"Those critical years of learning and developing socially were taken away from us."
Editors note: These words are from Rosalynne Ferraro's Valedictorian speech. She was gracious to allow us to print it here.We thought her said more about the class of 2022 than we could ever say.
"I’ve been contemplating the perfect way to begin the perfect speech–to be eloquent in my words and concise in my message–but I’ve also been confronted with the reality that there’s really no perfect way to begin the perfect speech, and I think... that accurately describes my class’s high school experience: not perfect. Since March 13, 2020, our lives have never been the same or even close to normal.
I can confidently say, and I think my classmates would all agree, that our experience has been a unique one. Yes, the classes of ‘20 and ‘21 can empathize, and my heart goes out to them, but it’s this class that gave up almost all of our high school years.
"I’ve been contemplating the perfect way to begin the perfect speech–to be eloquent in my words and concise in my message–but I’ve also been confronted with the reality that there’s really no perfect way to begin the perfect speech, and I think... that accurately describes my class’s high school experience: not perfect. Since March 13, 2020, our lives have never been the same or even close to normal.
I can confidently say, and I think my classmates would all agree, that our experience has been a unique one. Yes, the classes of ‘20 and ‘21 can empathize, and my heart goes out to them, but it’s this class that gave up almost all of our high school years.
Those critical years of learning and developing socially were taken away from us. We are being thrust into the world of adulthood lacking a crucial piece of our childhood, yet despite all of that, we have made it. We are here, on this field together, surrounded by loved ones, family and friends, waiting to hear our names, receive our diplomas, and celebrate the culmination of this chapter of our lives. The people we were and the world we knew pre March 2020 will be far in the past, but we face a new personal crisis: Who are we now?
We may know ourselves individually, but have the effects of COVID disrupted our community? In all honesty, we’ve lost touch with each other. We don’t remember what it’s like to see each other on a daily basis. We don’t remember how to treat others kindly and respectfully.
There’s always that threat of being quarantined in a moment’s notice or seeing our best friend be pulled out of class and told to go home. I barely even remembered what the smiles of my friends looked like behind their masks! But this was all necessary to keep America safe. We made that sacrifice: we gave up a normal high school experience in order to protect our parents, our grandparents, our friends, and even strangers, and that’s something we should be proud of as a community. That’s something that can’t be taken away from us.
We came together as a class to put our differences aside and we did what was right: we wore our masks and we got vaccinated, and now we finally see America beginning to recover from this pandemic.
Who are we?
We are the class that persevered through a global pandemic!
There’s always that threat of being quarantined in a moment’s notice or seeing our best friend be pulled out of class and told to go home. I barely even remembered what the smiles of my friends looked like behind their masks! But this was all necessary to keep America safe. We made that sacrifice: we gave up a normal high school experience in order to protect our parents, our grandparents, our friends, and even strangers, and that’s something we should be proud of as a community. That’s something that can’t be taken away from us.
We came together as a class to put our differences aside and we did what was right: we wore our masks and we got vaccinated, and now we finally see America beginning to recover from this pandemic.
Who are we?
We are the class that persevered through a global pandemic!
Though we see success in our class, the world we are about to step into is an imperfect world that has been disrupted by hatred, fear, control, and misinformation. This all stems from the lack of human connection we’ve had these past two years. We’ve begun to think selfishly. We don’t remember what it’s like to casually disagree with a friend. We’ve become so caught up in our personal opinions that we forget that in reality, there are others who don’t agree with us, and that’s healthy.
I mean, I believe my high school experience would be quite boring if we all agreed on everything and got along perfectly!
I mean, I believe my high school experience would be quite boring if we all agreed on everything and got along perfectly!
I may have differing opinions from my classmates and the community may have differing opinions from me, but what’s important is that we all respect each other’s experiences and values.
Let’s face it, the world we are stepping into isn’t perfect and never will be perfect, but who better than us can face an imperfect system and challenge the ways the world thinks?
Without imperfection, there would be no way to create progress and leave a legacy for generations to come and define their version of perfection. We must remember that we are always shaping the present with our goals set towards a more perfect future. Rather than focusing on controlling its citizens, America should be reforming old concepts in order to allow future and current citizens the ability to achieve life, liberty, and happiness.
Life, liberty, and happiness...
These three things unite us all. These three concepts are what each and every American is guaranteed. My class is finally able to see these abstract terms come to fruition as we take our first steps into the professional world.
These three things unite us all. These three concepts are what each and every American is guaranteed. My class is finally able to see these abstract terms come to fruition as we take our first steps into the professional world.
We have had the privilege of growing up and learning in an environment which promotes safety. It’s sad to say that not every child has had this privilege, and with that being said I would like to take a moment of silence to recognize the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School massacre...
Thank you.
Thank you.
Seeing the topic of school shootings trending a week before we graduate is completely devastating. These children were not given the opportunity to experience the years of life they had in front of them. Something in America has to change. Innocent children can not continue to die. The families of these victims will not forget and the communities of these victims will not forget, and I call on each and every one of you not to forget.
With this being said, I implore my class to recognize the fortune we have had in our safe process through high school. We have had the privilege of learning under amazing teachers who have made every day as memorable as the last. We have persisted through the hard times and still managed to smile along the way, even if those smiles were hidden behind our masks!
All of our hard work and dedication has led up to this moment. Collectively we may all take a sigh of relief.
High school is officially over. And we still have so much more in store for us in the future. Our class is truly unique and crazy, much like the past four years we have experienced, but I know that no matter where we go, we will succeed.
I am truly thankful for each and every one of you. I will carry the memories I have made with me for the rest of my life.
Congratulations class of 2022, we did it!"
146 students received their Franklin High School diplomas Sunday evening at the high school football field.
Class president Skylar Shields offered the audience a welcome titled "Coming Together as One."
Salutatorian and class treasurer Halle Plowman spoke about "New Beginnings" and valedictorian and class vice president Rosalynne Ferraro delivered the closing speech(above) on "Reconnecting with Reality."
In between all the remarks, music was provided by seniors Khloe Adams, Noah Taylor (class secretary), and Grace Turk. The Madrigal singers opened up the ceremony prior to procession and sang the national anthem.
Class president Skylar Shields offered the audience a welcome titled "Coming Together as One."
Salutatorian and class treasurer Halle Plowman spoke about "New Beginnings" and valedictorian and class vice president Rosalynne Ferraro delivered the closing speech(above) on "Reconnecting with Reality."
In between all the remarks, music was provided by seniors Khloe Adams, Noah Taylor (class secretary), and Grace Turk. The Madrigal singers opened up the ceremony prior to procession and sang the national anthem.
Principal Dr. Christina Cohlhepp presented the Class of 2022 to which Acting Superintendent Tom Holoman accepted. School board president Sabrina Backer, presented the diplomas to the class, which included her daughter Cambree Backer. Teacher Sara Gilbert provided the processional and recessional music.
See more photo by clicking here.
See more photo by clicking here.
Missing among the graduating seniors was local speedway racer Blaze Myers. He received his diploma during a short impromptu ceremony at the Tri-City Raceway. Read a story about it here.
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