麻豆传媒AV

PREECEVILLE — Paje Reynolds was chosen by the Preeceville School graduation class of 2025 to give the valedictorian address on June 20.

“Today is the day we graduate, today is the day we have worked toward since kindergarten, and today is the day that marks us going our separate ways,” said Paje Reynolds.

“Over a year ago, I came across this quote, which I then shared with some of my classmates. It reads, ‘You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.’

“Well, the fact is, we are kids and so far I'm not sure that we have done it right, but the memories we have made are sure enough to let us believe that we have.

“This whole year we have been labelled Preeceville School’s graduating class of 2025, but the truth is, when I think about us as a group, I don't think of a class — I think of us as our own little family.

“Yes, we may sometimes squabble, but somehow, some way, we have always been there for each other, and sometimes each other is all we needed to keep pushing through. That is why we are a family.

“Together, we have made memories over the years that we will all think about and reminisce about forever.

“One thing I know about this crew is that we are known to be strong-minded individuals.

“Throughout our ups and downs of navigating who we are today, I think it’s safe to say that individually we don’t back down from a fight. And with a little teamwork, whatever the situation is, we will come out on top and our way will be had! Yes, I’m talking about us grouping up and going to ask any of our teachers to move a test to another day, an hour before we are supposed to write it.

“With that being said, I want to thank the teachers and school staff who got us through the past years, and for creating the foundation of who we are and who we will become in the future. Without the lessons we have learned from you, we would not be the people we are today.

“But who we are today is thanks to our parents and families. Without your constant support, haggling to clean our rooms, and understanding to let us go to game night multiple times a week, we would not be who we are today with the values that we hold and the memories that we will share. You built us, strengthened us, and shaped us into the individuals we are today.

“This is our turning point. From here on out, our journey will be filled with potholes and bumps — especially if you are taking Highway 47 or 49 — but our successes will outweigh the lows. Remember that at the root of who we are, we have each other.

“I know we will all go our separate ways and live our separate lives, but just remember: we lived out these past years in the same boat and we will always be able to relate to that.

“The time we have spent together is just a small snippet of our lives, but some may argue it is some of the most important parts of our lives … the good ol’ days. And all I can say is that I am happy and proud to have shared these good ol’ days with these people right here.

“Congratulations, we did it. I can’t wait to see where everyone goes. Chase your dreams. Don’t be afraid of failure, as that is how we learn. Remember never to take the time we have for granted, and always live life to its fullest — because we only live once.”