By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

For Susie Butler, sixth grade still feels like yesterday.

“I remember when Mr. Peterson sat us down in gym class to explain just how fast the rest of our time in high school would go. By most didn’t believe him, but here we are, almost seven years later, and to me, that day in sixth grade still feels like yesterday. Although this period of life has flown by, I’ve managed to make so many memories, and I hope you have too,” said Butler, Lake Region’s Class of 2024 valedictorian at Sunday’s graduation ceremony in Nutting Gym. “...You don’t get a second life. This life is your only chance to do everything you’ve dreamed of. So, don’t settle for the job that makes you miserable just because you can afford the car everyone expects you to have. Don’t listen to the people who call you crazy or the people who don’t believe in you simply because they don’t believe in themselves. Follow your own path and do what makes you happy, because it’s your life after all.”

While Butler encouraged classmates not to let anyone tell them what to do with their lives, she had to offer just a few life tips.

“You have to be kind, not only to others, but also to yourself. Life is unpredictable, so just go with the flow,” she said. “What is predictable, however, is all of your futures. I’m certain that there are so many great things ahead of you. Cheers to your success today and your success tomorrow.”

Salutatorian Sera Travis encouraged classmates to remember the past, and embrace the future.

“Piece together memories to create a pathway into how we felt as kids, where magic was real. But we don’t really know how to say goodbye. While you’re past may feel as if it’s slipping away, that your future is partner in so many ways. Don’t let the world lose its color. Its star. Its light. Be proud of how far you’ve come. Life is not working against you, but time is. You can do anything you want,” Travis said. “Live in the moment. Live in the hearts of others. Make the most of what you have. Some of the best moments in your life haven’t even occurred yet. As we experienced the eclipse this year, there’ll be some of us living until the next (one) and there’ll be those who celebrate their last. Look back at the sun as the moon crossed over. Remember the moment. Remember the moment we shared together how our paths have crossed and smile. A moment like that. A moment like graduation is best put into words by Steven Voki. ‘This one moment when you know you are not a sad story. You are alive and you stand up and see the lights in the buildings and everything that makes you wonder. And you’re listening to that song on that drive with the people you love most in this world. And this moment, I swear we are infinite.’ I hope this speech did not leave you speechless, but ready to speak your mind, speak more. Speak your younger self’s, innocence, curiosity and confidence, and your old self’s knowledge, maturity, and change the future. While magic may not exist, we have power. We are the power to create change into all the things we love until all the things we never received.”

Honor Essayist Bhavnish Tucker told the Class of 2024, “Life is an ever-changing experience and nothing is certain...When we accept that whatever is coming is to then pass, we accept the invitation to experience life.”

Class President Kasey Johnson offered up a few closing tips prior to the traditional changing of tassels, “No matter where this next step may take you, keep it up and never forget the impact you can make in someone else’s life with their capabilities and authenticity. This adventure will have some hiccups but I urge each of you in this room to remember the things in your life that bring you joy and spark the passion in you. Make time amidst your busy schedule to partake in the activities you love...Whatever your thing is, don’t stop and always keep this life fun...Although it may sound cliché, mistakes are inevitable and it’s all part of the process. This is our first time on this planet and we are here to learn and experience it all...You are some of the most amazing humans I’ve ever met. This next adventure is going to be exciting and new, but remember where you’re from and the people surrounding you in these various seats today, including the faculty, family, and friends that help us all across the finish line. This is just the beginning. It’s going to be so much fun. To the girls, you are all powerful, intelligent and capable of anything you wish to achieve in this life. Don’t ever listen to an NFL kicker, who really shouldn’t have made a speech in the first place. It’s hard to change this world for the better.”

What it takes

The News reached out to top academic students for their thoughts on what it took for them to succeed and how lessons learned in high school will help them on their next journey.

BN. People often wonder, how does a student become the tops in their class? What has it taken for you to achieve this incredible honor?

