Good evening fellow graduates, friends, family, mentors and everyone else that has been here for us throughout these past 13 years of our lives. There will be much laughter today, many words, and many tears. For some of us, we are sad to leave Gladstone High School for whatever reasons dwelling in the depths of our hearts tonight. We will miss our close friends and the security of people always holding our hands when we need them. Or whenever they thought it appropriate to be holding our hands, when maybe we just didn't see it that way.
We will often reminisce on the many memories we have planted these past 13 years together and laugh, sigh, and cry. That first and second time when we walked into the wrong classroom, or that first time you slipped a note into your crushes locker. For some of us, we will look back at our four years at Gladstone as the best years of our lives, for others, we have already realized that our life is just beginning. Whether we are registered for school in the fall at a Community College or University, heading into a vocation, or bringing a new life into the world . . . today, this very moment is the dawn of a new day.
I remember four years ago at my 8th grade graduation. In my gown, I walked across that stage, thinking of what was to come in the next four years. Would people like me? Would I succeed? Would I accomplish all of the things I aspired to accomplish? That day bore a seed into the soul of one very self-conscious child. I was one of the people who constantly struggled inside, tormented with the thought that perhaps we were disliked by our peers. For a long time, I felt that I was the only one who felt this way. I was alone, and I was scared.
But the time came when I took the initiative to live my life the way I wanted my life to be. I stopped living my life in hopes that other people would approve. Only then would my life become better. That was the time came when I took control of my choices, of my dreams, and of my life.
Friends, fellow graduates, the time has come when we are approaching a new beginning. New hopes are already planted into our souls, when we are forced to leave the security of familiarity. New hopes, new dreams, new fears? Will we be accepted by our peers? Will we accomplish all that we wish to accomplish? But this time, no one will be there to hold our hands. I will not wait this time to take the initiative to not care what others think! I will succeed! I will accomplish what I set out to accomplish! We have come to the time that we've been waiting for. Free at last! Free at last lord almighty, we are free at last!
To close friends, I would like to read the lyrics to a song by an anonymous author. On The Loose.
On the loose to climb a mountain
On the loose where I am free
On the loose to live my life
The way I think my life should be
For I only have a moment
And a whole world left to see
I'll be searching for tomorrow
On the loose
(Verse1)
Have you ever seen a sunset
Turn the sky completely red?
Have you slept beneath the moon & stars
A pine bough for your head?
Have you sat and talked with friends
Though a word was never said?
Then you're like me and you've been on the loose.
*Chorus*
(Verse2)
There's a trail that I'll be hiking
Just to see where it might go
Many places yet to visit
Many places yet to know
So I'm following my dreams
I will live and I will grow
On the trail that's waiting out there on the loose
*Chorus*
(Verse3)
So in search of love and laughter
I'll be traveling cross this land,
Never sure of where I'm going
For I haven't any plans
So any time you're ready
Come and join me, take my hand
And together we'll find life on the loose.
Ivonne, Yesenia, Mirey, Jen, Nalani
Johana, Laura, Belen, Mirey, Ivonne
Can you guess who these guys are?
Ivonne, Tyna, Mirey, Laura, & Myself
Josie, Tyna, Ivonne, Jen
Allen, Jason, Andrew
Andrew & Myself
Damn, one person had to start it now we all have a little something to say, I guess. You all mean so much to me so here it goes. Hope I don't forget anyone but I'm a busy girl :)
Mireyson:
Love ya lots, we need each other to keep in check I think, when you get to stubborn I let you know and when I get too flirty you let me know. Your poem was beautiful, I didn't know you had it in you after retard English and all...Your Dawsome...oh, yeah, and thanks for the rides!!!!
IvonneLove:
You are great to talk to when depressed because unlike most people who try to make you feel better you always make me feel worse and I like that because it's honest, our lives are gonna suck after tonight! Okay, maybe not for all of us but for some. YOUR BEAUTIFUL!!!
Jen-Jen:
You are one punny chk, I love your house and your parents for always letting us come over. Even though you are a pimp who will get all the guys in SB I still love you! Hurry up on your trip to Canada so you can help me move!!!!!
Patty:
ALways forget about the white chicks! But I love you anyway and I know you are busy. I believe I will be the best friend you'll ever have and you will miss me most because you'll have no one to complain to about all the smarter kiss ass chks. But you can write and I promise to read your letters!
