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This takes courage, but it also takes practice. Practicing jumping out of your comfort zone, doing something you know looks stupid, but pushing through it and realizing that absolutely no one is paying as much attention to you as you really think they are. It might be something small like a tiny risk you take every day. Or it could feel bigger, like when I took a swing when the score was 13 to 14 in the fifth set of sectionals and watched the ball sail out of bounds. Because seven months later, even though that memory still feels very fresh in my mind, I really know it's faded from everyone else's. Successful players don't wait for the perfect set and successful people don't wait for the perfect time. Instead, they embrace the growth mindset, Mr. Clark, to use your favorite phrase. So, go practice. Practice looking foolish, making memories, making mistakes, and taking risks because it's all just a part of growth.
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However, in a way, procrastination has taught me lessons. For example, after staying up late or all night, always grab a coffee or an energy drink, Celsius is my personal choice, on your way out, just in case. And most of the time, you can get things done faster if you're trying to get it done before 11:59 than if you try to get it done early. On a more serious note, I believe procrastination is simply a part of a life well-lived and to its fullest. As high school students, we have so many opportunities to get involved in our community through sports, clubs, extracurricular activities, volunteer opportunities, and work. We are encouraged to participate in these activities whether as a resume builder or because they're things that are truly important to us. Because of this culture of trying to make the most of our high school years, it is so easy for us to forget that we are called to be students as well.
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Fortunately, like Gabby said, we have thousands of supporters here today who are ready to support us through that growth, whether we succeed, fail, or just look silly. Our families and friends are always there to laugh with us and maybe sometimes even at us depending on how embarrassing it is. But don't be afraid of that because looking foolish means you took a risk and sometimes a risk is the key to your success. I know I've looked silly a few times over the past few years, maybe even right now. But it doesn't matter because I have grown and I've had the best time growing with all of you members of the class of 2026. Thank you for supporting one another when we failed, for pushing each other to grow, for beating East in almost every single sport, and for the incredible memories we'll take with us. Congratulations.
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Often we are called to be so much more than that. Leaders, creators, volunteers, and so much more. This is where our support systems have come in. We are given encouragement and pushed to when pushed when we need to get something done. We are given grace and extra time if needed. These people have brought so much peace and joy into our lives. They have taught us the most important lesson that stems from procrastination, finding balance. This lesson will carry us through the rest of our lives. As we enter adulthood, we will be able to balance all that life has to offer because of our experiences here. We will rise to the challenges that cross our paths and accomplish great things. Thank you again all for your support throughout the years. Good afternoon, appreciated faculty, proud parents, honored guests, and most importantly, my fellow graduates. Today, as we begin new adventures in college, the workforce, or in the military, I am honored to address you as the valadictorian of our class.
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[cheering] >> [applause] >> Good morning and congratulations to the Columbus North High School class of 2026 on this incredible accomplishment. Thank you as well to all the families and friends here celebrating with us today. My name is Shinela Akmakor. Many of you know me as Neil and I am one of this year's valadictorians. This is a day everyone has been waiting for. Whether it is students ready to finally receive their diplomas or parents ready to take thousands of pictures. So I'll try my best to keep this brief. Growing up, we all have had childhood dreams. Some of us wanted to become astronauts. Some wanted to become superheroes like Iron Man. Some may have decided to follow the latest trend, become YouTubers playing Minecraft. One of my earliest goals was to become a scientist. And I spent most of my education pursuing that goal. I took biology, chemistry, pursued biotechnology internships, and planned my future around it until the summer before my junior year when I suddenly lost interest in life sciences.
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Four years ago, we entered the halls of East as children. But today, we leave as adults. These last four years have flown by. Maybe there was a time in pre-calc where nothing made sense and we couldn't wait to get out of the class. Or maybe English seemed to drag on for hours and we couldn't wait to get the credits and be done. But yet, here we are today. Our high school days are now officially over. Six years ago, we were supposed to be graduating from elementary school. And then the world shut down. It seemed like we missed out on so much due to co. For me, it was our sixth grade trip, our sixth grade graduation, uh, end of the school year parties, and a very variety of summer activities. Not only was starting middle school hard because it was terrifying because it was a brand new school with total strangers, but we also had to endure social distancing, wearing masks, and virtual learning.
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That experience left me in a situation that many of us can relate to. a period of confusion where we're trying to figure out what actually interests us and what direction we want our lives to take. At the time, I was especially worried because college applications were approaching quickly and I felt like I was running out of time. But eventually, through an amazing teacher and an amazing class, I discovered a new passion for computer science. As the word got out, my phone blew up with notifications from my friends on Instagram, [music] and every single real they sent me was CS graduates working at Starbucks after failing to find a job. This led me to fear that it would be impossible to get a job due to AI and the popularity of CS. But despite all of that, I stayed with it because it was something I genuinely enjoyed learning.
