Class of 2009 Graduation (Part 1)

by Justice Kibbe (Student Body President)

Most of us sitting up here have had a very memorable four years at the Bronxville High School. I, on the other hand, have only had three and a half. During the second semester of my sophomore year, I attended a different school. I was never too fond of that decision. To say the least, I found my new learning environment to be a little bizarre. However, although my experiences at that other school were not pleasant, I am happy that I experienced them, because after spending that time away from Bronxville, I really came to appreciate how amazing our school truly is.

We are very fortunate to have attended a school with such rich resources and such a wonderful faculty. Through the time and energy they have devoted to us, our teachers have pushed us to our full potential and have helped us reach our goals. Yet, while they may have been hard on us, our teachers have always been both mentors and friends. Their influence on us has been profound and will continue to shape the ways we view the world.

We should always remember all the amazing things Bronxville has given us, but it is more important that we remember what we have given each other, as classmates and as friends. It may sound silly to say that we “live in a community of friends here at Bronxville,” yet there is no better way to describe the Bronxville K-12 experience. Where else will a class spend the thirteen most formative years of their lives sharing everything from naptime in kindergarten, to the jungle that is middle school, to the agony of standardized tests. We may not realize it now, but as we look back, many of us will discover that it will be hard to replicate the bonds that we have formed here.

So as we move forward with our lives, most of us on our separate paths, I encourage everyone to reflect on their experiences at Bronxville. But reflect not on all on the sports you played, but who you played them with. Reflect not on all of the dances you went to, but rather who you danced with. Reflect not on where you ate your lunch, but who you ate that lunch with. The years we have had here at Bronxville have been very memorable, but the fact that we shared them together is what we will remember most.