Graduation Speech: Erofili Kanterakis

It is an honor to stand before all of you, fellow classmates, staff, family, and friends, as

we honor the Class of 2025. Regardless if this ceremony marks the beginning of your new

educational journey or a different chapter in your life, each of our futures have been shaped by the past twelve years that we have spent together. We learned, laughed, and succeeded together.

As we continue on, we must remember that we have the power to create a positive change in the world. I know this because of my many experiences with all of you, which I want to remember with you now.

At the very start of our educational journeys we learned the foundational principles that guide us today. As we sat on the colorful rugs of our elementary schools, we learned the importance of friendship as Charlotte the spider created her fantastical webs to help her friend Wilbur, and the importance of caring not just for ourselves, but everyone around us as the insistent Lorax saved his truffula forest.

We carried these same values with us as we entered NBTHS. Here, we have created a

strong sense of community and truly showcased what we are capable of. We walked through the halls to class each day, facing challenges like avoiding buckets collecting rain during storms, and experiencing shared moments of joy like the excitement during our festive Christmas in the Commons.

Most importantly, we have highlighted the power that comes from working together.

Every pep week our class was the most active, from putting change in our class’s penny jar, to

cheering our classmates on as they raced across the finish line. The eight spirit cups we have won over the past four years are a testament to the success we can achieve together.

When we walk across this stage, we must remember that the next steps of our journey are not an end to this one, but rather an opportunity to further wield the power we hold. Envision a world ten years from now where we all lead with kindness and compassion. I want to remind you all to lead each day with the lessons you have learned these past twelve years towards the future we are capable of creating. Thank you all, and good luck!