Salutatorian address

Good evening family, friends, faculty, and fellow graduates. My name is Hannah Vick, your 2022 class salutatorian. While I was brainstorming ideas for this speech, I couldn’t figure out what to write for the time being. As I got closer to the deadline, I started to get more and more worried about it. At the beginning of May, I found the perfect idea , and that is a perfect farewell. Though I will see most of you again in my lifetime, I want to say goodbye to the experiences that I’ve had here.

First, I want to say goodbye to my classmates, whom I’ve shared many memories with, grew up with, and laughed with. Every single one of you has left a lasting impression on me; from the boy’s odd humor in class to the breakfast bunch in the mornings before school. One memory that stood out to me during our senior year was picture day. Every single year our class picture has been horrible , but this year was by far the worst picture. Though this picture has its imperfections, it fits the dynamic of our class perfectly. I want to thank my classmates for the times we’ve had, and the memories I’ll keep forever.

Next, I want to say goodbye to the parents and members of this community. Thank you for all the time you’ve given us throughout our four years of high school. Goodbye to the parents who have given me a ride home after games and events and to all the help and advice you’ve given us to shape us into young adults. Thank you for tolerating our tomfoolery. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate every single one of you. I want to thank all the parents that helped me, and the ones that helped my classmates. Finally, I want to say goodbye to the teachers, staff, and coaches. Goodbye to the teachers that helped me during and outside of school, to the funny alien video that Mr. Gingras would show us during class, and to all of the times you’ve helped us after school when we were struggling with schoolwork. Goodbye to the coaches that taught me how to work hard, strive for the best and showed us how to have fun and be successful at the same time. Goodbye to the singing on the bus rides on our way to our games, the pep talks, and striving for the best in us. I want to thank the ones that stuck with us, no matter what.

To the current students of Gilman, please recognize the people that contributed to our community. Don’t think that you are alone when striving for success, because there’s a gym full of people that want to help you. Here’s a little piece of advice for you guys as well; enjoy the moment. I know that is the stereotypical thing that everyone tells you, but it’s true. I know that I’m going to miss the cheer sections under the Friday night lights, the school dances, and all the other things that high school has to offer. I wish the best of luck to the students below me, and I want to thank you for giving me a great high school experience.

You’ve all shaped my class and me into the people we are today. Whether it was a big or small impact, thank you. As we move past this chapter in our lives, I will always remember everything you’ve all done for me. Fellow classmates, as you walk across the stage to receive your diploma, remember the people that got you to this goal in life. As the great John Quinnell said in the past year, “once a pirate, always a pirate”. Thank you. — Hannah Vick