Good evening, Class of 2024, familiares, friends, and esteemed teachers.
For those of you who may not know me, my name is Julissa Ordoñez, and I am deeply honored to be speaking here tonight.1
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has taken the time to support the Class of 2024 on this special occasion.
First and foremost, I want to thank God for granting me the opportunity to stand before you here today. It is such a profound blessing to have been able to complete high school and witness this moment with all of you. On the nights I doubted myself, especially those I prayed so hard to pass Mrs. Rodriguez's chemistry exams, a Bible verse that continuously inspired me was Second Corinthians Chapter 5, Verse 7, "For we walk by faith, not by sight," reminding me to trust in something greater than myself, even when the path ahead seemed obscured.
Now, though my time is limited, I want to seize this moment to express my gratitude to the remarkable individuals who have supported me throughout my educational journey. Please bear with me that there are quite a few.
A mis padres, mamá y papá, no puedo expresar suficientemente mi gratitud por todos los sacrificios que han hecho desde mi infancia. Aunque no sea la hija perfecta, siempre han velado por tener un techo sobre mi cabeza. En las madrugadas en las que me encontraba estudiando, fingía no escuchar el sonido de sus alarmas a las 3 de la mañana, pero notaba cómo se preparaban para comenzar su día de trabajo. Cada día, se levantaban antes del amanecer para asegurarse de que tuviera algo para comer.
Vinieron a este país con la esperanza de encontrar un futuro mejor para mis hermanas y para mí, y puedo decir sinceramente que lograron mucho más que eso. Su amor incondicional, su sacrificio y su dedicación han sido la fuerza impulsora detrás de cada uno de mis logros. Todo lo que he logrado y todo que voy lograr es para ustedes. Estoy eternamente agradecida por todo lo que han hecho por mí y por ser los pilares de mi vida
Gracias por enseñarme el valor del trabajo duro, la importancia de la familia y la fe en Dios. Sin su apoyo, no estaría aquí hoy celebrando este importante hito en mi vida. Los amo más de lo que las palabras pueden expresar y estoy profundamente agradecida por todo lo que han hecho por mí. Gracias mama y papa, los quiero mucho. Viva México!!!
To my sisters: Aimara, Miranda, and Danalin. We all started together, sharing one bedroom in a singular apartment. Silly arguments over who was going to going to be player #1, who called shot gun, or who would take the task of washing dishes (It definitley wasn’t me, I’ll tell you that). Now we’re all headed off to college, starting a new chapter in our own lives. Saying you guys have been an inspiration to me is undoubtingly an understatement. From being the people who showed me how to tie a shoe, to how to fill out a job application, to how to fill housing for a dorm—you will always be the people I hold closest to my heart. I cant begin to say how proud I am of you—Aimara, youre about to finish your bachelors in English Education at CSUN and Miranda, you went all the way to Alaska to pursue your dreams. You have shown me that life is full of opportunity—its simply our responsibility to seize it and pursue it. Thank you for being my number one supporters, I love you all so much.
Tambien para mi familia en Mexico, to my best friends, my GEMS girls, to Undocumented Allies, and Matthew—thank you so much for all of your support and the many memories we have made this year. I love you all so much.
Mama Rodriguez, your dedication has constantly pushed me toward success in AP Chemistry. Avendaño, your daily anecdotes inspired me to approach learning with curiosity and joy. Mrs. Northcutt, your warm welcome and genuine concern created a nurturing environment where I felt valued and supported. Bhatti, your reassurance and motivation gave me the strength and confidence to believe in myself. Rivas, your cheerful demeanor brightened each day, reminding me of the importance of positivity and resilience. Mrs. Costa, your tireless efforts behind the scenes did not go unnoticed. Mrs. Sambas, words cannot reflect my thankfulness. Your support and belief in me have been a source of strength throughout this year— for you, a thousand times over.
Thank you to the POSSE Foundation for the scholarship to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison this upcoming fall with some of my bestest friends.
To Jancie and Liz, my advisors in the Upward Bound programing for allowing low-mid income students such as myself to fully discover what a second education is truly like.
To my counselors; Burns, Malalesta, and Beitler, thank you for a several meetings where you have ensured me to be on top of my academics.
And finally, to you, the 2024 Class graduates.
Look around you. Take it all in—you're here, in this moment. We made it through high school. Many of us faced immense struggles, yet we persevered, especially freshman year, which we can all abide to was something else.
This past year has been transformative, forcing us to adapt in ways we never imagined. Adaptability isn't a skill we’re born with; it's one we've honed through our experiences. Despite doubt and uncertainty, we managed to navigate our way.
No matter where life takes you, what you choose to study, who you fall in love with, or what impact you make in this world, know this: you will rise above because that is what a Steeler does. Life will present its challenges, and there will be times when you stumble and fall. But I promise, you will rise again. Life's difficulties are inevitable, but they also present opportunities to build resilience, uncover your inner strength, and lean on others for support. It's okay to take the time you need to heal and rebuild. Each setback is not a defeat but a step towards becoming a stronger, more compassionate version of yourself. Remember, our journey through high school wasn't just about academic achievement; it was about learning how to overcome obstacles, support one another, and grow into the people we are meant to be.
So, as you move forward, carry with you the lessons we've learned together. Embrace the challenges, cherish the triumphs, and never forget that you are capable of extraordinary things. We are Steelers, and we are unstoppable.
This is class of 2024, signing out.
Congratulations to you all.
About the Contributor
Julissa Ordoñez
Julissa Ordoñez, Staff Writer
editors note: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GO GIRLLLL, WE LOVE YOU JULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!