Susie Butler: For me, I have worked tirelessly to get my assignments in on time and produce the best quality work I can. I have also found a way to balance my education with extracurriculars, work, and free time.

Sera Travis:  I was always focused in school to do my best because I enjoy learning. At times, I would spend hours studying, but I always made time for breaks and things I enjoyed. I tried to utilize class time, Laker Time, and after school availability, to minimize the workload for when I was at home. I invested time in planning out my days, starting assignments and projects long before they were due, not procrastinating until the deadline, and was able to provide myself with a successful and stress-free day, school year, and life. 

BN. Was there a situation or moment during your high school years that posed a major challenge to you, and ultimately changed you as a person/student (explain)?

Susie Butler: I found it most difficult when I realized that my grades did not make me into who I was. For a long time, I based my success and happiness on how I was doing in school. I have since found hobbies and passions that have made my life enjoyable outside of school!

Sera Travis: I was homeschooled until my freshman year of high school. Starting high school was a little overwhelming at first and challenging for me. My teachers assisted me, without question, helping me learn how to use Schoology, the computer, and welcoming me within their classroom. I was grateful for their help, understanding, and kindness. This experience helped me advocate for myself and ask for help, and in return, I always try to help others when I can.

BN. Name three things from your high school days you are most proud of and why?

Susie Butler: I am most proud of the friendships I’ve made, my success in cross country, and trying new things like tennis and the CNA program. I feel that all of these have been essential in my growth as a student and as a person.

Sera Travis: Three things from my days at Lake Region High school I am most proud of are: the mini poetic novel I wrote for AP Language and Composition, helping organize and lead a mental health awareness and harm prevention card hand out for students and staff at school, and my volunteer work with the Interact Club.

The mini novel I wrote for AP Language was an assignment based off of a book called Citizen by Claudia Rankine. The book was written in a poetic-like format, where it had different entries touching upon racial microaggressions. Similarly, we had to write our own, in which mine was on inclusivity within society, specifically, gender within sports.

This year in Interact Club, I was able to lead a mental health project, consisting of designing, cutting, and handing out over 500 mental health awareness and harm prevention cards. Seeing mental health affecting Lake Region High Schools students, friends, and staff, motivated me to create an awareness project for the last day of school before winter break.

Being part of the Interact Club, I was able to take part in volunteering opportunities, where we were able to raise money for causes/organizations in need. I found this rewarding. I am proud of all of the work we did and what we accomplished the past four years.

BN. What was the greatest lesson you learned during your high school days, and how will it help you in the future?

Susie Butler: This is a difficult question to answer. I would say that the greatest lesson I’ve learned is that the only moment that exists is the present. This has helped me not worry about what I cannot control and it will continue to do so in the future. 

Sera Travis: One of the greatest lessons I learned during high school is to be yourself and worry less about what others think. Take classes and join clubs that inspire and interest you. This will help me in the future because it will help me stay on my path toward attaining my goals. 

BN. What is next for you? Where are you headed; have you decided on a career path, and if so, what lead you in this direction?

Susie Butler: I am going to college this fall, and I plan to major in Environmental Science. I am passionate about creating a more livable, sustainable future for both humanity and nature! 

Sera Travis: My sophomore year of high school, my English teacher, Mrs. Pulito, introduced our poetry unit. I was captivated by the freedom and creativity poetry provided. I was able to connect different concepts through the use of rhetorical devices. It felt as if there was no limit to what I could write. After my sophomore year, I took AP English classes to delve deeper into English. This past summer, I took part in a weeklong writer’s workshop at Sarah Lawrence College. It allowed me to continue learning new writing techniques, improve communication through my writing, and focus on my love of poetry. Poetry is one of my favorite writing forms and solidified English as my primary academic interest. I aspire to teach English, so that I may inspire students to learn and love reading and writing, with a concentration in poetry.

This fall, I will attend Sarah Lawrence College, and will major in English and Education. I plan to teach English, continuing to write, with the hope of someday becoming a published writer.