Graduation Speech: Zemirah Santiago

As our time at NBTHS comes to an end, we are about to start new beginnings. Just four years ago, we started high school which seemed like it would last forever. Now, we are off to start better things. During our high school career, there is no doubt that the multitude of challenges we faced changed us. Whether we fought with ourselves every morning to make it out the door on time for school, battled the five minute passing time, or battled senioritis throughout our senior year, moving forward we should turn our heads to problems we will experience or encounter days, weeks, months or years from now.

We are Generation Z. A generation which is known to be diverse, inclusive, conscious, informed, and technologically gifted. With a larger emphasis on technology, we beaome aware of major issues going on all over the internet. Whether it be the actual news, Instagram, Tiktok, or Twitter. We are or are coming of age when we can truly project our voices through action. We are now becoming an age where we can vote, volunteer, innovate, and simply say what we believe in. We are all leaders, advocates for inclusivity, naturally positioned to challenge problems and stereotypes, we are and will continue to fight for what we all believe is right. 

As we leave the halls we have known for the past four years and take a step into the next chapter of our lives, we should all carry the lessons we have learned, carry the resilience we’ve built, set out to make our dreams come true, and leave making a difference. All I know is that the future is uncertain, but there are an endless number of possibilities and opportunities we will face. However, my dream of making my last year memorable has come true. So thank you to all the teachers, administrators, friends, and family who helped make this dream a reality. Congratulations, Class of 2025.