Savanna Wachter Welcome speech

Hello, everyone! Family. Friends. No matter where you’ve come from or how many countless hours you’ve spent traveling to come see your loved ones in this once-in-a-lifetime moment, Buford High School welcomes you to the graduation of the Class of 2022!

$190K awarded through local scholarships during graduation

• Number of National Hispanic Scholars: 4

• Number of National African American Scholars: 5

• Number of National Merit Commended Scholars: 3

• Number of National Merit Finalists: 3

Five

The number of graduates who participated in the Governor’s Honors Program last summer

Scholars ceremony lasted 2 hours

720

180 days of senior year

Total number of days in graduates’ high school careers

First off, I would like to thank all of those who made this day possible for the 392 individuals sitting here today. Thank you to the Buford Board of Education, Buford City Commissioners, Central Office, BHS administration, and faculty who have continued to push each and every one of us to become the truest versions of ourselves and to strive for excellence in everything we pursue. Whether that be in academics, athletics, or in the arts, the valuable lessons we’ve learned throughout our 4 years at BHS will continue to define who we are to become in our adult lives and beyond.

Thinking back, I would especially like to thank the parents, friends, and loved ones who surround us today and their support in our pursuit of education. For almost two decades, you’ve watched us and helped us grow from tiny little toddlers who could barely walk (let alone carry on a conversation) and morph into accomplished young adults ready to take on the world. Despite the difficult circumstances we’ve been dealt over the past two years with the COVID-19 pandemic, we never let it stop us from truly achieving a deep, meaningful high school experience with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

And so, before I start getting emotional, I think that Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen, says it best: “I’m not afraid to speak out, and say things that I want to do, or do the things that I want to do. I think in the end, being natural, and being actually genuine is what wins.” Do not be afraid to let go of the stresses of living up to unrealistic standards so that you can really experience what life has to offer. Throughout the course of your life following this graduation ceremony tonight, you will be faced with a multitude of choices. The key word is YOU. YOU are the one who will continue to grow and mature throughout your college or career experiences. YOU are the one who will be faced with difficult, “adult” decisions. YOU are the one who will shape your destiny through the steps you take once you walk out of these doors tonight. Above all else, YOU are the Class of 2022. We are the Class of 2022. Welcome to the next step.