Valedictory address at Sydenham High School

Jul 01, 2015

by Wilma Kenny and Jeff Green

Ah, the modern world

Holly Thompson started her valedictory address at Sydenham High School last Thursday afternoon, June 25, by asking her fellow classmates to refrain from checking or posting on their twitter and instragram feeds, but then, humorously flipping her hair for effect, she said, “But before you shut off your phones, feel free take a video of me and post parts of this speech on Vine.”

She then started her speech in earnest, touching on many of the experiences of the class of '15 at SHS over their four years, from the antics of staff members, the academic and athletic focus of the school, and mostly the feeling of togetherness that SHS is known for, which starts with the commitment and heart of the school's staff.

“Now I’m sure you can all agree with me when I say this, whether a teacher, an administrator, an EA, a custodian, or essentially any staff of Sydenham High, no matter the obstacle, someone is always there for you. Everyone and everything is there for you.”

Although the Class of '15 has been through events as diverse as a lockdown and a victory at the Capital Bowl, the school’s #Samstrong efforts for class-mate, Sam Eastman, who is battling cancer, are something that she is particularly proud of.

She concluded her speech with some words to her fellow class mates that were important for them to hear, particulary as the entire SHS community struggles to cope with the events of the past two weeks, which hover like a thick cloud of fog over the school and the local community.

“You’re something important. Something meaningful. Something worthwhile. You are a person with the ability to make change, save lives, live to the fullest. Take nothing for granted. This life is one big adventure, so take it. And let others take theirs as well. Make good decisions—decisions that you can live with. You don't have to be a dentist or a lawyer, skinny or rich to be happy. Just be you, and be a 'you' that leaves the world a little brighter.”