AGNER HIGH SCHOOL

Good afternoon everyone. Let me begin with thanking all of you for joining us today to honor the senior class of 2022. This day would not have been possible without your support and presence at each game, competition, exam, and event. Today may be our last occasion to gather in celebration as Thunderbirds, but the young adults that cross this stage today will continue to rely on your foundation.

Class of 2022, as we look forward to the possibilities of a bright and uncertain future, let us be reminded of these past four years and all the unpredictable challenges we overcame to get here today.

From the beginning of freshman year, I eagerly tackled my coursework and aspired to be in a position to give this speech. Who knew that my four-year journey would be condensed into writing this speech in just four days. Today is not the end of something, but rather the beginning of a grand adventure as we move into the next phase of our lives.

2022 is a different year. We have transformed and come out stronger. We are overcomers, flexible and the most tenacious and adaptable generation to ever graduate. We are prepared for the uncertainty of the rest of our lives. There will be highs, and there will be lows, but what matters is that we eagerly push on ahead, one foot after another.

Life does not have to be a defined journey that is entirely laid out for us.

I was reminded of this when just a few short months ago, I completely changed career paths after being inspired by Mr. Fenoglio, the teacher who truly made me believe that I could change the world.

Graduates, I urge you to always believe in yourself. Believing in yourself is one of the most important aspects of growing as a person. As Coach Lopez once told me, “When you believe in yourself, it makes it easy for others to believe in you.” A strong sense of self belief can be contagious, and that measurable belief can be the spark that encourages those around you to believe in themselves and their limitless capabilities.

As we move into our future, lean on the people you love most and find those who will mold you into the best version of yourself. And when you get the chance, turn to them and say thank you. To Isiah, I thank you for being my strongest ally since elementary school and providing the friendly competition that motivated me to succeed, even against moments of adversity. To my mother and sister, I thank you for making me the person I am today, teaching me that it is okay to ask for help, and reminding me that success is not always measured in perfection. And to all the teachers, directors, administrators, and coaches, we thank you for inspiring us, investing in us, and believing in us these last thirteen years. We wouldn’t be who we are today without your tireless dedication to our futures, even in the face of a

global pandemic.

Now, to the Wagner Class of 2022: today is the day we turn the page, closing this chapter, and with eyes wide open, step into the next chapter of our lives. As we enter college, the armed forces, and the workforce, remember these words: you are an overcomer, you are adaptable, and you are ready to tackle the rest of your life. No matter what your future holds, take these lessons and memories, and use them to incite change in the world around you, no matter the size of the outcome. Finally, as we leave high school behind, we can all rest easy with the fact that Dr. Toppen and Mrs. Alfaro will never catch us in another T-Bird Special. And as always, have a great T-Bird Day.

Juliana Garza