St. Charles North High School

by Catherine Klinchuch, Valedictorian
Sunday, May 30, 2004

Today we are at a milestone. Four years have ended, and on this day when everyone seems to be talking about accomplishments, I would like to look at some of our achievements here at St. Charles North. In order to do this, I calculated a few figures. In four years, we have made around 2880 locker visits, carried 3600 pounds of backpack weight, and walked 720 miles during passing periods. We have spent around 2000 dollars in lunches, dodged over 500 freshmen backpacks, and sat in approximately 5760 class periods. In this time, we have poured through nearly 8000 pages of literature and have solved nearly 8640 math problems.

Yet, though these accomplishments are remarkable in their own way, I think we could all agree that there was something more. Something else that, though I could not calculate it, also grew more complete with each day we have spent here. It grew with our successes. When we practiced a little harder, spent a little more time on that project or studied a little longer for that test...when we worked to achieve something just a little greater, it grew because we learned the limitlessness our capabilities. It grew with our courage: when we stood up for our beliefs, when we fought for what we cared about. Even when many of us stood together one morning in front of parking lot we had filled to watch the panicked expressions of underclassmen looking for a spot, it grew because we learned the impact we could affect. It grew through our laughter and jubilance. When we were surrounded by our family and friends, it grew because we learned to embrace those things that make us unique. It even grew as we met with difficulties. It grew as we endured stress. And when we did finally figure out how to juggle a full course load, an array of extracurriculars, and a social life, it grew because we learned the extent of our fortitude. It grew through our mistakes. When we discovered our wrongs, it grew as we learned to improve. It grew as we encountered tragedies. For when our hearts began to heal, it grew as we learned the strength of our spirits. Through these four years, it grew because we grew...because through all of our experiences, whether joyous or strenuous, triumphant or painful, we have learned just a little bit more about ourselves. And more than any loads on our backs or lessons from our classrooms, this has perhaps has been our most important accomplishment.

But now these four years have ended, and after all this time, we are ready to leave the walls of St. Charles North. Yet, though the building will remain here, I hope that all we have learned and all that we have achieved will not-because as our futures lay before us, uncharted and new, the past may be the most valuable guide we have as we navigate the world into which we are about to enter.

Truly, today is a milestone and on this day that everyone seems to be talking about accomplishments, I would like to say we certainly have a lot to be proud of.

To all my classmates in the class of 2004: congratulations and best of luck for the future.

For questions, comments or suggestions, please contact Todd Hewell