The time has come,
For closing books and long last looks must end,
And as I leave,
I know that I am leaving my best friend,
A friend who taught me right from wrong,
And weak from strong,
That’s a lot to learn,
What, what can I give you in return?
To Sir With Love

An old story and song, but truer words have never been spoken. Bittersweet tears of happiness were spilled on Friday night and thrills of what is to come entered everyone’s mind. Graduation has come and gone for the seniors of Italy High School. Their plans have been tentatively set and forward they march.

After the processional of school board members, faculty and seniors, Trevor Davis led the pledge and Jasmine Wallace gave the invocation. Superintendent, Jimmie Malone welcomed friends and family of the graduating seniors. Prinicipal Scott Herald recognized the honor graduates. In the top 10% were Mike Vlk, Angelica Garza and Tyler Boyd. The rest of the honor graduates include Chase Michael, Clay Major and Trevor Davis.

Salutatorian, Mike Vlk, gave his speech remembering the sage old advise of his mother, “She always told me she was a parent first and a teacher second. I will remember these words as I grow and experience life first hand. I think Italy is a great place grow up and graduate. I will always remember how nice everyone has been and how much you mean to me.”

Valedictorian, Tyler Boyd, came up to the podium for the traditional valedictory speech.

Friends, relatives, classmates, I am humbled to be standing before you representing the class of 2009. It seems like only yesterday we were walking down the halls with tiger tails behind our backs, and now we walk the stage with tassels upon our heads.

I would not be standing before you if it weren’t for several people. I would like to thank Ms. Maevers, Ms. Patterson, Ms. Morgan, and Ms. Shepard for the great start I had at Stafford Elementary. I would like to thank Ms. Richards, Ms. Moreland, and Ms. Bridge for sticking with Italy ISD through the good and bad times. For the new coaching staff- for giving us some good memories to look back on and for not using me as a tackling dummy.

I would like to thank my family for helping me over the years, and for all their love and support. I would like to thank my friends for the lasting memories we share.

Mostly I would like to thank God, who has given me the abilities that enable me to stand before you today. As it says in Joshua 1:9 “Be strong courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The class of 2009 will go lots of places and do lots of things. Unfortunately, the class of 2009 has had to climb many mountains already in our lives. The loss of a classmate while we were still in junior high opened our eyes to what can lie ahead. I believe that we will always miss Brittany Hayes. Some of the class of 2009 have faced many emotional and physical obstacles. The losses of parents shouldn’t come this early in our lives, but for some, it has. Some of us had to overcome other emotional and physical mountains, and we have.

Dr. Seuss said it best, Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and Away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And You are the guy who’ll decide where to go. And when things start to happen. Don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too. You’ll be on your way up! You’ll be seeing great sights! You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights. You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed. You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top the rest. Except when you don’t. Because, sometimes, you won’t. Somehow you’ll escape all that waiting and staying. With banner flip-flapping, once more you’ll ride high! Ready for anything under the sky. Ready because you’re that kind of a guy! All alone! Whether you like it or not, Alone will be something you’ll be quite a lot. But on you will go though the weather be foul. On you will go though your enemies prowl. You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember Life’s a Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed!

Oh all the places the class of 2009 will go. Some of us to college, some to jobs, and some to the military. Some will never leave and some will never return. Always remember today is your day your mountain is waiting. So… get on your way.

As I close, I hope that each of your stars are shining tonight and you futures are bright ones and the roads that you take will always lead you back home. Robert Browning once wrote to his homeland and I think it befit the essence of this address tonight.

Open my heart and you will see Engraved inside of it, “Italy.” Such lovers old are I and she: so it always was, so shall ever be!

Thank you and God bless each of you.

Later, Mrs. Cochran, high school counselor, presented Boyd with the Willis Cup. Each student walked across the stage and received their diploma and a carnation from Mr. Herald.

God bless the seniors of 2009. The staff at the Italy Neotribune see great things in your future and are excited to see your lives unfold. Go Gladiators!