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We thought it was only fitting to borrow a few lines from scripts we hold near and dear to us. Today, as we celebrate our accomplishments and look ahead, we're going to let the movies do some of the talking. One of my favorites, Forest Gump, once said, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get." While not knowing what the four years would bring us, we faced challenges we didn't expect, friendships we did not plan, and memories that changed us forever. Some of it was good fun, and some was just stupid is stupid does. And that's all I have to say about that. In his wisdom, Forest also stated, "Mama always said, "Miracles happen every day." While today may not quite be a miracle, it sure does feel like one. I'm not certain if we are here today because of fate or the choices we made.
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Good afternoon, administration, staff, students, and parents. You guys all look lovely today. My name is Bruce Ruan, and yes, my parents named me after Bruce Lee. Now, besides the roundhouse kicks and nunchuck combos, Bruce Lee would always say the words, "Be water, my friend." He cleverly pointed out that if you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. These past four years, we've been poured into all sorts of different cups. From members of the marching band to cheer team captains and speech innovators, we've flowed through and been shaped by every imaginable set of experiences and challenges. Every freshman bio exam, every one of Mr. above circulos every 9:00 a.m. assembly cheer scream. But drawing a line through it all, we adapted. We discovered ways to make it work. Whether it was maneuvering the endless construction on 67th to avoid sweep, cramming acres, or fighting demons to stay awake after fifth lunch.
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But either way, we are here stronger, wiser, ready for the unknown. Whatever flavor is in our box of [Applause] chocolates. As Lillian said, being here today feels nothing short of our own miracle. The last four years here together have been transformative, inspiring, and memorable. We all entered high school unsure of the unknown. But as our time here together has flown by, the amount of memories made, friendships connected, and lessons learned has allowed us to grow into the amazing people sitting here today. As we are all ready to take the next steps in our lives, I am reminded of a quote from the movie Secretariat. You can't always see where you're going, but if you keep going forward, you'll get there. While some of us may be unsure of what the future holds, keep pushing, growing, and believing. We will get there. Like Jada said, we will all move forward to our own finish lines.
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And we did it all while meeting some pretty cool people. As we move forward, we will continue to flow and adapt to new colleges, careers, cities, and friendships. But as Lee mentioned, that water can flow. I wanted to emphasize how it can also crash. You see, like a raging river, being water doesn't only mean following and staying within the stream's path, but also araiding and sculpting the very banks that guide its movement. Sometimes in life, we'll face situations where flowing won't be enough. What happens if we're stuck in a class that makes us question all our life choices? Or if we realize being a lawyer is nothing like the show suits? What if every action we take feels like we're flowing around the problem at hand instead of carving and eroding it away? Sometimes we'll need to know when to crash. And I don't mean crashing out.
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And along the way, don't forget to slow down and truly enjoy the journey. As it says in our courtyard, in the words of Ferris Buer, life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. As a class, we've really done it all. We came into high school right after CO and experienced everything from masks and social distancing to being packed into an assembly celebrating our third homecoming win. Now, four years later, after hearing that last bell, we sit here ready to move on to the next chapter in our lives. Wherever life takes you, remember, time won't wait. Make the most of every day, every moment, and every choice. We can't control time, but we can control what we do with it and how we fill [Applause] [Music] it. Just like Addison said, we can't control time because they say when you graduate high school, your life begins.
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You can do so if you choose. But in a way that floods through barriers. In a way that challenges limits. Maybe crashing means being the first from your family to graduate from university. But it can also mean deciding that 8 a.m. next semester is not for you. You see, water can be still, but it can also be a powerful tsunami, passionately demanding change. Above all, it means being proactive, taking action, and standing up for ourselves and each other when we need to. Whether it's switching majors, going after that business idea, or just having the courage to admit that we have no idea what we're doing right now, because let's be honest, most of us don't. As we wrap up our time at Ridge, be proud of the fact that you're sitting here today. Take some time to hug your friends, family, and teachers. Class of 2025, be water, but don't forget that water can flood, reshape, and even transform the landscape.
