St. Charles North High School

by Morgan Darrah, Class President, Class of 2003
Sunday, June 1, 2003

Fire is a fascinating thing. It draws its power from its source and burns with a reckless abandon. It demands our respect, and sometimes our awe, with every flicker of confidence and authority. Fire is the original and authentic source of light, of immeasurable worth. For by it we see everything else.

For whatever reason, people are drawn to fire. Perhaps to escape the dark, or the cold, or...less tangibly, to give hope to their hearts and a light to the wings of their dreams.

So it is with hearts that are set aflame by a vision. There is a generation of people who are ruled and driven by their deepest passion and highest potential. The young adults you see before you are a part of just such a generation. They are finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, and dwarfed goals. The fire in their eyes is unmistakable. The world will love to come and see what such burning can do.

This flickering light, this passion, should be the glow in our hearts by which we see everything else.

Contrary to what the song says, we actually did start a fire here three years ago, and have done our best to follow that original flame of vision throughout our entire high school journey. These are the days that you'll remember. Between the friendships and the good times and the all-out craziness...today each and every one of you have completed a great and noble task. We have so many reasons to celebrate.

But make no mistake, these days have only served as our beginning. They are destined to be nothing less than the start of an epic adventure, the likes of which the world has never seen. You are the heroes of your own story, and my challenge to you today is to pursue all the goodness and passions life has to offer with a foolish idealism and a reckless abandon. Make your flame a torch of hope and greatness that people cannot help but be drawn to.

When people ask, "How are you?" Be sure that you are living the kind of life that compels you to be more than just okay, more than just fine. Your days are not so insignificant.

I dare you to live. When I say live I don't mean just merely breathing or trying to survive. I mean I dare you to live . I dare you to move mountains. I dare you to risk everything for the possibility of something more. I dare you to twirl in the rain and let your heart soar with joy to the heavens. I dare you to find that fire within you. I dare you to take this life, these days, and run with them. You have no higher calling.

Now is the time for the light in us to shine. These are the days to stand up and be counted, as those with a dream, future, and a spark of hope.

Our die has been cast, our decisions made. We find ourselves confronted with a future of unknowns, but I cannot wait to see what you will do. Be anxious to serve. Be willing to lead. Be absolutely ruthless in your pursuit of greatness. Above all else, be unwilling and unable to settle for anything less than the height of your potential.

It has been an honor and the utmost privilege to do life with you in these years. Truly I thank you. With hope, fare thee well 2003.

For questions, comments or suggestions, please contact Todd Hewell