A graduate’s message to her Class of 2015
Jade Garcia, one of Creekside High School’s two Students of the Year, delivered this speech to her graduating class:
“High School. It comes to us all eventually. And all of us experience it differently. I came to Creekside absolutely terrified. (Although I was relieved to be leaving the high school.) I was quiet and kept to myself. I thought I had screwed my life up and I would never be able to get it back together. During the year and a half that I spent at Creekside I have met so many wonderful people and I have learned so much about the people in this town. Different kids with different stories and different dreams.
“Every guest speaker that has come by and every school event that we decided to put together was an enormous amount of fun. I got to learn all kinds of different things about both the students and the staff.
“The teachers at Creekside have been a huge help and have given us a massive amount of support. In my educational career I’ve never met teachers with such diverse personalities who are willing to work with each other as well as all kinds of students. Thank you so much for being a part of such a wonderful thing that has enabled us to have a second chance. All of you have given us so much encouragement throughout the whole year, I really didn’t think I would have completed the year without you. Mrs. Green, Mrs. Ellis, Mrs. Smith, Walter, Tracy, Leslie, Kristy, and the heart and soul that holds it all together, Terri. I only want to that thank you for doing what you do.
“I can’t think of people more amazing that all of you to be around during my last year of high school. I think there are words missing from the English language because I really cannot put into words how much I appreciate all of you and all that you have do for us.
“To the students that are up here with me, I know that all of you have been through hardships but despite what everyone thought, we made it through high school. Every single one of you has accomplished something so huge and your life has just begun. I want all of you to know and understand that no one in this world can keep you from doing what you want to do. I want all of you to believe in yourselves and keep yourselves happy.
“As Fall Out Boy put it, “You are what you love, not who loves you.” Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because I’ve seen all of you do such great things in one year alone. There is a slight possibility that we may never be in the same room again and we may never cross paths again and if that is the case just promise that you will do whatever it takes to stay happy. You are all capable of such amazing things and all of you have survived high school and I know that takes a tremendous about of bravery. But this has now come to an end. Whatever lies ahead of each and every one of you I know that all of you are going to live out such amazing stories. Because we’re all stories in the end. So just make it a good one, okay?”
Creekside is a small continuation high school that is an alternative option for students who are 16, or who have earned at least 60 credits, located on the grounds of Sonoma Valley High.