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Even though it was really nice to stay home, it probably wasn't the best way to learn. Thankfully, we were able to have a pretty normal high school experience. After all, we were still able to attend sports games, theater performances, homecoming, winter formal, prom, and we were even able to gather here today. As we reflect on our journey to the future, we will face numerous challenges from difficult exams to complex projects. We'll experience moments of triumph and moments of defeat. But through it all, we learn that failure is one of our most useful tools. Nobody is perfect. And I mean nobody. No teacher, no student, not even parents. Sorry, mom and dad. As as Henry Ford famously quoted, failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently. Here's my experience. This year I've had the honor of participating in the dental three program where I have worked in a dental office for half of the school day.
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While landing a job in CS is hard, it's not impossible. I just had to be the best at what I do. I think there's an important idea here all of us in the class of 2026 can take with us. Life is not going to be easy. That part is obvious. What's crucial is that no matter what happens, you follow your passions and your dreams. Don't give up too soon. Don't settle for less. Don't live a life you aren't happy with. If things don't go well, keep trying. Keep trying till you're satisfied, till you're truly happy, and have no regrets. This message is not just for students. No matter what stage of life you're in, it is never too late to go after your dreams. My dad recently quit his job and started his own business, a lifelong dream of his. One of my teachers is leaving classroom to pursue his doctorate.
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One time I accidentally put the wrong patient in the wrong room and cause mass confusion on an already chaotic day. I was mortified, but I quickly learned how to properly read the schedule, verify names, and I never made that mistake again. Even though it feels awful to fail, it's not the end of the world. As my favorite Bible verse quotes, failure and hardships produce perseverance, perseverance, character, and character hope. So, go easy on yourself. It's okay. Now, as we look back on our high school years, there are many people that deserve our recognition. To our teachers, thank you for your unyielding support. Through every lecture, presentation, and assignment, it is safe to say that we are walking across the stage with knowledge that we will take into our future. Sure, we may not need to know the quadratic formula, the periodic table of elements, or the exact date when the Berlin Wall fell, but thanks to your patience and dedication, we walk away with wisdom and guidance that will prepare us for the challenges ahead.
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A path filled with uncertainty. Both have faced many challenges on their paths and will continue to face even more. But I can see it in them. I can see the unwavering determination to reach their goals. So today I want to leave everyone here with this. Do not settle for less than what truly excites and motivates you. There will always be uncertainty, doubt, and obstacles along the way. But if you continue to persist, and believe in your goals, eventually you'll find yourself exactly where you're meant to be. Now, as I finish my time on this stage today, I want you to know, class of 2026, that I'll be waiting for you. I'll be waiting to see all your hard work pay off. So, don't you dare give up on yourself. As you leave CNHS one last time, let's rise together and take on the world as members of the Bulldog Nation.
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For what? For that, we are eternally grateful. To our parents and families, thank you for your love and encouragement. Through every extracurricular activity, homework assignment, and test score, we know that you will always be there cheering us on from the sidelines. You have celebrated our victories and have comforted us in our defeats. Just as you have been there for us in the past, we know that you will be there for us in the future. Today is as much your achievement as it is ours. And lastly, to the class of 2026, we did it. We have been with each other through ups and downs, laughter and fail, laughter and tears, failures and successes. Yes, there may have been rules and restrictions we didn't agree with, but we learned how to adapt. We first step foot into this building as total strangers, but we will leave as friends, acquaintances, and peers.
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Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] >> Class of 2026, on behalf of the staff, faculty, and administration of Columbus North High School. To all students participating in the commencement ceremonies this morning, we say congratulations to family and friends. We welcome you and thank you for joining us on this joyous occasion. What a wonderful time in your life. know that as you leave Columbus North High School, we love you. You have contributed much to Columbus North High School and to our community. We have had the opportunity to interact with you on a daily basis. We have seen you shine. The staff of Columbus North High School has great confidence because of you that the future is bright. Gabby and Neil and Karen, great messages. Thank you for your remark. Life will be filled with equal measures of joy and challenges. Embrace the growth mindset and don't settle for anything less than your best, no matter how hard it is.
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Later, as we turn our tassels, I encourage you to look back at your past and look towards your exciting future with memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you and God bless. It has been truly one of the greatest honors of my career to serve as the assistant principal for team 2026. Alongside an incredible team, I have had the privilege of walking beside this class through some of the most important years of their lives. We've celebrated victories, worked through challenges, shared countless memories, and watched this group grow into an amazing class of young adults. At this time, I proudly present the Columbus East High School class of 2026 to Dr. Chad Phillips, superintendent of schools, and certify that they have met all necessary requirements for graduation. Good afternoon, class of 2026. Welcome families and friends of our graduate teachers and staff. Congratulations to you all on your achievement.