Allen:
Can I still work out at your house this summer? I know I can, cuz I got a membership! The group isn't complete without you and your bodily functions!
Jason:
I love you too for being a concided jerk all year, but I know that you really have a heart in there and it hurts you to hear us make fun of you all the time...well TO BAD! J/K SORRY... I just can't control myself sometimes...I'm sorry for being so mean all the time but I really do enjoy your company.
Shaba:
You rock! And I'm really depressed that our little chat room didn't work but oh well! Are you on AOL or am I gonna have to find your address somewhere? Damn I hope not, I'm always losing things.
Josie:
Well babe, our dreams of Long Beach are over for me you and Ivonne but at least you well be in Burbank where I can visit you if you give me and address and phone number...hint hint.
Mike:
I don't know what happened to you this year, we started off great and talked a lot and we even did a few things together but then Andrea came along and well...I suppose I should be jealous or something but I am not. I'm glad to know you, get famous and don't forget me cuz I want to be famous too.
Martin:
Who can forget that night at Ben's? Not I, cuz you kept coming in and bugging me every five minutes while I was trying to sleep! So I figured why not play? I'm glad I did cuz I found out that not all the guys in the group are gay!!!!! Hang out with me this summer!!!!
Suomynona:
I saved the white chick for last!!!! I love ya so much, you are so full of wisdom and knowledge. Not to mention you are outgoing and best of all non-judgemental. Thanks for being there for me always. I'll never forget the first time we really bonded at the Fair, I don't think I really knew you till that day even though I've know you all four years. I look up to you. Here's to our times in ACADECA also. Your a true bud.
Josie:
I couldn't have done it without you baby! You are the love of my life! You made me feel like I was special... Thankz =) You lift me up when I was down, I will never forget that! and itz awsome cuz the more time we spend together the better it getz....pleaze don't forget about mwaaaaa...I love ya lotz and lotz.
Patio:
hehe we had great laughs...I am so glad I had the chance to get to know the real you...you are a great person...remember the Young Americanz hehe- fineasss guyz ....wooo-hooo that was soo much fun!!!...I really enjoy having
you around...and u can do anything u want just relax a little=) I love you and I will miss you A LOT..Thank you for everything=) you better keep in touch.
Jen:
How can I ever forget all those nights? hehe!! We had some really wild times together...you are so much funnn!! I hope you dont forget about me now that you are going to Santa Barbara...Thankz for listening to me...I love you lotz sexy=)
Mirey:
Itz where it all started...remember?? well it was great knowing you...remember what we did last summer? hehe=) I'm gonna miss ya a lot...you better call and dont forget about mwaaa=) Take care and good luck.
Laura:
I can't believe that girl who sat next to me in the bus would become one of my closest friendz. Remember when you put on ur shoes cuz you were cold haa~haa and remember that night at Ben's house he-he. We've had lotz of fun times together. I still can't believe you are going to Texas...=( good luck and don't forget about mwaaa...you better K.I.T =)
Sarah:
hehe you don't hate me...you know you like me around. Well what can I say you are truly one of a kind. I like having you around =) Thanz for trusting me...and u know I'm here for you alwayz goodluck hoe-bag
tyna:
aww I'm soo glad I met you. You are soo adorable... I'm gonna miss ya a lot. Remember when we got lost at City walk hee~hee..I'm glad I was with ya...good luck next year... make the best out of it! and as for guyz don't worry they'll come around... you are money baby!...u better write to me and I'm
coming to ur graduation next year=) I love ya lotz=)
Shabana~Banana:
aww remember our sophmore year..we kicked ass baby! you are the greatest. I'm gonna miss ya lotz...remember when we went to ur house....yummy the chicken was good...well Good luck, I know you'll be successful cuz you are a really intellegent girl. Reach for your dreamz and don't forget me tay..love yea lotz
Martin:
remember the nite at Ben's house? that was a lot of fun...I discovered things I never expected...hehe well n-wayz. Thanx for being so sweet and encouraging. I still have the poem remember...? you are a great guy. Good luck at UC Davis and dont forget me.
Allen:
awww you are a dope guy. I'm really glad I had the chance to talk to you this year. You are lotz of fun to be around with. And yeah I'm cool allen hehe take care and dont forget me=)
Jason:
Gooshh...why are you soo conceited??? you think you are all that and stuff...but n-wayz we had some awsome times this year. I'm glad I had the chance to talk to ya. You are a dope guy, just don't let it get to your head. Good luck next year and dont be a stranger...
