around a bit and simply never leave. Our lives are measured by these. The fond memories of high school after many years have passed will not lie in today, but in the events that have brought each of us to this ceremony.
Memories of playing with the band in Disney World, relaxing with classmates at the National Honor Society picnic, spending the day at Cedar Point with the choir, struggling to find classrooms the first day of freshman year, or saying our good byes on the last day of senior year will be remembered for years to come. However, let us not forget, it is the work put into the activities and school, both at practice and at home, that made these memorable events possible. It is the unseen effort such as two-a-day practices, summer camps, or late nights finishing a project, that gives each of these moments a greater sense of reward. As we move forward in life, let us not forget, success in not merely stumbled upon, it is the greatest art form of which requires a scrupulous attention to detail and many years of preparation. In the end, it is the hard work we put forth that will lead us to our accomplishments.
The accomplishments of our student body proves not only to us, but to everyone who looks upon us, the pride and self motivation by which we carry ourselves. The football team has qualified for three straight football playoff appearances, many in our class have received athletic and academic scholarships, one of us has been named the Repository Athlete of the Week, five have been selected as a Repository Teen of the Month, and over 200 of us will receive our diploma today. While our achievements are in no way limited to this short list, they will undoubtedly be expanded upon as we move forward with our lives, succeeding in each of our respective fields.
Herbert Bayard Swope, Pulitzer Prize recipient, says he has no formula for success, however, he claims he knows the formula for failure ... try to please everybody. While this advice may seem to contradict the values we are taught at a young age, it serves as a reminder of the method to take when carefully mediating opposing views in trying times. Rather than pleasing everyone, focus on those that you love and care for. It is those whom you invest yourself in that will aid when you are in need and celebrate as you succeed.
I stand before you today at the commencement ceremony for our graduating class, the class of 2009. The word commencement, as I have been reminded by several teachers, means beginning. Today does not mark end of our education, it serves as the start. From this point today we will each move in separate directions, defining our own successes by guidelines not yet created. Many of us will continue our education at a collegiate level, while many others will pursue a job, a certification, or join the armed forces. Whatever your destiny, take note of the acts that lead you there, it is these that are the important moments in life.
Congratulations class of 2009!