CROTHERSVILLE — Five hours before Crothersville High School’s graduation Friday, three members of the Class of 2022 learned they received top honors in the class.
When school officials crunched the numbers, Kennadi Lakins and Ella Plasse were declared co-valedictorians, and Karley Gillis was announced as salutatorian.
They then focused on writing speeches to deliver that night in front of their 18 classmates, school officials, family and friends in the school’s gymnasium.
Lakins said when she thinks of trees, she thinks of how they resemble the class members.
“The way they flow, the way they bend and the way their solid trunks allow them to stand up for themselves,” she said. “The leaves fall like memories to return to help create new ones. The roots provide the foundation for all of the trees.”
When she thinks of roots, she think of them as her family.
“Roots are there from the very beginning. Those roots help establish the rest of the tree,” she said. “Like the roots, our families have seen us grow, learn and shift throughout the years. We went from those tiny miracles that changed their lives as much as they changed ours to the young adults they see standing here today ready to begin our next adventure.”
The trunk of the tree represents the school, the people in it, coaches, faculty and the community.
“The people, both our peers and the faculty, have ensured a strong, sturdy foundation that will allow us to stand strong in the harshest environment,” Lakins said. “Trees have to be able to stand through wicked storms. Just like us, we have been able to weather some of the harshest storms with smiles on our faces.”
As they grow, the graduates will grow branches, big or small, and lose branches over the years, she said.
“It is easy to forget that the higher the branch, the more likely it is to break,” she said. “These branches don’t have much stability and represent our potential failures; however, if we allow ourselves, we will always learn from those failures and grow new opportunities just as the tree grows new branches.”
On these branches are many leaves, which represent the class’ cherished memories of their time together.
“The branches allow the trees to grow, just as our experiences allow us to make memories of the people we were and who we hope to become,” Lakins said. “We have seasons where we lose those leaves, but we will always remember the good. Without leaves, the trees look bare. Without these cherished memories we hold so dearly, we become shells of ourselves.”
Lakins said no matter how far their lives may take them or whatever struggles they may face, the seniors can always depend on their roots and trunk to keep them steady and secure.
“We can always depend on our family no matter what life throws at us. Our teachers provided us with an educational foundation and lifelong lessons that will follow us throughout our lives. Coaches and staff have encouraged us to succeed and be fruitful in our goals and accomplishments. Lastly, we would not be who we are today without our community supporting us,” Lakins said.
“No matter how far our branches grow, let us always remember our roots and where we came from,” she said. “And just like a tree, it’s time for all of us to leaf.”
Plasse said through her school experience, she has found her strength is kindness. Especially in trying every sport available to her, she made it her mission to encourage and welcome everyone and show up every day with a smile.
“While I want everyone to be nice and show compassion for others, that is not everyone’s superpower. That’s OK. Just find your superpower and use it for good,” she said.
Plasse shared one of her favorite stories about an old man walking along a beach after a storm taking starfish that got washed up one by one and throwing them back into the ocean and a young man asks why he’s doing that.
“I realize that sometimes, I think like the young man, wondering why I am doing something because it won’t make a difference,” she said. “However, we all have to realize that although what we are doing may not feel important, it is important to someone. I hope once you all find your superpowers, you use them for good and continue to make a difference one starfish at a time.”
She closed by thanking her classmates and the people who have shared their strengths to help the class get this far.
“I have enjoyed getting to see you all grow throughout our time together, and I know that each one of you has a superpower whether you know it yet or not,” Plasse said. “I can’t wait to see the things we can accomplish as we set off on our own paths. I am so proud of you all. We made it.”
Roaming the halls of Crothersville schools for the past 13 years, Gillis said all she can think about is how much it feels like home.
“Someone once told me that the sweetest part of leaving home is knowing that no matter how far you go, you’ll always carry it with you,” she said. “This couldn’t be more true.”
As the days carry on and the graduates’ lives continue to grow, she said the community and school will forever be a home.
“A home does not have to be just walls, nails and paint. Home is much more than that. It is where your heart began to grow and where you are always welcome,” she said. “I have been able to become connected not only with my community and school but also with my fellow classmates that are here before me today.”
With Crothersville as their home, Gillis said the class members are able to step out into the world and find a new foundation to build on.
“The storms of life can be scary, and trying to find a sturdy foundation will take some time, but the outcome of seeing your finished home will be one of your greatest accomplishments,” she said.
Gillis said it has been an honor to be a part of the graduating class.
“My wish for all of you is to find a new home outside of these walls, to never give up when life gets in the way and to forever remain a Tiger at heart,” she said.