Class of 2023 Salutatorian

"Good morning, esteemed members of the faculty, honored guests, proud parents, friends and family. As I stand before you today, I am both humbled and honored to have the opportunity to speak as this year's salutatorian.

First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our dedicated teachers, supportive staff, and loving family. To my teachers, I would like to thank you for your generous hearts that allowed us to push deadlines further and further owing to our procrastination. To the staff working behind the scenes, I would like to thank you for your dedication and hard-work on making all this possible. To my parents, I would like to thank you for your unwavering support, allowing me to reach this far today without having to worry about other challenges in life. Without your guidance, encouragement, and unfaltering belief in my ability, I would not be standing here today celebrating my hard-earned achievements.

To my fellow grads, when I stand on this stage, I think back to the countless memories, both in and out of the classroom, that we will cherish forever. I still remember Mr. McKercher’s awkward but amusing dance lessons and our late-night study sessions before exams. In the past years, we have supported one another and celebrated our successes together. These moments remind us that we are not just a collection of individuals, but a family bound together by our shared experiences and collective accomplishments. As we reflect on our time together, we must remember the challenges we faced, the friendships made, and the lessons we've learned along the way. From the nerve-wracking first days of making new friends in CIS, to the bittersweet moments of these last weeks of our high school times, we have grown as individuals and as a class.

Although some may not have received their expected grades in class or are doubting themselves on the upcoming diploma, we must always believe in our ability and try our best to not look back with regret. In the end, remember that “your grades do not define you”, your grades do not determine what you are going to achieve or who you are going to become.

When we walk out of CIS, we can be rest assured that we will no longer have our senior privileges revoked if we do not adhere to school rules. Instead, as we embark on the next chapter of our lives, we take us with us the discipline gained and the lessons learnt at CIS, as we face an uncertain future filled with both exciting opportunities and daunting challenges. I am confident that with the skills, knowledge, and determination we have acquired during our time at CIS, we are more than prepared to navigate our path ahead.

In closing, let us not forget the bonds we have formed, the knowledge we have gained, and the memories we have created. As we go forth into the world, always remember that we are the CIS Class of 2023, and we have the power to shape our own destinies and make a difference in the world. Thank you, and congratulations to my fellow graduates. May we always grow, learn, and achieve greatness in all that we do."