L 060718Pg1

G22
WEEKLYNEWS.NET - 978-532-5880 JUNE 7, 2018
Class Valedictorian:
Roll with the punches
Analeigha Colarusso
Good evening
and welcome to
all those gathered
here tonight
to celebrate this
major milestone.
I would
like to extend a
warm welcome
to Superintendent Tremblay,
Principal Cleary who is unable
to be with us tonight,
Vice Principal Bates, School
Committee members, faculty,
and my fellow classmates, the
graduating Class of 2018.
I have to begin by saying
that when I first sat down to
prepare this speech, I had a
different theme in mind. Since
many of you know me as the
girl who makes chocolates for
every class and for every occasion,
I thought it would be
appropriate to relate to Forrest
Gump’s “life is like a box of
chocolates.” Then I realized
that this actually may be the
first time, and probably the
last time, that many of you will
hear me speak. Therefore, I felt
it would be more important to
share with you a final and more
meaningful piece of advice that
my grandfather passed along to
me: Roll with the punches.
Roll with the punches. These
words have given me courage,
strength, and determination.
These words have given me
hope, passion, and resilience.
These words are why I have
the tremendous privilege of
standing before you tonight.
Let’s admit it: life can be
difficult and stressful at times.
Things do not always go as
planned. Things are not always
easy. We are often hit with obstacles,
setbacks, and failures
along our journeys. However,
as bad as things may seem,
these punches we take are
meant to push us to step out
of our comfort zones, embrace
change, and challenge ourselves
to grow. These setbacks
and failures are the key to take
on challenges and will teach us
some of the most important lessons
in life. Don’t be afraid to
take chances. Don’t be afraid to
fail. Don’t be afraid to ask for
help and guidance. These are
not signs of weakness or defeat,
but of strength and courage.
Think back to when we were
in elementary school. This was
a major adjustment for all of
us, as it was the first time that
we spent hours every day away
from home and in school. There
were new things to learn, new
rules to follow, new people to
meet, and new adults telling
us what to do. Even with these
obstacles in front of us, we
challenged ourselves to learn
new topics, make new friends,
and grow. For the first time
in our lives, we took on actual
responsibilities. We were
table washers, line leaders, and
even door holders. At the time,
these tasks felt so daunting,
but now we can’t help but be
proud when we realize how we
have grown into role models
as Compass leaders, tutors,
and team captains. Our actual
responsibilities have changed,
and definitely have gotten more
difficult, but the way we challenged
ourselves has not. We all
took on these challenges, settled
into our new roles, and we’ve
been on the same journey ever
since for the past twelve years.
Through our experiences,
we have become more independent
and have gained the
skills we need to prevail in this
ever changing world. We have
grown into capable men and
PHOTO | PAULA MULLER
Analeigha Colarusso, Class Valedictorian, gives an address to the graduating class.
women who, no matter what
we encounter, will be motivated
to challenge ourselves
to do what is necessary to succeed.
We won’t be affected by
criticism, we won’t succumb to
the status quo, and more importantly,
we won’t let anybody or
anything define us. Take a look
around, each one of us has our
own story. Each one of us has
faced difficulties, dealt with
devastation, and conseque ntly
been forced to make sacrifices
at some point in our lives. But,
even in our most difficult days,
we have challenged ourselves
to our greatest potential, and
that is what has brought us here
tonight. We are determined not
to get knocked down, and when
we do, we pick ourselves right
back up. We are strong, passionate
fighters ready to take on
this next stage of our lives.
In closing, I would like to
thank my parents for their love,
their encouragement, and for
being by my side every step of
the way, even through the wee
hours of the morning. I would
also like to thank my brothers
for not only putting up with
me, but for offering me their
guidance, and for paving the
way to success. To my grandparents,
thank you for the love
and support that you have given
me throughout my journey,
and especially to my Papa for
watching over me each and
every day. Without all of you,
I would not be standing here
tonight.
To my fellow classmates, the
Class of 2018, I would like to
leave you with my Papa’s encouraging
words: Roll with
the punches. Embrace each opportunity
that comes your way
with courage, strength, and
determination. And when you
encounter a strong opponent or
obstacle, be determined to challenge
yourself to overcome it.
Take the hits that life throws at
you and know that you will be
okay.
Life is unexpected. You don’t
always know what it has in
store for you. Have hope, passion,
and resilience. And as you
leave Lynnfield High School
and begin your next journey, always
be up for a challenge. Roll
with the punches, and take on
the world.
Thank you and congratulations
to the Class of 2018!
Here’s To Your Continued Success Class of 2018!!
CENTURY HOUSE
Route 114 • Peabody
978-531-1410
www.centuryhousepeabody.com
EPIICUREAN SHOPPE
Route 114 • Peabody
978-531-1638
Congratulation & Best of Luck Class of 2018!
Plan Now for Your Special Occasion
Ask about our Special Occasion Packages at Great Savings! Packages Include Cake,Pastry and Food
• Four Foot Colossal Subs (Hot or Cold) • Calzones • Deli Platters • Finger Sandwitches
• Appetizer • Antipasto Salads • Delicious Hot Foods • Italian & American Mini Pastries
• Holiday Pies and Cakes • Walk-Ins Welcome • Orders Suggested
www.dorsisbakeryanddeli.com • 197 Washington Street • Peabody • 978-532-0102