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But let's not forget about the life we have built right here. I'm sure we can agree that the person who walked into West is not the same person sitting in these chairs. In these four years, we became someone here. We made friends, we lost friends, we made some choices that may not have been the best, but nonetheless, it shaped us into who we are today. Now, here we are still growing, still changing, still being shaped. But as I look into the crowd, I can already see all the amazing things you are going to do with your lives. So, I will leave you with one last message from a forgetful fish named Dory. When life gets you down, you know what you got to do? Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. Like Dory and Marlin and Elfie and Galinda, friendships can come and go in unexpected ways.
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Thank you so much, everyone. When we're leaving here, please get home safe and don't forget to stay hydrated. [Applause] And now, please welcome Elise Kunari singing Astonishing from the musical Little Woman. [Music] Home ever [Music] wants to proceed. I only know [Music] I'm [Music] astonish like I have known I can feel it and it's from here. I've got to find it on my [Music] own. I feel it upon my skin. A life of passion [Music] that life aching to begin. There must be Somewhere I can be astonishing. [Music] Astonishing. I'll find my way. I'll find it far away. I'll find it in the unexpected and unknown. I'll find my life in my own way. Here I go and there's no turning back. My great adventure has begun. I may be small, but I got giant plants. to shine as brightly as the sun. I will find my time and place.
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They can last a few short years or a lifetime. Once we leave this ceremony, we will go our separate ways, but know that every single one of us here has left a lasting impression on at least one person at this school. And know that because I knew you, I have been changed for the better. Now, let me say before we part, in the words of the pink and green witches themselves, whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my [Applause] friend, man. And that's just it. I think the unexpected friendships and turmoil are precisely what makes this period so impactful on us. Look, I'm not going to stand up here and act like I had the hardest path. Some of you really had to fight to get here, and I've got nothing but respect for that. I know people have been dealing with jobs, family stuff, money problems, loss, and still showed up.
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I will be fearless, surrendering modesty and grace. I will not disappear without a trace. I'll shout and start a riot. be anything but quiet. Christopher Columbus will be astonishing. [Music] Astonishing [Music] astonishing at [Music] [Applause] My name is Remy McKim, senior class representative. Mrs. Natalie Ospus graduated from ASU with a bachelor's degree in education in English and gifted endorsement. She has been at Mountain Ridge for 22 years and presently teaches honors English language arts one two and AP seminar gifted. She sits on several committees including the DVSD high school gifted specialists and vertical alignment. She sponsors academic decathlon scholarship club and AP mentors. Mrs. Ospus is also a proud parent of a graduate this evening. Please join me in welcoming Mrs. [Music] [Applause] Good evening, class of 2025, teachers, families, friends. Tonight, we celebrate not just a milestone, but a transformation. Four years ago, you arrived here wideeyed, clutching your schedules, wondering if you would ever make it to class on time without being swept.
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But one thing we've all got in common is that these next few years, the next 10, people are counting on us to succeed whether we like it or not. And like Rocky said in Creed 2, you got people that need you now. You got everything to lose. Like Rocky in Creed, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn had people who counted on him when they needed him most. His advice was, "Always remember, your focus determines your reality." For the past four years as a class, we have made mistakes together. We have learned together, and we have grown together. Walking across this stage today proves that all of us have used our focus to determine this reality. Now we split ways. Your reality after this is completely up to you. Use everything we have learned together to make it a good one. And remember, may the force be with you.
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Now here you are. You are equipped with knowledge and perhaps a new ability to function on minimal sleep. Many of you haven't been in my English class since your freshman year. And whether you were in my class or not, I have watched as you have all grown into scholars, artists, actors, musicians, athletes, and active community members. You are no longer the frightened freshman from the fall of 2021. High school wasn't just about coursework or grades. It was about learning how to balance responsibilities, form lasting friendships, and realize that despite Romeo and Juliet's best efforts, rash actions rarely lead to positive outcomes. Your journey, much like the trials of Odysius, tested your resilience. And though your challenges may not have included sirens or cyclops, you had challenges that required courage and strength. It takes courage to ask questions and strength to realize the mistakes are simply steps towards progress.
