LANSDALE– Last Friday, Mrs. McKee’s eleventh grade AP English classes fast-forwarded to June 2013 as they partook in a mock-graduation ceremony. 

Upon entering room K-126, students were greeted by the sound of Vitamin-C’s “Graduation Song” which seamlessly set the tone for the graduation atmosphere.

As an at-home writing assignment, each student was asked to write an 800 to 2000 word valedictory speech with Theodore Roosevelt’s “The Strenuous Life” as well as Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “The American Scholar” as inspiration.  Many students seized this opportunity to dress in cap and gown and present their hard work to their peers.

In the midst of an arduous junior year, it was refreshing to hear such beautifully written speeches packed with positivity regarding our future.

Jake Wassermann was the first valedictorian to speak for sixth period.  His speech was bursting with words of wisdom. “We are all sitting here in a sea of navy and columbia success,” he began.  He went on to advise his classmates that “life is fleeting, and along with that, so are the opportunities. Take life before it’s too late.”   

Following Wassermann’s address, Abagael Bergey creatively related high school graduation to kindergarten graduation.  She explained that, like the end kindergarten was the gateway to the rest of our North Penn education, the end high school simply marked the beginning of the rest our lives.

Additionally, Pat Geiger cleverly described the importance of doing things correctly even if it may require putting forth more effort.  He warned his classmates to refrain from the propensity to “spark note living.”

Many more AP students took advantage of this day to express their reflections of high school thus far. Although the valedictory speeches greatly differed, they all shared a common belief that our futures are bright and opportunities are limitless.  It is worth it to take the students’ advice to heart.  Carpe Diem, North Penn!