Walk For Peace Stop at Jordan - Matthews High School

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Woo! Woo!

Please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You may be seated. to Mr. Gary Leonard and the board of education to our superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson, Chattam County School Senior Leadership Team. Thank you for joining us today. We are also honored to have other members of Chattam County Schools central services and principles in attendance. Last but not least, to our parents, supporting adults, friends, and family, thank you all for celebrating our scholars. Now, it could be maybe um something in the stars that my speech and the commencement speech are very similar. So, I counted that as confirmation instead of changing my speech. So time in sports, we live by the time on the clock, time on the scoreboard during a game, practice time, and time watching film, and of course, timeouts. Is that if there is one thing that sports teaches us, it's this. When the buzzer sounds, the game is over. No excuses, no extra seconds. No matter how much you fuss or complain about the officiating, the coaches or the players, when the horn goes off, that game is immediately

over and it's in the past. Time is a commodity that we do not get back. You can lose your phone and replace it. It's frustrating when you lose money, but you can make more of it. However, once time is spent, it's gone forever. The old saying goes that time waits for no one. Yet here's the part I want you to hear and be thankful for. Every single moment of time you experience, you were meant to see it and marvel in it. You were meant to be here today. You were meant to sit in that seat. You were meant to hear these words. You were meant to experience this moment right now. Not four years ago. Not yesterday, not tomorrow, but right now was meant just for you. Whether you realize it or not, this moment matters. Now, let's be honest. We've all been a little raggedy and wasted time. We've waited too long to make a change. We've put off task until the last minute. We've held on to something that wasn't working because it was comfortable. We have all wasted time. But here's the other side of that truth. Too early is sometimes too soon. Just because you want something doesn't mean it's time for it yet. Growth takes time. Healing takes time. Readiness takes time. The key isn't rushing. It's recognizing when preparation turns into procrastination. Because the longer you wait to act, the longer you delay your dreams. Dreams don't disappear. They just sit there waiting on you. Time doesn't ask if you're ready. It just keeps moving. And one day, you will wake up and realize the clock didn't stop. It just kept going.

So, what do we do with time? We honor it. We respect it. So, scholars, chase your dreams before the last buzzer sounds. We will follow the program as printed.

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At this time, our scholars would like to recognize the people who made their time at One Academy meaningful and helpful along the way. Graduates, if you will please stand. A yellow rose is a powerful symbol. It represents gratitude, joy, friendship, and appreciation. A yellow rose doesn't say you were perfect. It says you mattered. On today, each scholar will present a yellow rose to someone who made an impact on their time here at one academy or in their life's journey thus far. Someone who showed up or invested in time into them, someone who believed in them or motivated them to do great things. Those of you who will receive a yellow rose, please accept this token with the understanding that it's not just a flower, but recognition that your time mattered. Scholars, you may present your rose.

Good evening and thank you for being here tonight. Family, friends, and faculty, your guidance, patience, and support over the last 12 years have shaped us in more ways than we might ever fully realize. And for that, we are forever grateful. But most importantly to my fellow classmates, congratulations, class of 2026. We did it. My name is Mary Harris and when I sat down to write this speech, I honestly wasn't sure what I wanted to say. I don't think a single one of us had the same experience. Personally, it wasn't the high school experience I thought I would have when I was younger. But I do know I wouldn't change it for anything. We didn't have the Friday night football games and we didn't have our regular class schedules. Some of us, myself included, took classes completely online. But through it all, we figured out what worked for us. We learned how to adapt, how to push through, and how to keep going even when things didn't feel normal. And in many ways, that has prepared us for life. Prepared us for life more than we realized. Just remember, nobody ever makes a difference by being like everybody else. At first, I thought I wanted to stand up here and give a life lesson. But in reality, I don't have it figured out, and I'm not sure if you ever do. But what I do have is perspective. Almost two years ago, I lost my best friend in a tragic accident. It was the hardest thing I have ever been through and it changed me in ways I never expected. But through that loss, I learned something incredibly important. How valuable time is and how meaningful the people in our lives truly are. Life doesn't promise us tomorrow. It doesn't slow down and it doesn't wait until we feel ready. So find the people who stand beside you in your hardest moments. Hold on to them tightly and don't let go. Value and cherish late night talks, the laughter that make your stomach hurt. The simple moments that seem ordinary at the time but end up meaning everything. Appreciate each day, each moment in each person because nothing lasts forever. 12 years ago, this moment felt like a dream. Even four years ago, it felt so far away. Yet, here we are. The next time I hear someone say that something will go by in the blink of an eye, I think I might believe them just a little more. That dream is now a reality, and

every single one of us earned it. We survived the long nights of homework and every single the confusing math math problems and the novels we never thought we'd finish. We worked hard and we kept going. And that is something to be incredibly proud of. While this chapter is ending, a new one is just beginning. We spend so much time planning for the future that we forget the people standing right next to us. And they're the ones who matter most. So tonight, when you go home, I hope you f hug your family or your friends just a little longer. Take a moment to feel proud. Proud of what you've accomplished and excited for what's ahead. And always chase the dreams that matter to you, even when it feels scary. Because right now, I think we have a lot of that coming. Congratulations again to the class of 2026. You did it. And as Frank Sinatra once said, the best is yet to come. Thank you, Mary. Honored guests, please take your place at the front of the stage. Graduates, please stand to prepare to be recognized to receive your diplomas. Graceland Milinda Gatis Megan Lee Gains,

Maline Elizabeth Harris, Mary Elizabeth Harris, Jason Kyrell Leak. Christian Avery Qui. Pedro Enrique Suarez Rocha. Cameron Neil Thomas Congratulations

graduates. [cheering] [applause] Woo! Your journey has led you here, but it does not stop here. This moment has been waiting for you because this is your time. Acting under the authority of the state of North Carolina and the Chattam County Board of Education, I recognize you as graduates of one academy. You may now turn your tassel from right to left. Congratulations. [cheering] [applause] Heat. [music] Heat. [music]

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