It is finally here.

The day we have anticipated for four years, graduation day. It is most likely the last day we will all spend together. It seems like only a short time ago we were scared freshman, walking through those doors for the first time. But now, our time at Polk County High School is at an end, and we will never again walk through those familiar halls as students.

It has been a long and difficult journey, but we have made it. However, we could not have made it without the support and guidance of everyone here. We owe a debt of gratitude to many people for helping us to get this far. To our community, for providing amazing opportunities to help us grow and for supporting us even after we leave. To our teachers, who went above and beyond to ensure that we succeeded, not only in our education but also in our lives. To our administrators,  without whom none of this would be possible. To our friends, who have seen us through our high and low points, the good and the bad times, and who seem to come from the most unexpected places when we need them the most. To our classmates, for rising up and coming together to support each other when things get tough. To our families, for supporting us, guiding us and being there to catch us when we fell. And most importantly, to ourselves, for having the desire and strength to make it this far. We all owe each and every one of these people our thanks.

In a short time, our names will be called, and as we walk across this stage, a chapter in our lives will end, but a new one will also begin. We should look back at our time at Polk County High School, but we should not linger on the memory. Life moves forward, and so must we. And although it may seem scary or sad, each and every one of us has a bright future ahead of us. And no matter what the future holds for us, no matter what challenges life throws at us, I am confident that we will rise up to meet them and that we will succeed.