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Those are beautiful messages. Now, each class is unique. We see you come in as freshmen. We watch you mature for the most part. This is a good class. We have enjoyed having you here, but you're unique. You have your own things and you have stood out in your own ways. We've won state championships academically and athletically. We've put on some of the most beautiful theater productions and musicals that I can remember seeing. One thing stands out for me from this class, from this year that I have seen and been a part of. That was when the choir sang a song called Chosen Family. They not only sang it in a beautiful way, but they delivered a message of unity, support, and love that went straight to my heart. As I listened to it, it seemed to embody the class of 2026. Sum up what this class has meant to me in our time together.
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I have to apologize to English teachers because Abigail pointed out she had to say English class went on forever. And now I'm going to point out that I was not a person who loved reading when I was your age. But as I grew older, uh the true joy of reading a great book um is is really something that I enjoy. And over Christmas break this year, I read a book and and there's a line I want to share from that book with you today. Book was called Gilead. But the quote is this. There are a thousand thousand reasons to live this life. Every one of them sufficient. I think that message matters for you today because the world you are entering will make you feel like life only matters when it's extraordinary. If you're wealthy, if you have tens of thousands of followers, or if it looks like every post that you make was taken by a professional photographer.
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I'd like to share just the chorus from that song. We don't need to be related to relate. We don't need to share genes or a surname. You are my chosen family. So what if we don't look the same? We've been going through the same thing. Yes, you are my chosen family. What a great reminder that when we choose to look at the heart, we will see great things. Indeed, the future is bright. At this time, I would like to recognize 13 young adults who have decided that their initial first steps will be to serve their country in the armed forces. As I call your name, [applause] >> [applause] >> As I call your name, would you please stand at your seat and remain standing until all are recognized? I ask that those in attendance would wait after till the end so that we don't miss a student's name as as I go through this.
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But the truth is that each one of us can choose to find deep meaning in our lives. It can be found in your friends, your family, teachers in the back, teammates, mentors, and in the ordinary moments that shape who you become as an adult. Rarely is a life's meaning the result of one defining moment. Your meaning will likely be built from thousands and thousands of choices you will make during the ordinary moments. I know many of you feel the pressure to have everything figured out, but here's the secret. Most of us adults don't have it all figured out yet either. U many people are still waiting for that one special defining moment in life. Simply coasting through the days, the weeks, the months, or even the years waiting for something, anything to happen that will make our reason for living this life feel sufficient. I'm going to contradict Eleanor and say, "Don't wait.
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And I would also note that some of our some of your peers have already shipped out as they say in our in boot camp. So I I will still read their names. James Larry Bayunas Ramirez, United States Army. Whittis Cage Elliott, United States Army. [applause] Zuri Ferrar Okmpo, United States Marine Corps. [applause] Serio Ivon Garcia, United States Marine Corps. [applause] Leighton Havala, Navy ROC. [applause] Morgan Kunowitz, Navy ROC. [applause] Luis Mendez, United States Marine Corps. [applause] Griffin Wayne Mud, United States Army. Nathaniel Picket, United States Marine Corps. >> [applause] >> Yoretszi Ramirez Contras, United States Army National Guard. Axel Sanchez Velasco, United States Marine Corps. [applause] Landon Willis, United States Navy. [applause] Isaac Jiannis Cisneros, United States Army National Guard. [applause] Please remain standing. Would all those who are in attendance who are veterans of the military please stand to be recognized. [applause] You may be seated.
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Don't wait. Play offense and go get the life you want in adulthood. Choose your reason to live this life that embraces the everyday interactions, difficulties, joys, pains, all of it. Doing so means that you will also be living a life that you choose, building something meaningful. Each of you will have a life with a purpose if you do that. every one of them sufficient. Congratulations to the class of 2026. The world needs your courage. At this time, by the authority vested in me by the state of Indiana and the board of trustees, I hereby certify you as graduates of Columbus East High School and the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation. Congratulations. Abigail Grace Fiser, Eleanor Elaine Dixon, Morgan K. Scott, Isabella Karen Patterson, Amalison Adus, Chelsea Fa Aldridge, Ella Catherine Anthis, Eduardo Aranda Michelle, >> Amy Aven, Melanie Arius Jimenez, >> Natasha Grace Armstrong, Taylor Michael Arie, Kaden Nicholas Arnhol, >> Robert B Asher, Christian N.
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