In elementary school, while taking the MCAS, I remember filling in the bubble “2010.” To me, that year meant little. It was just some abstract year, seemingly infinitely far into the future that I used to identify myself. 2010 was a year I never conceived of as actually coming. But here we are, on June 10th, 2010, about to graduate from high school. Congratulations Class of 2010!
 
I assume that since you are sitting here before us, you have settled your library fines, lost textbooks, and locker locks. But much more importantly, you have completed twelve years of schooling in excellent fashion. This is the moment we have all been waiting for; to hear our name called, walk proudly up to the podium, shake the hand of Mr. Sills, and receive our diploma, the culmination of 12 years of schooling.

More than anything, this day starts a new chapter in our lives. As T. S. Eliot said, "What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from." This graduation is the end of traditional schooling, the end of living with parents/guardians for many of us, and the last time the Class of 2010 will stand together. Celebrate the end, but prepare for the beginning. For today also marks the start of something new for all of us. Whether you are going to college, joining the workforce, or becoming a member of our nation's armed forces, this coming year will be very different from our last 12.

Today is more than just a celebration for the students of the Class of 2010. It’s also a joyous day for the parents and guardians of the Class of 2010. We wouldn’t be sitting here before you today if it wasn’t for the love, support, and guidance that inspired us to work hard and earn these robes that we’re wearing. Thank you.
 
And to the faculty of Bedford High School. Yes, we have complained to you about our grades, occasionally taken a nap in class, and been annoyed when we have a paper due. But we realize the tremendous influence you have had on all of us. You have taught us to write, analyze Shakespeare, speak in another language, dissect a rat, calculate the resulting volume when you rotate a graph around the Y axis, and so much more. You have taught us to be critical thinkers and model citizens. You have made us prepared for the future that lies ahead. Thank you.

Whether we like it or not, this day marks the start of our adulthood. This can be intimidating, especially given the current state of the world. Sometimes it feels as if our generation has seen the world take more setbacks than advancements. I remember sitting in my 4th grade classroom on the 11th of September listening to Principal Nolan's announcement with confusion and fear. I remember the day that U.S. casualties in Iraq reached 1000, and then 2000, 3000, and 4000. I remember watching CNN for days, anticipating Hurricane Katrina as if it were about to hit Bedford. I remember realizing that our economy was a fragile one as unemployment soared to 10%. I remember the earthquake that devastated Haiti and watching that little news story of an oil-rig explosion turn into the world's worst manmade environmental disaster. We have witnessed a great deal, but do not let that make you cynical. Remember the support and memorial each lost soldier was given. Remember the extensive charitable efforts for New Orleans and Haiti, efforts we took part in through our school. Remember the 2008 Presidential Election, an election that gave us hope for an end to racism and sexism. The world has suffered, but it continues to rebound. The world will continue to face setbacks, but you cannot accept that as the norm. As much as you are capable, help the world rebound, and find happiness in doing so.

I have no doubt that you all will be successful. Our class's past achievements speak for themselves; Members from our class seem to have done well in every National competition imaginable. Members from our class held Bedford’s first ever Poetry slam, only to be followed up by many more. Members from our class played on the court in the Boston Garden.
 
Bedford High School garners praise often, but more than that, each of you knows the faculty that has taught you and you realize the fine education you have received.
 
I couldn’t be prouder to stand here among you as a student of Bedford High School and a member of the Class of 2010. At the NEASC student panel meeting earlier this year, students were asked about clique issues, bullying, and fights. One student in our class, Cotter Ellis, when asked about exclusive cliques forming at Bedford High said, “That doesn’t really happen here, we’re a fun-loving school.” And while there are exceptions to that, our class truly exhibits a good-natured and welcoming attitude. I have never seen so many students break out of social boundaries the way our class has to make us a friendly and cohesive group of students. Some of us have known each other since preschool, and some only in this year, but we have become close as a class. This may be the last time we stand together, but it is not an end to the relationships and friendships we have built up.

We are prepared to do well in the world and we will do well. Bedford High School has already produced thousands of success stories, and many more will come from the Class of 2010. Thank you all, and Congratulations Class of 2010!

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