Dear Student Body and Adults,
Behind every president is a cabinet that supports them. This year, that cabinet helped me push my agenda: to do more. I do have to say that although I am the president, it did not feel like I was the outright leader. I was lucky to have people excited to tackle more activities throughout the year. Of course some ideas fell through, but most flourished. For example, partnering up with the Red Cross to donate blood, and in return, getting another scholarship opportunity. I also have to give props to my advisor for not getting too upset when I called out the council in front of the Student Body. I honestly did not know how that would settle out, but I hope it sets a precedent: to keep coming up with ideas, and try to fit them in throughout the year.
The thing about Madison High School is that there are three groups. The athletes, the fine arts, and then those that don’t quite fit into a category. Whichever group you are a part of, know I commend you for that. Finding your people is important to defining who you are. The bad part is that there isn’t a whole lot of overlap when it comes to those divisions. Knowing this, I have spent time in all three groups, making friends as I go. The sad part is that most of you are alike, just separated by social status. Now I am not calling for change or anything, that’s how most high schools are, and without getting super political, that’s how the United States is - though the divisions are different. The only challenge I’d ever express is to be yourself. Too many times I have seen people try to fit in with people that do not reflect their own core values, and that creates a separation between who they are at home, and who they are in public. I have fallen into that trap myself. There’s a saying that states, “Fake it ‘till you make it.” Faking gets a person no where. People see right through it. I decided a long time ago I wasn’t going to be a grizzly in school and a teddy at home.
With that said, I really enjoyed my time at Madison High School. The people I have met, and lifelong friends I have made, I can’t imagine any people better than those in Madison. The culture here is competitive, yet loving. We are lucky to be a part of that. Success is made in Madison. I took a lot of risks, and put myself out there when I could. I understand how frightening it is to do something alone. I think the most nervous I ever got in high school was for my MadVoices auditions. It’s hard to be judged as a single person, but it’s essential to one’s growth. Always take risks. You’ll get more joy doing so. Kristie Noem, in a statement said, “Say yes to challenges, to opportunities.” It may be something out of the blue, and something you may not feel qualified for, but still go for it. It’s like what the Wrestling motto said a couple years back, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you do not take.”
I’m excited for the future of the student council and student body. I know next year’s president, Grace Nelson, will lead diligently and in the school's best interest, and I’m not saying that because she was my prom date this year. From the time I spent with her, I came to learn what she stands for, and what makes her a leader. She also has seniors C.C. Graham, Ammon Hawkes, Nick Kessler and Mya Maxwell to help guide her. Let me tell you, they are strong individuals and will fight for you. They have my blessing. Seeing as this is my last address to the people, I have to say it passes faster than you think. I have learned a lot in the first quarter of my life, and I owe most of that to the educational system. I’m going to miss walking these halls amongst you, seeing your familiar, smiling faces.
Signing off,
