Penfield High School 2014 Commencement Address

Friends, family, teachers, staff, and most importantly, my fellow graduates: Welcome to the Penfield High School Class of 2014 Commencement Ceremony, and-- congratulations! My name is Abby Rose Sugnet and it is a pleasure to be representing the senior class on this stage today.

Those of you who know me have probably seen that I like to capture every moment with my camera, and this is one of the biggest moments of our lives, so if the RIT Staff could please turn on the lights… everyone smile!! (Abby takes a photo of the audience)

When I sat down to write this speech, I reflected upon the things that make Penfield unique. Naturally, I thought of the grilled bagels, the 8th grade Washington trip, Goatstock, the windy path from the recreation center to the high school that the Juniors are forced to walk down every day, the absurd climate changes throughout the school, the irreplaceable Arvid ... and how some of you poor souls will be venturing to college towns and job locations without a Wegmans. And then the memories got more specific, and because I played Varsity field hockey, I thought of the Boys v. Girls field hockey game which finally ended as it should have this year, with the girls crushing the boys after two years of embarrassing defeat. I giggled reminiscing Tumbling for Freedom in the 8th grade Variety Show, which made an incredible comeback this year at the Mr. Penfield Pageant. All of these memories make Penfield stand out from other places as a community who demonstrates enthusiasm, compassion, and teamwork.

Considering that this is my one opportunity to speak with each and every one of my classmates simultaneously, I want to take this moment to sincerely thank everyone here for the most incredible high school experience I could ask for. As someone who has always appreciated what PHS has offered me, I was nervous that I would be sobbing too hard to make it through this speech. It breaks my heart when I hear someone say that they don’t like Penfield. This school has provided us with the support to create goals and the resources to obtain them. Penfield is filled with teachers and staff who care about each of their students and who genuinely enjoy their jobs. Each student in this audience was given the ability to discover their individual strengths, which have worked together to create a positive atmosphere.

I will never forget the way I could talk to anyone and everyone in our school without feeling unwelcome, and the way people are able to bounce around to different friend groups without being considered an outcast. At Senior Ball and Bash, everyone talked to each other whether they were normally friends or not. Everyone is willing to work with new people in classes if necessary, and no one feels too ashamed to raise their hand and ask a question. Penfield’s Class of 2014 has grown into a group of welcoming, considerate and polite individuals.

When I look out at all of you graduates, I don’t see 100 athletes, 70 NHS members, 150 musicians or 40 artists. I see 362 authentic human beings whose individuality I admire. One of my favorite things about Penfield is that we don’t have the stereotypical cliques that other high schools actually do have. I hope that you continue that legacy wherever you go. I hope that you never allow anyone else’s label to define you, and that you allow your true identity to speak for itself.

As I look out at my fellow graduates, I see hundreds of people wearing identical caps and gowns, all together as a unit composed of unique differences, interests and skills. Today marks the ending of this unit, and the beginning of you discovering who you are as an individual. The word commencement denotes a beginning. This ceremony marks the end of your high school career, and the start of the rest of your life.

So, what is your true identity? Who will you become after high school? If you’re anything like me, you may feel a little overwhelmed or unprepared, wondering how four years of high school flew by so quickly. However, this is an opportunity to become who you want to be. This is a fresh start. So decide who you want to be, and go be it. As you move forward into the next exciting stage of your life, I hope you

all continue to act with empathy, maturity and appreciation, and always remember that you have so much to offer.

Graduates, I sincerely hope that you enjoyed your high school experience as much as I did. I hope you feel pride, honor and success as a Penfield High School student. I hope you discovered yourself and your goals. Now is the time that you get to put these goals into action. Thank you for helping me discover mine.

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