DP seniors ready for the world

Thu., June 8, 2006

Travis Hunter Deer Park High School

Well, we finally have made it. It is amazing to think that 13 years of our lives are being wrapped up today. We have had our good times and our bad times, and it is all coming to an end.

But really this is just the beginning. Our whole lives are in front of us. Many opportunities are just waiting to be taken advantage of. We now have so many paths that we can take.

What we decide to do now will affect the rest of our lives. Whether you attend a four-year university, a trade school or join the military, I hope you reach out for more education, for knowledge is power. This knowledge can range from knowing how to solve complex mathematical equations to knowing how to defend our country.

Our country needs people to be skilled and able to perform well at their jobs. Looking at this group, I am very confident. I see many successful people who will be assets to the work force. I would like to congratulate all of you for making it this far.

I am proud to be the valedictorian of our class. I would like to say that I was chosen strictly because of what I have done, but this would not be true. If it weren’t for my mom and dad, I wouldn’t be in this position. They have always encouraged me and gave me the necessary support to help me succeed. They always emphasized the importance of doing well in school. My mother and father have really helped shape my life and I owe all my success to them.

I would also like to thank my Grandma and Grandpa Hunter. They have always been there for me through thick and thin. My Grandma and Grandpa Schlafman have always been so encouraging to me. Whenever I speak to them, they give me so much praise that it renews my energy to keep doing well.

I would like to thank the community of Deer Park for being so supportive of the schools. Some students complain about Deer Park, but I believe there is no better place to grow up. The businesses are endlessly giving donations and we have a great Rotary that sets up many incredible events.

The teachers in the schools are outstanding. I would like to thank every teacher I have ever had. You guys are the ones who have passed your wisdom and knowledge on to me. Deer Park is just a great little town. I guess my feelings can best be described in the words of the great country band Alabama: “This is where I want to raise my kids, just the way my mom and daddy did.”

It’s been a lot of fun and I will miss these days. We have traveled similar roads for the past 12 years; now we will all start to take our separate paths. I would like to wish all of you the best of luck.

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