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As Theo said, the last four years have required a great deal of focus. And now, as I stand here today, I'm reminded of a quote from Harry Potter. It's not our abilities that show what we truly are. It is our choices. Over the years, we've discovered our abilities in academics, arts, sports, and leadership. But more importantly, we've made choices. We chose to show up when it mattered, to help others, to grow through challenges. And those choices define who we are far more than any grade ever could. The choices we make from here, how we treat people, how hard we work, and what we stand for will shape our future more than any natural talent. So, let's choose courage, kindness, and purpose. Let's choose to be more than what we're expected to be. Choices make up who we are and our future, and sometimes those choices are easier than others.
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As you look ahead in your new odyssey, remember that life will throw unexpected challenges your way. There will be days when you feel like you have it all figured out and others when you realize you've been walking around with a coffee stain on your shirt since morning. Both of these kinds of days will help develop your heroic qualities. Some of you will go far facing many new adventures. Others may find their path like mine leads them right back home. Mountain Ridge class of 1999 is proud of you, class of 2025. There are 664 graduates before me, and that's how many different directions you will go in. But tonight, we recognize how we've gotten to this point together. While looking at your future individually, Mountain Ridge has been one of your many training grounds. And while today marks an ending of that training, it is also the beginning of everything yet to come.
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It's my choice that my all-time favorite movie is The Princess Bride. Or one quote always stood out to me. Get some rest. If you haven't got your health, you haven't got anything. We are all going down our own paths where we will encounter different challenges. Remember that a breather is sometimes needed. It's okay to take a break. Sometimes they are a necessity. Another movie that I adore is Interstellar, where it says, "Time is relative, okay? It can stretch and squeeze, but it can't run backwards. Our high school years are over, but we will always have the memories and friendships that we have made. Everyone here has done an amazing job. You made it here today to walk across the stage. And since time cannot run backwards, really enjoy today and enjoy the now. Unlike Sophia, I'm more of a TV show person. One of my favorites being Friends.
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As you transform into your new role in the world, I ask that you hold on to empathy and integrity. And just like Attakus Finch, have the courage to stand up for what's right. Congratulations, class of 2025. The world is waiting. Go make it all the things it should be. [Applause] And now, please welcome Haley Meeks, senior class representative. Dr. Seuss once said, "Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory." Our childhoods have been full of I can't wait moments. I can't wait for high school. I can't wait for homecoming. I can't wait to drive. I can't wait for summer. I can't wait to be a senior. I can't wait till I'm 18. And I can't wait to graduate. Well, Mountain Lions, here we are. The wait is over. Welcome to graduation. We've been patient for all these exciting moments, not realizing we only get them once.
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You'll hear a quote or two from that later. But for right now, I want you all to close your eyes and think back to the beginning of the school year way back in August. You're just minding your own business and in the corner and great aunt Betty or Uncle Stan or whoever it was in your case came over and asked you the dreaded question. What are your plans after high school? Bruh plans? I don't even have a PL. Thank you PIV Buffet for saying the words we were all thinking. But look at us now. Nine months later, we're all rocking the silly maroon cap and gowns. And even if we aren't 100% sure what our futures may hold, we all have some idea of the path we're taking as we leave the stadium today. Of course, change can be scary, especially off as we head off into the world as adults.
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All these can't wait moments are about to turn into I wish. I wish I could walk the halls of Mountain Ridge again. I wish we had one more assembly. I wish I had one more game or performance. I wish I could be in high school again. While we can't go back in time, we can learn that it is important to live in the present. Take this moment to remember the lessons we will use into our adulthood and the memories we will forever look back on. Thank our teachers, administrators, mentors, parents, friends, and family for constantly reminding us to slow down and enjoy the moment. Congrats, Mountain Ridge class of 2025. We did [Applause] it. We, the graduates, have a request of our audience. During the reading of each graduate's name, we request that you refrain from blowing air horns and other noise makers. We, the class of 2025, want each of our classmates names to be heard.
