High School Graduation Speech
(6-28-04)
    Good evening friends, family, faculty, and fellow graduates. My name is Dolores Castaneda and I am A-track Senior Class President. Today is the day of our graduation, a day we will never forget. Before I can go any further, I would like to congratulate every person sitting in these seats. After years of hard work, we can say that we are ready to face the world. For many of us, we entered Los Angeles High School four years ago thinking of one day walking this stage. Today that dream will come true.

    This dream however, is the first of many. Life has several paths that vary from person to person, but whatever that path may be, we will always have our high school diploma to fall back on. We will always have LA High.

    High school for most of us, has not only been a place to become more academically aware. High school has taught us the meaning of hard work, friendship, and love. To be a better person, we do not only rely on the knowledge we receive from teachers; we also gain knowledge from both our peers and our families. Our own peers taught us that we should never give up on our goals and aspirations. They also reminded us that regardless of the circumstances, friends will always "have our back." In matters of love, we have learned to love our friends and our families who have supported us throughout these four years. That is why I would like to thank all of my friends who have stood by me, who have listened to me, and especially to those who have been there for me when I needed them most. So thanks to my boyfriend Oscar and my friends Marina, Silvia, Karla, Helen, Melissa, Miriam, and Hector. And to my family my mother and father, thank you for standing by me throughout the years. Without the support from you, I wouldn't be standing here today. You have taught me what it means to be determined and optimistic.

    Although friends and family are a great part of the high school experience, we would not be here today if it weren't for our teachers. Our teachers have been here on a daily basis to teach us things that are very essential for our futures. I would like to thank Mr. Edwards, Ms. George, Ms. Schlatter, Mr. Evans, who have all influenced me to want to continue my education.

    I have always been an individual who deeply believes that dreams can come true. I believe that hard work pays off. This past year has been a year in which I have seen others' dream as well as mine come true. One of the biggest examples of following your dreams is that of Jovon O' Connor. Jovon is probably one of if not the best football player LA High has ever seen. Jovon's dream of becoming a professional football player is coming true. His hard work and effort has earned him a full scholarship to the University of Washington.
I would like everyone to leave here today with the thought that hard work does pay off and that dreams are in fact possible. All you have to do it set your goals and work hard to achieve them.

    Congratulations once again and good luck!