AM H OUSTON H IGH S CHOOL

Good evening parents, guardians, faculty, staff, guests, and fellow graduates.

At this moment, I’d like to ask you the following question: if you had one shot or one opportunity, to seize everything you ever wanted, in one moment, would you capture it or just let it slip? Well, You only get one shot, This opportunity comes once in a lifetime. The opportunity of graduating high school is an enormous achievement in one’s life.

And if you’re sitting here today, you took that opportunity. We Started from the bottom, and now we’re here. Here at this ceremony to congratulate our accomplishments as tonight, we finally graduate high school. We triumphed through various obstacles and challenges throughout our lives. We Worked so hard to get to where we are today, even forgot how to vacation. And today that hard work pays off. They said we wouldn’t be nothing. Now they will say congratulations. Because This moment, we own it.

Tonight We are the champions, my friends, and we’ll keep on fighting ‘til the end. But we must remember those who helped us al0ng our journey. To the parents: thank you for your unconditional and unwavering support throughout our lives and for raising such incredible individuals. To my parents, Nicolas Alonzo III and Anna Alonzo, and my grandparents Arturo Castillo and Margarita Castillo, thank you for always believing in me and pushing me to be the best person I can be. To teachers and staff: Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge in support of creating contributing members of society. Personal shout out to Lt Col(ret.) Sensly, Dr. Turner Gray, Mr. Everts, Mrs. Withers, and while he is no longer at Sam, Mr. Gonzales.

I also want to shout out the wonderful programs at Sam Houston: The CyberPTECH program that has allowed me to graduate with an associates degree in cybersecurity from St. Philip’s just last month and obtain multiple industry certifications that will propel other students and me in our careers; the JROTC program that has helped me and numerous other students in preparing us for the world beyond with their various wonderful programs; the College and Career center that has guided and supported other students and me in transitioning from high school to our lives ahead; and the Community in Schools program that has provided a safe and supportive environment for students.

As we move forward into the world beyond high school, let us remember that we have the power to create the life that we want. Let us take ownership of our journey and never forget that we are the ones in control. Never be afraid of chasing your dreams. The only thing you should fear is never tryin’ Even if you got three strikes, go for it.

I’ve been up here long enough so I will conclude by saying congratulations class of 2023, This moment, We own it, the world’s biggest stage and we’re the stars. I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors! Today is indeed a party in the USA and a parade in my city.

Thank you and good night.

Nicolas Castillo Alonzo