St. Paul valedictorian: 'Make your lives extraordinary'

NORWALK — Hannah Wheeler, St. Paul High School's valedictorian, borrowed a line from the movie "Dead Poet's Society" when she urged her classmates at the graduation ceremony on Sunday to "Make your lives extraordinary." "As you're sitting here thinking about our last twelve years as a class, I hope you can agree with me that we couldn't have gotten to where we are on our own," Wheeler told her peers. "I know I wouldn't be the person I am today, standing here in front of you, without the support, guidance, generosity, love, and care of a lot of people. "On behalf of everyone in the Class of 2024, I want to take the time to thank some of the people who have gotten us to this monumental day." She went on to thank families, teachers, coaches, and God for helping her and her classmates get to where they are today. "What an honor it is to be here today, celebrating the fact we made it through the last twelve years," Wheeler said. "Sometimes it felt like this day couldn't come soon enough, but it's finally here." "We put in the work, took the tests, did the projects, asked our favorite free-of-charge tutors, our friends, for help with our homework, cheered on our state qualifiers, beat Monroeville time and time again, worked on and off the stage for remarkable performances, even broke some school records, all while leaving time for shenanigans," she said. "And if all of that wasn't enough for the Class of 2024 to leave a legacy at St. Paul, I'm sure there's still a few broken desks floating around, reminding people of how they got there." She also said her class of 2024 is "full of greatness." "The Class of 2024 is truly something special," Wheeler said. "There is no other group of people I would've rather grown up with. A lot has happened over the years, especially in the last four. "Everyone has found a way to get involved, find what they enjoy, and make a name for themselves. Whether it's in a sport, musical endeavor, academic extracurricular, or another activity, people know the Class of 2024 is full of greatness." Class salutatorian Elizabeth Belden said the culture at St. Paul will be missed. "The St. Paul environment is one of a kind, Belden said. "We have teachers and administrators that genuinely want to watch us succeed. They go out of their way to help us out, and they create relationships with their students to help them thrive after their time at St. Paul. "The St. Paul bubble is real. And honestly, I am a little scared to leave it. But, I also know that I have been given the opportunities and experiences I need to thrive after leaving. We all have. As I look out among my class, I see a group of hard workers. And while at times we may struggle leaving the bubble, I truly believe that we can handle the transition." She also said over the next few months, students will start going their separate ways. While exciting, there will be times they will get lost. "In times like those, it is nice to know that we have moms, dads, family, friends, the St. Paul community, and God to come back to," Belden said. "In Him and each other, we can find rejuvenating warmth and love that will carry us through our darkest and scariest times." She also encouraged her fellow graduates to keep pushing forward. "There is no other group of people I would have rather grown up with, Belden said. "As we prepare to go our separate ways, keep pushing forward with the same passion that drove you here. Stay curious, keep learning, and never underestimate how much you can achieve when you lead with kindness and determination." Principal Mike Gocsik took a moment to address the parents of the class of 2024. "To the parents of the class of 2024, I want to extend my sincere gratitude for having the opportunity to share in the journey of your graduate," Gocsik said. "I consider myself extremely blessed because as principal the past two years, I have had the best seat in the house to witness your child grow and develop their God-given gifts." "Here at St. Paul, we work intentionally hard to cultivate community within our school. All of us are blessed to be a part of the Flyer Family, because it is indeed a family." He also gave words of wisdom to the graduating class. "To the Class of 2024 I hope you will carry our Flyer family, our community, in your hearts wherever life leads you," Gocsik said. "Your time here at St. Paul High School is over. The time to move on is here. "The legacy of your class, and the relationships you have cultivated here remain as a testament to this time. This time in your life will not be defined by a calendar or watch, but by the faces, personalities, and memories you as a class have made."