“We need you.”

The words of Dr. Walter Clemons, division superintendent, reached the ears of the nearly 400 Gloucester High School seniors who were preparing to graduate Saturday morning and move on to wherever life would take them next.

“We need new ways of thinking and new ways of doing things,” continued Clemons, letting the graduates know that new leadership is also needed. “You’re going to make us all proud.”

Students who presented speeches at the commencement ceremony on the GHS football field echoed this sentiment, rallying their classmates to go and do something with their lives after high school.

“These past four years have been far from easy,” said Duke of the Year Jaidyn Forrest. “Between the typical problems of teenage life, the perils of a global pandemic and the personal adversities that we have all faced, our high school experience has been anything but ordinary. Yet, each and every one of you sitting before me today has turned these trials into triumphs.”

Forrest continued, encouraging her fellow graduates to “grow wherever life plants you.”

In her parting remarks, Forrest said, “Know that you have been given the necessary tools to overcome any situation, believe that you have given the necessary tools to overcome any situation, believe that you have the ability to achieve the goals that you set your mind to, and find reassurance in the fact that no matter where life takes you, you are destined to succeed.”

Before GHS Senior Class President Mackenzie Quick transferred the senior class insignia to the Class of 2023, she shared a few bits of wisdom she has learned over the years to the new senior class.

“Pay attention to your fellow classmates and hear what they have to say,” said Quick, addressing the Class of 2023. “Whether the idea is completely past the line of crazy, still listen. It is very important and vital that you are aware of what is happening.”

In closing, Quick said, “I hope you can take the year we created and make it even better next year. Cherish every moment of time because it does become a memory. To the entire new senior class—take all the pictures, have all the ideas, appreciate your teachers, and be you—no matter who you are, be your most authentic self.”

Salutatorian Alexander Hogge took to the stage next, encouraging his peers not to fear failing.

“Life is defined by its ups and downs,” said Hogge. “My first down came in elementary school when I forgot to bring money to a scholastic book fair. Steve Jobs worked out of a garage. Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard and also worked out of a garage. Walt Disney overcame bankruptcy, and he too started in a garage. Look where they are now.”

Hogge told his classmates that they will fail in life, but they can turn their failures into successes.

“Use it [failure] as motivation,” said Hogge. “Take the problems and obstacles that life throws at you and scoop them out of your SOLO cup.”

In her speech, valedictorian Bayleigh Andersen centered her speech on the Dr. Seuss quote, “It’s not about what it is. It’s about what it can become.

“This philosophy involves both behaving a feeling as if you have already achieved your goals,” said Andersen. “For example, I make necklaces for my jewelry business, even though it does not exist. By working and feeling accomplished, as if I had a business, I am creating the conditions for this vision to become reality.

“I understand this mindset may seem silly, but no one can shame you for trying, and nothing but good things have ever come from positive thinking,” she said. “I encourage you all to think about what you are currently striving for and feel the excitement and gratification you will feel when your hard work pays off. Now, make it a goal to hold these positive feelings and treat yourself as kindly as you would if you were the ideal version of yourself. Make a point to live life as if what it can become already is.

“I understand this mindset may seem silly, but no one can shame you for trying, and nothing but good things have ever come from positive thinking,” said Andersen. “I encourage you all to think about what you are currently striving for and feel the excitement and gratification you will feel when your hard work pays off. Now, make it a goal to hold these positive feelings and treat yourself as kindly as you would if you were the ideal version of yourself. Make a point to live life as if what it can become already is.”

At the conclusion of these inspiring speeches, the graduates took to the stage to receive their diplomas.