MHS valedictorian’s speech to her fellow graduates

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Maricopa High School valedictorian Justine Sanchez Mora speaks to her fellow graduates at Thursday night's commencement. [Bryan Mordt]

Justine Sanchez Mora delivered the valedictory address at Thursday night’s graduation at Maricopa High School. Here is the full text of her speech:

WELCOME, Maricopa High School’s Class of 2022! Congratulations! The long-awaited day has arrived after four long years.

For time to fly faster, we have distracted ourselves with our classes, sports games, dances, friends, and mercury spills. And we are finally done.

We have completed the prologue and, leaving here today, we begin the first chapter of the many books that are our life. But as much as we rejoice in the accomplishment of today, it is a bittersweet feeling. I almost wish that it was not over since it means leaving behind excellent teachers and wonderful friends who I hold so dearly in my heart. So, on behalf of the class of 2022, thank you to the amazing teachers, administrators, MUSD20 staff, security guards, cafeteria staff, custodians, friends, and parents for being here, not just today, but for the past four years of our high school experience. Without you all, I fear we may have been very lost in this maze called high school. Thank you for your patience and for lighting a path that led us here today. You are appreciated by not only me but by every single student who has ever been called a Maricopa High School graduate. Again, thank you.

Now, back to my fellow students. I grant you some cheesy advice. When I was five, I wanted to be a singer, an artist, an actor. But as I matured, I quickly realized the stigma amongst these impossible career choices. And, although these career choices are not my pursuits anymore, I realize that a lot of you today once had similar dreams many deemed unrealistic. But I am here today to remind you that this is your one and only life.

So, go out and chase that unrealistic, seemingly impossible dream. The reality is that you might fail. But, there is another reality: you also might succeed. If you want to achieve greatness, you will need to sacrifice security. Risk failing. With hard work, success is more in your favor and those dreams become so possible.

Don’t get me wrong, we live in a world of privileged and unprivileged people. So, you will be thrown obstacles, you will become bruised with negativity, and you will meet people, so venomous, who will try to convince you that you lack ambition and intelligence.

Prove them wrong.

Those venomous people will be in the front row seat watching you bloom with success. My fellow students, I cannot emphasize this enough: Work Hard. Stop wasting time. Do not live with regret, it is not too late to readjust the lens you have on life. Define your success. Work towards that grand dream.

When you have doubts, I am asking you all to view your future with the eyes of your five-year-old self. Because at five, everything seemed possible. Back then impossible was merely a word with no meaning.

Keep that mindset. For nothing is impossible. You have all accomplished something great today, but now go work towards your dreams. You will have sleepless nights, you will make mistakes, you will cry, and you will feel the need to give up. But get up, suck it up, and try again, and an extraordinary outcome will await you.

Now I feel like you should know that I spent a lot of these four years studying and reading. And I enjoyed it. Weird, I know. But I truly enjoy learning and reading because to read a book is to take on an adventure in the comfort of your own room.

However, my love for learning and reading is only partially responsible for the person you see before you tonight. You see, there is another, far greater reason for my success: They are immigrants from Cuba and Mexico, the hardest working people I know, the reason I believe in the impossible: my parents. Thank you for your good night’s kiss every night and your homemade meals every day. You filled my room with books by Jane Austen and Joan Didion. Two authors you hoped would inspire me, not realizing that it was you who were my ultimate inspiration. With your never-ending love and support, I will continue to thank you, forever.

And now to my annoying brother. The automatic best friend I acquired when I was born. I thank you as well. All I have ever wanted to be was you. I was that annoying little sister who copied your every move. And you were the tolerant big brother who loved me despite this. Thank you for your help, your guidance, your trust, and your annoying remarks. Because as you said in my birthday card: “I annoy you because I love and I care for you”. So thank you for annoying me. You are my forever best friend who motivates me to be better, I stand here today also because of you. And while this is the story of my success, I believe each of us have people in our lives that inspired us, pushed us, and, yeah, probably also annoyed us along the way.

Again, congrats class of 2022! Remember, leaving here today, make sure you are taking a step towards that dream you so greatly desire. I promise you that with hard work, you are capable of accomplishing the impossible. The impossible is waiting to become possible by YOU. It is an honor to be here tonight, not just as your valedictorian, but as your classmate and as your friend. Thank you, MHS class of 2022! Have a great night!

Justine Sanchez Mora, a member of National Honor Society, was recognized for Academic Excellence.