San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Judson Early College Academy
Good morning, family, friends, and class of 2021.
I'd like to begin by saying what an honor it is to be the valedictorian of JECA's class of 2021. I have truly dreamt of this moment ever since I was 8 years old, sitting exactly where you are today, at a graduation listening to a valedictorian speech. While I am extremely nervous to be standing in front of you this morning, I am so proud to have the privilege of representing such an incredible group of young people.
Before I go any further, there are many individuals here today who I'd like to recognize and express my sincere gratitude. First is the amazing faculty and staff at JECA. Each and every one of you have played a monumental role in shaping our lives as we've progressed through our educational journeys. Thank you for your guidance, your support and your passion for education.
To my closest friends: Thank you! Thank you for being exactly who you are, amazing human beings! Last, but definitely not least, my family. Mom and Dad, I do not have the words to express how much your unconditional love and support has meant to me. You have faithfully been by my side during each and every triumph and defeat. I love you both so much! Finally, my little sister Madison: You make life extremely fun, and I love you!
Now to address the amazing class of 2021! While preparing for this speech, I spent a few sleepless nights reflecting on our last four years at JECA, and I quickly realized the class of 2021 can be summed up with one word: resilient. We made a choice to take one of the most unique paths to graduation. We've faced the rigorous challenge of being a dual credit
student, balancing JECA's classes with those at Northeast Lakeview College. We have sacrificed, endured sleepless nights, and may have even shed a few tears along the way – yet we prevailed.
We certainly have come a long way since freshman year, a period of adjustment and exploration. Freshman year started with fish camp. Wow, that seems like ages ago! I remember everyone being so kind and welcoming. Regardless of our talents and background, we immediately felt a sense of belonging.
Over the course of the year, our bonds grew stronger over shared experiences like our very first Nighthawk
Day, Homecoming, school performances, JECA's legendary haunted house and a very unexpected snow day.
However, behind the scenes, we were also facing the possibility that our school could close its doors, which brought about feelings of fear and uncertainty regarding our future, but JECA continued and is now stronger than ever!
Class of 2021, we are
resilient.
Sophomore year came quickly and we began working as a united team experiencing many successes. Our class excelled in competitions outside of school, including UIL events, Academic Decathlon and Robotics. We dominated more than our fair share of homecoming day competitions and proved that our class has heart.
Yet at the same time, we encountered greater demands in our academic lives. We took on more core classes and additional college courses.
As college applications suddenly became a reality, we began to prepare for (and stress over) the infamous PSAT and SAT. This was also the year we attended our Commitment Ceremony, pledging to finish our education at JECA, what we all knew would be a long but rewarding journey. All at the same time, we were adjusting to significant changes in our staff, not realizing at the time that those changes would mold JECA into the school we love and cherish today.
Class of 2021, we are
resilient.
We had all heard about the supposed horrors of junior year since the very first day we stepped foot on campus. At first junior year didn't seem so bad, but the workload soon picked up and the year began to live up to its reputation. As we eventually found our routine and settled into the daily grind, the pandemic hit. I don't think we could have ever quite prepared for such an event. The pandemic entirely altered school – and life – as we knew it. We had to quickly adapt to online learning and take a crash course in Zoom technology. Our vocabulary quickly changed to phrases like, “Let me share my screen” and “Just type it in the chat.”
We struggled to stay connected with our JECA family, but ultimately, the pandemic would only make us closer.
Class of 2021, we are
resilient.
Senior year, we've faced one of the most competitive college admission cycles ever with record low admission rates.
Yet, our bright minds have been accepted to some of the top universities in the country. Some of our classmates have witnessed the unrest in the world and made a pledge to serve and protect our country by enlisting in the Armed Forces. Let me be the first to thank you for your service. Yet others have plans to join the work force, contributing to a society that needs talented people just like us.
Class of 2021, we are
resilient.
Life comes with a guarantee that things will be in a state of constant change. As we walk across this very stage in just a few moments to accept our high school diploma, we know that we are leaving with so much more. We are leaving JECA with the ability to adapt, to grow and succeed in times of change.
Class of 2021, it is our resilience that makes us perfect innovators, humanitarians and leaders of tomorrow.
As I conclude this speech, I wanted to leave you today with a quote from one of the greatest
movies of all time, “Legally Blonde”: “It is with passion, courage of conviction and strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world. You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.”
Congratulations, class of
2021. We did it!