St. Charles North High School

by Katie VanCleave, Executive President, North Star Council
Wednesday, May 25, 2005

William Shakespeare once wrote "All the world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and entrances; each man in his time plays many parts."

We are the players of this stage, and it is with great dedication of this educational institution that we are able to stand here today. We sit as one unit. St. Charles North, Class of 2005. Individually, we stand alone. We are scholars, athletes, artists, leaders, thespians, members of the crowd, and most importantly. we are graduates. We no longer are pawns on that large chessboard called high school. We are no longer mere actors on a stage. We are the kings and the queens, the producers and the directors of a far larger life.

Today is just another first to put on the list for St. Charles North. It is the first and one of the last times that we will sit here united as one entity. We will soon embark on our own firsts, while never forgetting the adventures that we experienced during our time here.

As freshman we were told that "high school will be the time of your life" and I truly believe it was. It has been a time of learning and maturing. We have shared memories, which time can never take away. We have built friendships that will last for the rest of our lives. Each one of us can take away these friendships and memories and we truly are the lucky ones.

Over these past four years we have had more than our fair share of trials and tribulations, but this has only brought us closer together. We have dealt with war and destruction, terrorism, loss of loved ones, and so much more. We have prevailed through it all. We have held our heads up high and taken the challenges head on. And we have become stronger individuals for that. We have come out on top.

However, along with these hard times, we have had just as many that were incredible. With such a young school we were able to have a very special opportunity; we were able build traditions that will last for generations to come. We have set new school records, created new events that will touch the lives of many, and don't forget 3-Peat; winning the Homecoming volleyball games three years in a row, then we as juniors beat the seniors in Homecoming and only to come back this year to win Homecoming again.

So as we leave, let us not forget any part of this amazing journey we have taken together, but rather remember both the challenging and enjoyable experiences that have shaped who we have become today.

Congratulations my peers, my fellow classmates, my friends, the St. Charles North Class of 2005. I wish you all success in the world. May you be the producers and the directors, the kings and the queen on this next stage your life.

For questions, comments or suggestions, please contact Todd Hewell