Senior Breakfast Speech

     Standing here today, adorned in green and silver, I feel a surge of emotions – a wave of pride for our accomplishments, a tinge of nostalgia for the memories we've shared, and a tremor of anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead.  We would not be here today without the patience and guidance of teachers, coaches, and families who have supported us through the years.  As I look out at this sea of faces, I see not just classmates, but brothers. Brothers forged in the crucible of academics, athletics, and the Lasallian Brotherhood.

     Being the generation that benefited from all the technological advancements in communication, we started freshman year on Zoom.   We all made friends in breakout rooms where we finally got the chance to speak candidly.   Things got better as after a few months we got an option to go physically to school twice a week and physically meet everybody.   I still have that app on my phone where we confirm that we are in good health as we enter the school gates.   We had the big white tent setup at the quad so that we spaced out to eat.  We practiced basketball at the black top between the swimming pool and football field.    We were lucky enough to compete in different sports as long as we get Covid tested every week.  We were first to play on the new hardwood floors in the Seeno Gymnasium --  this was such a leap and I truly appreciate the De La Salle administration for being able to accommodate this.

     Sophomore year we finally removed all the mask restrictions and we got to celebrate liturgy, homecoming events and school dances together.   Being able to see a packed school with all the energy and excitement finally made me realize how special it is to be a Spartan.   We started more activities at the quad like dodgeball and being able to help out teaching in the learning center.   We attended late night SCORE meetings.  Our track team started traveling again and we had meets at Long Beach and Fresno.  With a full school schedule, we were waiting outside the gym at 5:45 am waiting for Coach Buck to open the gym doors for us.  Definitely fun times.

     Junior and Senior Years are when we experienced Spartan life at its finest.  Multiple club activities happen almost every week, our API club hosted potlucks which brought long lines to Mrs. Macariola Algebra classroom.   All of us went to San Francisco to experience helping out at the St. Anthony’s Free Clothing Program, sorting donated clothes for the homeless.  We spent countless hours, keeping ourselves comfortable inside our school mini van going to basketball games and track and field meets -- thanks Coach Schroeder and Coach Ward for driving.   Mr. Pelster shared with us a lot of practical things in life while getting us out of our shells to start writing our personal essays.  We built, we paddled, and we competed in a boat race made out of cardboard.  We won section and state championships and made our school proud.  But the cherry on top for me is the Kairos retreat.   All of us got to know who we really are and through sharing we were able to appreciate everybody around us.  This solidified for me the meaning to LaSallian Brotherhood.   

     We’ll miss the morning breakfast bagels at the Hofmann.   I will personally Jeff as he calls me number 10 and asks me how the basketball season is going.  Mr. Bedford helped me discover my passion for software during his Introduction to Computer Science course.  Dr. Sanchez taught us the value of prayer and meditation.  Dr. Drain set an example and highlighted the importance of a positive attitude, a smile, and kindness. Mr. Pelosi created a fun learning environment, and ended the school day pumping us up for whatever came after. We will always be grateful for the families who opened up their homes to us over the years.  We had those heated games of cornhole at the Ricketts’ and the great steak and ribeye at the Pelosi’s.

     De La Salle's impact extends far beyond the confines of textbooks and exams. It's about the values instilled in us, the spirit that defines us as Spartans. It's about the brotherhood forged in late-night study sessions, on the hard court and the field, and during countless hours of service. It's about the friendships that have become anchors and the memories that will forever paint our portrait of selfhood.

     As we step onto the next stage of our lives, let us carry these values with us, like the well-worn bronze hoplon of the Spartans in the past.  Let us remember the spirit of Lasallian education, the call to "Live Jesus in our hearts, to form ourselves in the pattern of his life, and to Make Jesus known to others." Let us be men of compassion, men of action, men who leave the world a little brighter than we found it.

    In the words of Tom Brokaw, “You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world.” Today, we take that step into a future filled with endless possibilities. As we bid farewell to De La Salle High School, let's carry the spirit of camaraderie and the lessons learned into the world.

    Thank you, Class of 2024, for the unforgettable memories and the shared laughter. May our paths cross again, and may we continue to make De La Salle proud.

    Congratulations to all.  Go Spartans!

Submitted this speech as Valedictorian nominee for DLSHS Class of 2024