Nate: Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You’re off to Great Places!

You’re off and away!

These words, penned by the immortal Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, still hold true. This is indeed your day class of two-thousand eleven. You have all made it this far, and have bright futures ahead of you. Parents, friends, and other supporters, I am sure I speak for the class as a whole in thanking you for your support, which has made all of our journeys possible. We are each of us unique, and it is in our differences we find strength. We are from every aspect of life and sphere of activity, and in combining all of our unique talents and motivations we have been made into the special, passionate group that we are, able to do great things when we work together. With our Viking spirit, every obstacle can be overcome, and dream realized. Class, your years of education shall not be without fruition, whatever your chosen path preparation has put success within your grasp and the world is a ripe sowing ground for your seeds of achievement.

Nate: You won’t lag behind because you’ll have the speed. You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead.

Stacie: A small company was founded on April Fool’s day of 1976 and for years its success seemed to be predetermined by its birthday, as nothing more than a joke. Those who invested in them early and kept faith, seeing little benefit until recently, are going to profit for the rest of their lives. What does our graduation have to do with the well-known company – Apple?

Noa: As graduates, we are society’s greatest investments. We are the products of countless hours of teaching, caring, and loving from those all around us and until now, we have given little in return. Graduation is a time to appreciate this and prepare ourselves to live a life in which we make these same sacrifices.

Stacie: We will use the skills we have gained to make the world a better place, even though we may not see the benefits right away. We will adapt to a changing world, one that has no predictable future.

Noa: The Class of 2011 does not fear uncertainty. We have survived dramatic changes in the past and we are fully capable of thriving in the changes of the future. We will remember our home and return the profits of your investment. We will be the leaders of the future.

Stacie: Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best.

Noa: Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Nate: You’ll look up and down streets. Look ‘em over with care
About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.”
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
You’re too smart to go down a not-so-good street.
And you may not find any you’ll want to go down.
In that case, of course, you’ll head straight out of town

Reuben: Today as we graduate, we reflect on the choices we’ve made and look forward to the decisions we will have to make in the future. Whether in choosing what to wear in the morning or what to eat for lunch, where to apply for a job, or just making good choices, the future will not come easily; there are going to be times when temptations occur. There are going to be devious streets, paths, and even avenues; full of temptations and false promises. But we must stay true to ourselves!

Joyce: And we remain hopeful about our future. We are confident that we will follow the correct metaphorical streets of choices, and we will stay true to each other, our families, and ourselves. Each and every one of us has our own unique set of beliefs and values and it is up to us now to hold ourselves responsible for them. So although out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you,

Reuben: When things start to happen, don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along.

Joyce & Reuben: You’ll start happening too.

Nate: I’m sorry to say so but, sadly, it’s true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.
You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch. And your gang will fly on. You’ll be left in a Lurch.
You’ll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump. And the chances are, then, that you’ll be in a Slump.
And when you’re in a Slump, you’re not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.

Cassie: As we stand here today, we look forward to the future and what will become of us. But the truth is that the future is a mystery and is what you make it. The future holds both great heights and great falls. But the key to experiencing the best in life is being able to overcome the worst. Setbacks and adversities are inevitable in life. Our responsibilities and choices may overwhelm us especially when things don’t go according to planned. We’ve all had our share of “hang-ups and bang-ups” in our lives. And when we do end up in a “slump” it becomes difficult to get back up.

Max: I too have had my share of “hang-ups and bang-ups.”

A year ago, during my third wrestling season I suffered a demoralizing shoulder injury; this threw me into a deep depression and ended my season. But I never gave up hope for the future and with the help of my older brother, Rick Oishi, I was able to regain my spirits, place in states and become the person I am today.

Cassie: Plans will be crushed in our journey called life, We’ll get all caught up in our troubles and strife

Max: But you must remember to not ever quit, the future gets brighter and life’s what you make it

Nate:
You’ll escape all that waiting and staying.
You’ll find the bright places where Boom Bands are playing.
With banners flip flapping; once more you’ll ride high!
Ready for anything under the sky.
Ready because you’re that kind of a guy!

Willy: We must not wait,

Sophie: we must not stay.

Willy: This waiting and staying is a cause of our own uncertainties. Throughout our lives we will all experience periods of uncertainty, times when we feel afraid of change or failure, but we mustn’t let it get to us. Despite our uncertainties we have to persevere and never give up. By taking control of our own futures we will eventually escape our own self imposed slumps and reach the place where our boom band plays.

Sophie: We will become the conductors of our own lives, and we will decide our own futures and choose our own paths. Even though these paths may lead to failure, we will learn from these ordeals. We will eventually find our bright places, where we will enjoy our lives and make the most out of our experiences. We will overcome all of our own uncertainties and slumps.

Willy: Then and only then will we be able to ride high . . .

