St. Charles North High School
by Dr. Natalie D. Nelson, Class of 2003 Advisor
Wednesday, May 28, 2003
Four years ago, a tale began
That takes place in St. Charles Land .
Some friends walked together upon a path
And, along the way, created memories that last.
You see, when people go on trips,
The pictures they do take,
To capture magic moments
And for future stories' sake.
The photos taken on this trip
Have been captured by my heart
We don't have all night to spend
So I can only share a part.
The seniors you see before you
Started this journey in an aura of orange and black
But something happened in this fine land and they had to pack their packs
It was said that in the state of Saint there wasn't enough space
So our travelers had to say goodbye and moved to build a new place.
Across the river and through the wood up Route 31 to Red Gate Road
It was here upon this very spot we constructed our new abode.
With hammers, drills and ladders, all very important tools
Contractors worked throughout the year to make a majestic school.
The foundations were dug, the bricks were laid, but the building wasn't done,
With a name to choose and school colors to select, our work had just begun.
People came together as one to speak their voice
And when students got the chance to vote, the North Stars was their choice.
We wanted something regal, something cool that is a fact
Our colors so that all will know are royal blue, silver, and black.
St. Charles North has been your school, it's true, for three straight years
Let's see what you've accomplished in the time that you've been here.
Once upon a time our symbol on a sheet you made
Our North Star logo will always stand, its legacy will not fade.
Through a momentous process, the beat was chosen by the band
The song that starts, “Here's to Our Stars” is the best in all the land.”
To all our stellar fans: we're glad you're here to cheer
because we know with your supportive shouts, a North Star victory's near.
The members of the Drill Team, in routines they are immersed
Their guidance led their team to state where they finished first
SCN swimming and diving starts early and finishes late
But all the 2 a day practices makes our teams' first rate.
To all our fare way players: you're great golfers we can see
A true force to be reckoned with when you step up to the tee.
They take the field each day armed with balls and gloves and cleats,
To build within this North Star land soccer teams that can't be beat.
When the volleyball season starts a goal is simply set
To work together as a team so the victories they can net.
The football team worked 4 straight years for one important score
against our cross-town rivals. We won. 13 to 44.
Something special was started when for the North Stars you did stand
and with a few cool t-shirts created a group known simply as Blue Man.
The SCN B-ballers work to keep North Star hoops alive
And with one magical last second shot help beat East 56 to 55.
This time of year we know we'll find them with a bat and ball
It doesn't matter whether the game's soft or base, the runs scored says it all.
Playing the best in the Upstate Eight, we quickly learned the pace,
Now all who step upon our court, know the Stars will serve an ace.
Badminton uses a racket, while to play lacrosse you need a stick
And our rugby and water polo teams, well, you know that they just kick.
Some of you throw or jump or hurdle or run far
And in our minds, forever, each one of you is a star.
It takes long hours all year through to put Polaris to bed,
But in the fall, without a doubt, it's always the first book read.
You have gathered worthy headlines from morning's dawn `til late at night and all your dedication makes Stargazer dynamite.
Events have been captured as they unfold before us live
The footage features all the “firsts” of the North Star Video Archive.
As a result of the wooden frames that were built, our pictures we can hold.
So that in the halls on all the walls, our stories can be told.
You've worked together to build and paint each set on stage by hand.
You cue the actors where to go so that each production's grand.
In musicals or plays or both, you've always played your part.
The characters have come alive and danced into our hearts.
Each note you've played or sung moved us with a certain grace, and the masterpiece has taken us to a special time and place.
It doesn't matter whether it's a mural or sculpture, the medium you choose
Creates a special canvas that captures everlasting hues.
For those among you who argue well, Debate is the way to go
and Speech allows you to freely write and speak always about what you know.
There's an annual competition and you nominate the top ten,
At the end of a star filled evening we crown Mr. SCN.
For Homecoming and Prom each year your voices they do ring
As you cast your ballots far and wide to choose the queen and king.
As you can see there's lots to do, HOPE, Lit. Magazine and Key Club just name a few,
But then there's Mock Trial, Scholastic Bowl, WYSE, VICA, and DECA too.
To all who come to school each day with a shoulder or hug to share
Thanks to you for lending an ear to let someone know you cared.
For all those who dare to see learning as an art
Your achievement and accomplishments will forever top the charts
Seniors: you've been there from the start, ready and willing to serve
You're the leaders St. Charles North needed and so richly deserved.
You see your only job was coming to school each day
To do some homework and to learn so you received a passing grade
This was not enough for you, you said you wanted more
And, as a class, you've worked side by side to build a school like no other has before.
Why did you do all this work? What do you have to show?
I know why you did it and I'll tell you so you'll know.
You see, there once was “an old man, going a lone highway, who came at the evening, cold and gray to a chasm, vast and deep and wide,
through which was flowing a sullen tide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim;
the sullen stream had no fears for him;
but he turned when safe on the other side
and built a bridge to span the tide.
“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim near, “you are wasting your time with building here;
your journey will end with this day
and you never again must pass this way;
you have crossed the chasm, deep and wide,
why build you the bridge at the eventide?”
The builder lifted his old gray head; “Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said,
“There followeth after me today a youth whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm that has been naught to me,
to that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building the bridge for him.”
To the Class of 2003, you've lead this journey from the start
and, in the bridge you've built here, each one of you is a part
Know that all you are and have become is being passed on to those who will come after you-your passions, hopes, dreams, and traditions. You have worked hard to ensure that the bridge you have built together at St. Charles North High School is a structure that endures and your actions will guide us eternally in our endeavors.
For questions, comments or suggestions, please contact Todd Hewell
