I love flowers. More specifically, I love sunflowers. In fact, I told my mother that I only wanted one thing for graduation: sunflowers. I did not want money, or a computer for college, just a bouquet of sunflowers. So you’re probably asking, what do sunflowers have to do with graduation? To me, it’s obvious. We are all bright, beautiful sunflowers supported by the friends, teachers, coaches, and family members that got us to this day. Let me explain…
Sunflowers start as small seeds, full of potential. Eventually, a bright beautiful flower blooms atop a tall, strong stem. The stem supports the large flower head and bends as it follows the sun through the sky. Class of 2023, thank you all for being my stem – for always boosting me up so that I could be the best version of myself. I hope you will all take a moment to recognize your families, friends, teachers, and coaches – all the people that have been your stems and supported you every day, no matter what.
Next year, whether you are off to college, trade school, the military, or the workforce, find your stems. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it – everyone needs a little lift every once in a while. But at the same time, remember the support that you have received along the way and pay it forward – be a stem for someone else.
Each sunflower is unique. In fact, there are more than seventy different varieties of sunflowers ranging in size and color, from pale yellow to brilliant gold. Just like a sunflower, we all possess traits that make us stand out from the crowd. As I have cultivated bonds with the Class of 2023, I have learned that being ordinary gets you nowhere. Our class is distinctly extraordinary, composed of talented students, leaders, athletes, artists and performers. Our wins are endless – Masquers won states this year, football won the Super Bowl, and next weekend, many of our peers will head off to track nationals, representing our grade one last time.
As you go off around the world – like a sunflower – I encourage you to keep searching for the light that fuels you. Find what brings you joy. Join a club. Switch your major. Take a break from studying. Study abroad. When you find your light, lean into it. Just like a sunflower, who follows the sun across the sky, you will grow to your fullest potential.
Although sunflowers flourish in the sun, they also withstand the storm. We have already faced some storms and grown as a result. We entered NRHS as wide-eyed freshmen in 2019, excited, anxious, intrigued by the new scary world of high school. Our freshman year was cut short by the pandemic – likely the greatest storm we have ever faced. We weathered hybrid school our sophomore year. Our class was divided – half of our classmates were remote, while the other half were present in the classroom each day. It was a long, strange, sometimes lonely, year. But we survived.
Our junior year, we were back together, but wearing masks, learning to recognize each other by just the top half of our face. This year, the sun is back, school is normal. We survived the storm. Our high school experience was not typical. But the pandemic taught us we can persevere, and even thrive in the face of adversity and change. Like a sunflower, we kept growing despite the storm, and when the rain was over, we found the light and faced the sun. We adapted to change. And now, we are here today, in the brightest light there could be, to walk across the stage for our graduation.
Before we accept our diplomas, take a moment to look around. You are surrounded by so many bright and beautiful people that have extraordinary talents – students, athletes, artists, and performers. These are your sunflowers. Look out at the audience. These are your stems –your teachers, your family, anyone who has helped you get here today and wave to them. Although you may not believe you need it anymore, accept their help – they will always be there for you. Finally, look at yourself. You did it! You made it through the rain. The sun is shining bright upon you. Class of 2023, remember you are like a sunflower, strong, bright, and beautiful! Good luck and best wishes in your next adventures!
Rain showers fail to dampen the resilient spirit of the NRHS Class of 2023