Mike:
It was lotz of fun talking to ya this year... you are a really sweet guy. Good luck next year and you better not be an abusive husband or else....well u know hee-hee...take care
Andrea:
Hey pretty lady, you are a really sweet girl. I'm glad I had the chance to meet ya..remember the Lock-in.. that night was a lot of fun...Well take care a good luck... You better invite me to ur wedding. Love ya =)
Well that'z all folks...Good luck to everyone!!!
Ekatsim
Okay, because I am posting other peoples dedications, and though I think its kinda stupid and weird, I am going to post a few of my own dedications to members of my senior class. However, I'm only using Top Secret code names so if you can figure out who these people are, congratulations!! If not, oh well, then you don't know yourself because you probably wouldn't be looking here if you didn't know me.
So…here we go:
Here are a to a few people who I do not believe are on line…do I care? No…Its my friggen page and I think these people should get recognition too damnit…even if it's a month / two months late!!
Clumsy (One of the O.G. Seven Dorks from back in the day at Center): I love you. You are truly an awesome blossom. You're also a damn Scottie Dog, but us Irish Setters will prevail!! So many wonderful times we had. You were always there for me no matter how many times I deserted you for the Groupies. But in the end, we ended up together like we should have been, and were, all the way through in the heart. I owe you so much. Never forget the 20 grapes, and the Stop Sign in our nightgowns, ok? I love you!! Thank you for everything.
Sexy (Another one of the O.G. Seven Dorks from back in the day at Center; and back in the day at G-Stone Elementary!!): Wow. The time has come woman for the independence we've been dreaming of. No matter what, never give up hope, and remember that it can't get worse. We've been there, and back. Sometimes together, sometimes apart, but we have always maintained that connection. I believe that you will succeed in getting where you want to get (out) if you just keep working at it. You don't have long to go. Thank you so much for always being there for me through thick and thin and for understanding.
Reeneeeeeeee: You are one of the coolest, most awesome renegades I know. We all know that you're a little rebel deep down inside. You have loads of talent and we know you are going to go places. Stay hot and smart and all that…talk a little more…its so fun to listen to you!! Good luck, and thanks for trusting me with the knife…(That truly makes you a renegade!!!)
Mr. Kindergarten: Don't give away my secrets and don't forget about how Mars doesn't exist anymore and don't forget how much I love you!!! You've been such an intelligent, inspiring, handsome person to be around. I will never forget the 13 years we knew eachother…Whether or not we know eachother in the future, Ill be looking out for you, because I know youll accomplish great things.
Mr. Guy who has the car I wanted to hotwire…(okay okay, I wont hold you in suspense any longer: Mr. Guy Who Works at SUBWAY)…Yeah, I don't think I ever told you but during that one course of time, when I was kind of really upset with you, I wanted to hotwire your care and push it off a cliff with you in it. No, I wasn't bitter…Okay, I know Ive killed that already. Anyways, I always saw something in you that I saw in few other people. It was a deepness inside your soul that I wanted to reach, but for some reason, I never had the guts to truly reach for it. Either that, or it was simply unattainable, by me anyways. So I just pouted instead. Well, I know things are sometimes hard for you, but things can only get better. So good luck with you and your car, and try not to forget about the FREAK you shared that Honors Science project with in Jr.High…otay?
An IRISH LEO LOVE CHK: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways….First of all…the Irish in you Reigns supreme!! Yeah baby yeah!! Well, in the end we discovered that not only were we both into writing, literature, coffee, poetry, Tori, and Aerosmith, but we have a lot more in common than we thought. Well, then I thought, anyway. We will miss you in Texas…don't die in the heat wave, cuz we want you back!!
Mr. Conceited Guy: Yeah okay Nox, this is you. I couldn't really come up with a better name. No, I don't think you're that conceited. Well, I remember Center like it was yesterday, and ever since then you always treated me nice. I thought that was really groovy. I also think its cool the way you drive all of us around and work at the same time and stuff…But anyway, everybody knows you're the pimp…dork! Never ever forget about me, boy or I'll stalk you down and have to bust a Rene Russo on your ass! You're a cool guy, and you always seemed like a caring person deep down. In a strange and demented way, Im sure Ill miss you.