‘Our trials have shaped us into more robust and resilient people’

Joseph Silvi, the 2021 Valedictorian of Sonoma Valley High School, delivered this speech at the June 4 commencement ceremony. 

As we collectively recall, we experienced annual wildfires beginning in our freshman year. In addition to all of this, our world changed drastically when Covid-19 hit during our junior year. To add to our unique high school adventure, we had a different principal each year, with Mrs. Hutchinson as our final one. Truly, we have saved the best for last! Presently, we are facing yet another drought. Maybe we should start thinking of changing our mascot to a creature that doesn’t breathe fire? 

Additionally, through the adversities we faced, we witnessed our community come together. Our front liners and first responders have our utmost respect and gratitude. We are blessed to live in this beautiful city of Sonoma, and to grow up in this caring and loving community. Parents and community members rallied to create memorable year-end activities for our class: Prom night, beach day, pre-prom pictures with a live band, and the list goes on! This is what it means to be a Sonoman. These admirable qualities run through our veins.

Our class is perhaps the most well-suited class to face the world. We are like the scarred and twisted millenia-old bristlecone pines atop the Sierra Nevada that have been assaulted by the wind, subjected to drought, burned by fires, and suffered through wickedly cold winters. Yet, the trees remain, endure and are made stronger, like the class of 2021. Our trials have shaped us into more robust and resilient people, facing our future bravely with more vigor and strength than ever before, always hopeful in the face of adversity. 

We are prepared not simply to dip our feet in the real world, but to take the plunge, immersing ourselves in it. We are ready to create our own paths in life, leading to spectacular destinations. When we become the next engineers, innovators, artists, doctors, nurses, educators, public servants, TV personalities, filmmakers, tradespeople, scientists, farmers, first responders, whatever we choose to do, wherever we choose to go, we must promise ourselves to continue to make a positive impact in our world.

We live in an age where islands of plastic twice the size of Texas float in the oceans and thousands of species are lost each year. Yet, we also live in a time where sending people to Mars is within reach. The sky is no longer the limit. Our generation has the ingenuity to resolve the problems we have now and the problems we will face in the future. It’s just a matter of applying our perseverant selves and choosing to be part of the solution. We. Can. Do. Anything. 

As we close the high school chapter in our lives and begin to write the next one, we must keep on striving to be the best version of ourselves. Remember to always be grateful whatever the circumstances. Remain humble and hopeful. Remember that you are blessed so you can be a blessing to others. Find joy in the simple things. Do what you love. Cherish your parents, siblings, families, and friends. Never give up. Always keep your sense of humor. Remember to always give back to our community, use your time and talents wisely, and seize every opportunity to be a blessing, wherever you are.

As we aim for excellence, remember to also help others along the way. Lead meaningful and purposeful lives. Remember to be kind and compassionate, and, above all, choose love!

Read the speech by 2021 Salutatorian Camryn Berger.