On may 14, 1992, myself and nine of the students sitting before me marched into this auditorium
to the sounds of "Pomp and Circumstance". We were graduating from Kindergarten, and beginning
the path that has brought us here today, May 15, 2004, to our high school graduation.
I stand before you today not just as an honor studen or a 2004 Talihina High School Graduate, but
I stand before you today as one of the luckiest young women on the face of the earth. I have
attended Talihina Schools for 13 years, and have never received anything but kindness and
encouragement from the teachers and staff. Look around at these grand men and women. Who
wouldn't consider it the highlight of his or her high school career to have associated with even
one of them for one day? Who wouldn't be honored to have spent the last 18 years of their life
learning from them? Sure I'm lucky.
When you have a teacher that is left speechless and only his face is left to tell you how proud
he is of you-- that's something.
When almost every child you see from elementary runs up to you and gives you a hug
-- that's something.
When you walk down the hall, see your superintendent and he gives you a high five every
time -- that's something.
When a coach says seeing you graduate is like seeing his own daughter walk across the
stage -- that's something.
When you have a group of classmates who have been a tower of strength and have shown more courage
than you ever dreamed existed -- that's the finest thing I know.
When you have a mother and father who have worked all of their lives so that you can have an
education and develop your talents -- that's a blessing.
So, in closing, I may be leaving Talihina Public Schools for the last time, but this place has given
me something to live for.
Thank you, and Godspeed.
Carly Dawn Jones