Morgan Fedele Commencement Speech

 It was almost four years ago, we sat on the green of Hyannis anticipating our names to be called. Anticipating that moment where we would have to walk in front of what seemed like a  sea of new faces. We were told then, that in four years time we would be returning to that same spot. That our journey at Sturgis would return full circle, signing out on the captain’s log with the same view as when we signed in. Yet, today we sit on a field unknown to most of us, maybe a little jealous of their football turf, outside of a high school that bears no resemblance to our own. No main street traffic surrounding us, or noisy tourists stretching their necks to get a peak at our cap and gowns. Although, the thought of our unexpected change of scenery at graduation makes me smile. There is a beautiful symbolism behind the Sturgis Class of 2021 sitting here today. I believe it to be a further reminder that our learning is and has never been confined to a brick building. We, as students, have not only expanded our minds in the last four years but as well as our boundaries, not afraid to stretch our learning limits. Whether that be Environmental class travelling to vernal pools, setting up study sessions on Main St at lunch, or finding tickets to a play to write up our final theater reports. All leading up to our greatest achievement, setting up our own learning environments in our bedrooms. It took me my time at Sturgis to realize that every single action that we make defines an opportunity for a learning experience. Our class has found every and any unconventional spot, and turned it into a place of learning. It was never the building, but us inside. And we were never alone. Constantly surrounded by the support system that continues to surround us here, today. 

I would like to share with you my first memory of a teacher at Sturgis, although a little embarrassing at my expense. It was my freshman year and I was rushing in between classes to run to the bathroom! Unfortunately, I had left my cell phone in my back pocket and gravity took it upon itself to take the rest. Needless to say, my phone ended up wet and broken, and I exited the bathroom defeated, gripping my dripping phone from the corner by my thumb and index finger. It was then that Miss Mead had asked me what happened, and immediately took my phone from me. It was gone for two classes, and while in my third the door opened and there was Miss Mead! Throwing a Ziploc bag filled with rice and my phone at me. She had gone home in between her classes and placed my wet disregarded phone into rice in an effort to save it. Her efforts had succeeded and my phone thankfully survived. Although I have countless academic stories, I place this one above all others because it truly represents how above and beyond the teachers here will help you. Mostly more in an academic sense, but also with a toilet-soaked cell phone. 

We were so much more than a school or a class. Every defining moment for one of us was felt by all the others. And here we sit now, in our cap and gowns. We sit here after four of the longest short years. After countless mark schemes, exams and essays. After new friendships becoming old. After spirit weeks, rainy days at Palio’s, and endless laughs with Emilia Shea. After style changes haircuts and growth spurts. After so much more. Every piece of the last four years has shaped us into the person we are today, and the person we are going to continue to be in whatever plans we chase. Sitting here today as a class, with plans to travel all over the world, come fall. Beginning to make some of the greatest decisions in our lives, I have full confidence in our courageous leaps. 

I’ve thought about writing this speech ever since I heard about it my freshman year from a senior driving me home from soccer practice. I thought about what I would say, and how I could say it. I thought about what I would wear, and where I would be going after summer. What I did not think about was everything that would happen in between. Every small moment, collecting to create such an amazing experience. Yes, we are signing out with a different view, at a different high school but as we look left and right all that matters is here. I am sure I am not alone in stating my excitement to see the continued accomplishments of our class over the coming years. Our resilience has shined through in the past year and has certainly prepared us for whatever is to come. No matter how discouraging or difficult life became, we never gave up. And we sit here today as a confirmation of our perseverance. It truly was never the building, never the main street traffic or busy tourists. It was us, and it came with us wherever we went and will continue to wherever we go. 

Congratulations to our class, and good luck next year.