Class of 2023 Valedictorian Speech |Madelyn Henry
Madelyn Henry was chosen as the class of 2023’s valedictorian. She will be attending Butler University in the Fall to study Pharmacy. This is the speech which she shared with the class of 2023 and all of the attendees at the OA graduation on June 4th.
“Thank you. I want to start by thanking the amazing faculty and staff we have here at Oldenburg Academy. I know that all of us have been greatly impacted by everything you have done for us. I would also like to thank my parents, sister, grandparents, cousins, and friends for inspiring me everyday. Parents, siblings, and sponsors of our seniors; thank you for everything you have done, not only for this senior class but for this school as a whole. I can't thank you enough; each of you has made a great impact on us in ways you can't imagine. I want to also thank every one of you for truly going beyond the classroom doors and being more than just classmates and teachers. I felt like my family was extended when I had my accident last year. I truly felt the power of your prayers and the outpouring of love and support that I received, and I’d like us now to extend that same support as we take a moment to pray for our fellow Junior Classmate Calvin Grote as he heals from his accident…. Amen
Class of 2023, Wow, it's hard to think that our four years together are at an end. I can't believe that it has gone this fast. We started as strangers from different cities, counties, states, and in some cases even countries. We started as individuals as we walked through those front doors for the first time, but now, we are walking through those doors not as individuals worried we are going to get lost or be late for class, but as lifelong friends who would do anything for each other.
One of my favorite historical quotes is by Henry Ford who said “Whether you think you can, or think you cannot, you are right”. Now how does this relate to us? In order to achieve your goals, whether that be personal, career, or spiritual, you have to take initiative and create a vision and truly believe that you CAN and WILL do it. This quote has always resonated with me. It is simple but powerful. I know each of you has the ability to achieve your dreams, no matter how high they may seem now, but the key is to set them HIGH. Higher than what you might think you CAN achieve. Michelangelo said, “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark”. Setting our aims high is how we truly unlock our potential and open up new opportunities that otherwise would have passed us by. All this is really summed up in our school's theme: Go Beyond.
As a class, we have been through so much. We started off freshman year, like any normal school year, but little did anyone know what we would face in March of 2020; an entirely online end of the year, and all of our lives turned upside down in nearly every way. Going into sophomore year, we didn't know what to expect after such a crazy end to the prior year. Alas, we were quick to find out it was anything but normal. Lunch was served out of the feldhouse concession stand and we ate in a barn, a microwave exploded, and our chemistry class as I'm sure all of you remember was quite eventful. By Junior year, things were generally back to normal, and I know a favorite memory for many of you was our Junior Retreat. Late-night football, campfire, adoration, and conversation brought us together as a class. We laughed and cried together during these 2 short days, and I think it was on this retreat that we realized just how close we all were to each other. Finally, here we are here at the end of our Senior year, and what a time it has been.
During these four years, I can't even begin to imagine the number of town walks, Village Store, and ice cream shop visits we had. The number of times we played super volleyball and pickleball. The number of team meals, and club meetings. The wins and the losses. We have been through so much. Our sports teams have won multiple sectional, regional, and semi-state titles. Our clubs have made projects from quilts to buckets hats, bubble art to clay ornaments. The list goes on and on.
I think it's safe to say that the people who walked in the front doors in 2019 are not the same people leaving them this day in 2023. We have grown and learned so much as a class these four years, it's going to be hard to leave it all behind. I know that I am going to miss you all so much.
As each of you heads off to college or starts the next chapter of your life, I want you to remember all the good times we had together. You might not realize it now, but later in your life, your high school years will be something you cherish. Yes, today is graduation, and we will go our separate ways but I can't wait to see all that you accomplish. This class of 2023, is capable of great things and I can't wait to see where life takes us! Aim High and Go Beyond. Thank you and God Bless.”