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But like Monica Geller put it, "Welcome to the real world. It sucks. You're going to love it." Thank you, [Applause] At this time, please welcome Dearia Ruffin, class president, as she gives the senior farewell. [Applause] Hi everyone, my name is Dearia Ruffin and I am your senior class president. Congratulations everyone. We made it through high school. So now as we step out into the world, diplomas at hands and with our hearts full of dreams, let us all remember this. We are not just the products of change. We are the ones who make change happen. In a world that often seems divided, we don't just wait for the light to find us. Instead, we have to become the light. Let us lead with compassion and speak with courage wherever we all may go next. May we always carry the spark that was lit here. And use it to ignite hope into the hopeless, kindness into the unkind, and progress in the world.
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We do appreciate your enthusiastic applause and thank each of you for being here today. And now, Mr. I would like to thank Bruce for his profound remarks, Mrs. Aspus for your interest and reflection and your farewell. President of our governing board, Mr. Paul C. Carver Jr., On behalf of the entire Mountain Ridge High School staff and administration, we present to the governing board the class of 2025 graduates who have met the standards set forth by our state and district. Thank you, Mr. Vines. On behalf of the governing board, and as its president, it is my pleasure to accept this class of graduates from Mountain Ridge High School for the year 2025. [Applause] Christina Bowley, Jonah Oliver Kaine, Provi Singh, Chada, Anelie Chakshi, Michaela Coulter, Forum Reesh, Desai, Liam Mark FTH, Duthy Harrar, Manuel Herertado. Congratulations, Luke Inerelli, Joanne Co. Madison Merritt, Somia Majari, Eric Pototts, Addison Miller, Nagana Rametti, Kyle Apprentice, Senna Ready, Ria Raindran, Sanjay Civ, Bruce Jack Ruan, Evelyn Whitmer, Amukta Terupati, Scott Edmund Adams, Jagger Todd Cochrell, Addison Bird, Nathan James Smith, Regan Paige Smith, Quincy Wood, Brener Douglas Wright, Remy Marie McKim, Great job, Christina Nicole Diggs, Haley Jean Campbell, Meeks, Elise, Brienne Canari, Keegan Lear, Francis Lang, Kaden David Labonte, Colen Abernathy, Urban Lawrence Laces, Nora Caroline Arena Abrams, Kennedy Corey Lair, Jimmy Aaron McCarthy, Jack Dylan Lanir, Evan Isaiah Adam, Casey Mcclelay Landis, Amory Monroe Addington, Caitlyn Michelle Lardy, Vesh Kumar Agarwal, Lauren Charlotte Larson, Mia Grace Aguular, Isabella Kate Lowour, Caleb Joshua Alvin, Andrew David Layman, Benjamin August, Alina Lee, Jamie Alamin, Bryley Joe Leler, Hams, Basam Alazawi, Morgan Lynn Lewis, Corwin Dea, Amismaki, Matthew Frank Lucardi, Riley Albert, Luke Thomas Lori, Cara Julane, Alcoser, Parker Josiah Linhardt, Ariana Hannah Alcorn, Brooklyn Riley Long, Barbara Maria Alfaro Alas, Lauren Juliet Loper, Haidider Ferris Alkafagi, Elijah Alejandro Lopez, Mohamad Ferris Alcafagi, Ethan Jack Lopez, Tristan Edward Allen, Nea Monnique Lopez, Yimama Al Satani, Olivia Angelique Lopez, Ava Lynn Anderson, Luis Anel Luna, [Music] Silvin Anderson, Dexter Mack, Porter Spencer Anderson, Allessie Rose Mado, Jocelyn Leilani Andradi, Aiden Christian Madson, Rita Antune, John Daniel Mahani, Kayen William, Arnett.
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