Sophie: . . . and be ready for anything under the sky.

Nate: Oh, the places you’ll go!
There is fun to be done!
There are points to be scored.
There are games to be won.

Megan: Dr. Seuss couldn’t be any more right. As we close this chapter in our lives tonight, we are preparing to embark on a new, but very exciting journey. This journey may take us out of our comfort zones, but each new experience will be an opportunity to learn more about who we are and who we hope to become. Along the way, we must keep in mind that our time is limited as it is precious. To be limited by others beliefs on how we should spend it would simply be a waste. So remember that we are always in control. And no. We may not know where the road goes, but if we take the time and have the courage to follow OUR heart and intuition, they somehow already know the way toward a worthwhile pursuit. They know the way toward OUR dreams. 

Nick: Dreams . . . they’re universal, but each individual aspires to something unique. Whether we dream of opening our own garage, having a happy family, or seeing the world, all of us dream of . . . something. Despite our individual hopes, however, all of us share a common desire that transcends all of our individual dreams. . . all of us want to live a meaningful life. But what is a meaningful life?

It is giving whatever you love your 110%. This comes at a time of increasing technological, social and economic change. So our dreams need not be confined. We are the future, and so, we must embrace our dreams and be the artists, doctors, writers, thinkers, and parents who will make the music, cure the illnesses, write the literature, create the concepts, and raise the children that will shatter and mold today’s reality into something new.

Megan: So, Hilo High School Class of 2011, take this knowledge and remember that the best of us is still hiding up our sleeves…

Nick: …because there are many places we’ll go, there’s lots of fun to be done, there are many points to score, and many games to be won.

Nate: And when you’re alone, there’s a very good chance you’ll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.  But on you will go though the weather be foul.  On you will go though your enemies prowl. 

Andi: Four years ago, we entered Hilo High as freshmen. We were all unsure of where to go and what to do. Everyone became comfortable, joined clubs and sports and Hilo High became our home. Throughout the years we each had our own challenges and road blocks that we were faced with. All of us were able to conquer our fears and continue to be the best that we can possibly be.

Jordan: Over the years, we survived taking the SAT’s, passed all our classes, completed Senior Project and made big life changing decisions. By going at our own pace we were able to succeed to make it here tonight. As the next chapter in our life begins, we will be starting over in a new place. We will be faced with a new set of obstacles. We will use what we’ve learned to keep moving forward.

Andi: We need to be independent and able to take care of ourselves. We must remember what is right and wrong and keep perspective on the things that are important. Remember, if one thing doesn’t go your way, it’s not the end of the world. We may be scared, worried or unsure about the future, but we’re the Class of 2011from Hilo High School, and we’ll be able to overcome any obstacles that we may face and succeed.

Jordan:
There’s much in this world, we’ve still yet to face,
But we keep pushing on, going strong at OUR pace,
We are proud, we are strong, and we’ll never give up,
Cuz we’re Vikings for life, yeah you know that’s wassup!

Nate: Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act.  On and on you will hike.  And I know you’ll hike far and face up to your problems whatever they are. 
 
Brenden: Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your integrity. 

Kerima: So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic at the sight of the world ahead of you. Even though we are on our own and our loved ones are a little bit farther than we’re used to, we are prepared for anything that awaits us.



Brenden: Through the frustrations and hardships that we have faced over the years, our families and teachers have raised us well. The unknowns of life may seem intimidating, but we must remain fearless.

Kerima: We have experienced many challenges up until now and every conquered quest has shaped us into the valiant Vikings that we are today.

Brenden: Though graduating is the biggest accomplishment that we have achieved so far, our future still holds numerous victories. 



Kerima: There is always a bigger and brighter star shining ahead of us, just waiting for us to reach it.



Brenden: Do not let failure scare you, for we were bred for success. 



Kerima: Success is not determined by the school you go to, or the job that you have. It is not determined by the number in your bank account. 



Brenden: Success is determined by the amount of joy that you get by doing what you love each and every day. It is the totality of your effort and the satisfaction provided by your life’s work.



Kerima: So take the first step toward your biggest dreams. You are ready.

Stacie & Noa: And will you succeed?

Joyce & Reuben: Yes! You will, indeed!

Cassie & Max: (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed)

Willy & Sophia: You have brains in your head.

Megan & Nick: You have feet in your shoes.

Andi & Jordan: You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

Kerima & Brenden: You’re on your own. And you know what you know.

All: And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go!

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About the authors: The following students all graduated as valedictorians for Hilo High School: Kerima Alcon, Brenden Branco, Noa Flaherty, Nathanael Friday, Joyce Iwashita, Sophia Jimenez, Jordan Kaneko, Megan Kurohara, Stacie Lim, Cassandra Meyer, Max Oishi, Nicholas Pang, Reuben Tate, Andi Ushijima, and William Wainright.