Valedictorian farewell speech
Hi everyone!
When I was nine years old, my 4 siblings and I packed up into my dad’s 1985 Airstream and made our move from Orlando, Florida to Southport, Maine. The ride consisted of no air conditioning, an engine fire, two popped tires on the highway, and a lost cat. Not to mention the multitude of emotions that come with moving across the country. Family bonding! After four long days, and my mom begging to rent a car, we made it. Even after we all moved in, and found the missing cat, I didn’t feel at home. The adjustment was hard. In fact, I complained so much about wanting to move back that Aggie who was born in Maine (and luckily missed the RV ride) would also ask to go back to Florida. My parents even got me an emotional support dog for Christmas that year to try make me feel better. Thanks, mom and dad.
However, as I got older, I began to see what made Boothbay special. I started to understand why my family moved here. It’s hard to these feelings into words, so I asked my classmates to help me out. Nase said that his favorite part of growing up here was participating in the Fisherman’s Festival. We got to re-experience those festivities during our field day last week. What other school would let their students race the bases in oil slicks and boots carrying two cod fish? Not to brag but I was on the winning relay team. Shout out to Matthew, Ashton, and Gav. Beyond the field day, our school and community provide us with fun activities for the past four years. We get to have a massive bonfire on the field, decorate floats and parade around town, and even got to go on a sunset cruise on the Novelty.
Fun traditions definitely make our community and school special. But they aren’t the only thing that sets Boothbay apart. It's the small acts that bring us together. The joy of the lunch ladie Steph as she greet us every morning with breakfast. A smile from a custodian in the hallway. The Friday Fundays in Mr. Powell’s despite already being a week behind schedule. As Katy put it, we have become like family in a way that can only happen at a small school like Boothbay. The past two years have been challenging and we appreciate our teacher’s, administor’s, and support staff’s dedication to supporting us. You went above and beyond to help us make the best out of our high school experience. You helped us get to where we are today. Thank you.
As we move on to experience the next chapter of our lives, many of us will find new places to call home. For some of us, that means a college campus. Others, a new work environment. Some of us may be excited for a change of scenery or perhaps we are already getting prematurely homesick. Whether we are choosing to move far away or stay right here. I want to remind my classmates that we always have a community at our back. We all come together to support one another. We are willing to make self-sacrifices for each other. Despite our community’s small size, when we come together we make big things happen. I encourage our class to learn from our community and take that kindness wherever we go.
So now I can fully say that I understand why my mom chose to move our family to Boothbay. I know that I gave you a hard time for many years, but as always, you knew best. Thank you. I have been reminded many times that since I wasn’t born here, I can never be a true Mainer. But that RV ride was definitely worth it, and Boothbay will always be my home. I have a song to help me share.
Back Narrows, The Sheepscott, I do love my Ma and Pa
Not the way that I do love you
Well, holy moly, me oh my, you're the apple of my eye
Girl, I never loved one like you
Man, oh, man, you're my best friend, I scream it to the Hendricks Head
There ain't nothing that I need
Well, hot and heavy whoopie pie, Orne’s candy, Beth’s Fish Fry
Ain't nothing please me more than you
Oh, home, let me come home
Home is wherever I'm with you
Oh, home, let me come home
Home is wherever I'm with you
I'll follow you to Cliffords park, through the commons, through the dark
Girl, I never loved one like you
Moats and boats and lobster bakes, ice cream factory’s chocolate shakes
I been everywhere with you (that's true)
Laugh until we think we'll die, barefoot on a summer night
Never could be sweeter than with you
In windy streets you run afree, like it's only you and me
This town’s really something to see
