It’s hard to know exactly what to say when a chapter this big comes to a close. For many, the last four years were about chasing grades, balancing jobs, and figuring out who we are and what happens after these diplomas are exchanged today.
The first lesson we learned together on Freshman Day was ‘The Patriot Way.’
Show pride in yourself and in our school
Outwork people
Communicate clearly and compassionately
Be service-minded
Own your performance and behavior
At 14, these just felt like a school motto; however, thinking about it today, they are more of a compass as we venture into adulthood.
I often feel quite unqualified. I still feel like it was just yesterday when we were visiting the book fairs, having holiday parties, and watching caterpillars grow. Please know that we should be allowed to be in a state of flux, of confusion even, as high school ends and we figure out where we’ll be headed. As long as we are willing to take risks one at a time and decide what the next step looks like, I know good things will happen for everyone. And here’s an idea we can all hold close as we find our way that comes from the writer James Baldwin – “And once you realize that you can do something, it would be difficult to live with yourself if you didn’t do it.” My wish is that we each figure out our “something” and grab on.
I had the privilege this year to serve as the president of the National Student Council, where a group of 32 students from US states and territories were elected and joined together to protect education funding. In DC, I wasn’t representing myself, but fighting for you all, our Millard Family. Walking into the first congressional meeting of the day, it hit me. I was just an 18-year-old girl from Omaha, Nebraska. I was essentially a fake adult and had practically zero wisdom to offer. As we urged congressional offices to protect the programs that define our building – from ELL and Special Education to mental health support – I realized every student is beyond qualified to share their stories. Our class looks out for each other, and it flashed in my head that “Outworking people” and “Communicating compassionately” weren’t just slogans in the handbook; they were what made me stand out and allowed me a seat at the table.
Our diversity and the extensive range of programs here taught us from day one that we all belong. Whether that was in athletics, music, drama, speech, clubs, or something else. I hope you all remember when you walk into rooms where you don’t feel like there’s space for you, that Millard South taught us that a community is only at its best when everyone has the opportunity to be at the same starting line for success.
To my peers, I want you to know that you are capable and good enough for the opportunities you want to pursue. Not feeling qualified is the price of entry for doing something great. So, always put your name in the hat. See what happens. Millard South didn’t teach us how to give up.
We learned about core subjects, yes, but we also gained skills in advocacy and grit. As we leave this building, don’t wait for someone to tell you that you’re ready. Don’t wait for a permission slip that isn’t coming. Go for the job, the move, the degree, or the dream that terrifies you.
We are Patriots. We outwork, we own our performance, and most importantly—we show up. Baldwin also wrote, “Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.” Class of 2026, it’s now our time to get things done. I can’t wait to see all the good you’ll do to make this world a better place.
