Grand Prairie graduation speakers highlight past, look to future

by Kirk Dickey of Grand Prairie TODAY

More than 1,100 Grand Prairie and South Grand Prairie students walked in commencement ceremonies May 26.

Amid all of the hugs of congratulations and tears of joy at finishing their high school careers, four students had the opportunity to express the thoughts of an entire class. The two schools' valedictorian and salutatorian speakers expressed happiness at their accomplishments and confidence in facing their futures.

South Grand Prairie Salutatorian Khang Tran said that for many of them, success has been completing homework while simultaneously chatting online, updating their MySpace profile and checking e-mail. But as the years progress, he said, success will be defined in new ways.

“Going to college is not predictive of future success,” Tran said. “We will all make mistakes. We will all have failures. Our success will be defined by how we respond when we fall.”

He said that no matter how many times a person fails, the story is never over.

GPHS Valedictorian Sharon Ji said, “I'd like to consider the class of 2007 the teachers and leaders of tomorrow, with all the potential to (do great things). Our lives can be dedicated to the greater good.”

She said that in their senior year, they have been faced with many choices, some small and some great. She said that she was heartened that many chose the harder path to greater reward.

“We have just one life to live. We should make the most of it,” she said, and encouraged her fellow graduates to give back.

GPHS Salutatorian Tracey Lott reminded the grads that their high school accomplishments were not ends in themselves, but rather the starting points for greater things, whether they be in college or the working world.

“The memory of having fun with our friends will fade with time,” Lott said. “We will forget about the jokes we made in class and the drama that happened in the walls of Grand Prairie High. However, what we choose to take away from our high school experience and apply to our lives will remain with us forever.”

SGP Valedictorian Huy Nguyen made the point that the future, even with its perils, is wide open to the grads.

“We don't know what is next down the road. No one knows where they might end up, whether or not they are going to college or getting a job or just biding their time.

“But it will be OK. We won't be afraid of tomorrow, because we have already seen yesterday.”

Like all of the speakers, Nguyen made a point to thank their families for the love and support they were given during their time in school.

“I know I would not be up here today, giving this speech without the help of my family,” Ngyen said. My family has always been by my side, supporting me for as long as I can remember, especially my Mom. I love you lots Mom.”