The RHS Class of 2022 had 86 graduates accepting their diplomas on Friday night at Tiger Stadium which ended with a fireworks show sponsored by Whinstone. Here is Mallory McDaniel’s valedictory address. Salutatorian Jake Hasselbach’s address is on page 3B. More photos on 8A.
Hey y’all! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Mallory McDaniel, daughter of Chuck and Sharon McDaniel. In case you couldn’t hear, I am Rockdale High School’s valedictorian for the Class of 2022. I know most of y’all did not come out here to hear me drone on, so I’m going to attempt to keep this short and simple.
Class of 2022, I want to start off by saying how absolutely proud I am of us. Our class has fought adversity all the way through high school, especially due to the pandemic. From a lockdown sophomore year, to COVID restrictions canceling events throughout junior year, to fears of another lockdown senior year, our class has survived a lot. If you’re seated here today, your efforts did not go unrewarded.
At our scholarship banquet last Wednesday, multiple scholarship organizations stated that so many people applied that they added another scholarship to accommodate the applicants. They also talked of how good quality the applicants were. As well, when the honor graduates were asked to come forward, almost the entire group of students present were honor graduates. In my personal opinion, the class of 2022 is among the strongest classes of RHS. We have fought so hard and become so successful, and I know that we will continue to do so.
For those that are younger, or maybe even the adults that would like advice, I have some tips to offer for guiding yourself, not only in school but in life. First, I want to share some wisdom that one of my 4-H friends, Kennedy, has shared with me in the past, and that I kept with me throughout my senior year. “You can be outbought, out-smarted, but you may never be out-worked.” Surely others will have opportunities that we are not afforded, but it is our responsibility to make the most of the opportunities we do have. Make the most of what you have, and even though others may have opportunities or abilities that you do not, never allow them to outwork you. Talent and money will never carry you as far or teach you as much as hard work.
Additionally, do not let yourself be defined by anybody but yourself. I have received a lot of titles throughout high school, valedictorian, FFA Officer, best dancer at prom—well maybe not that last one. We all have brilliant, multifaceted personalities. Do not let anyone, not your parents, not your friends, and especially not your boyfriend or girlfriend, reduce you or discount you. We are defined by many different factors, as well as the growth we have made and will continue to make.
Psalm 20:4 says “Let God grant what is in your heart and fulfill all your plans.” This is my sincere wish for myself and all of my classmates. I hope that through God, all of us may achieve our dreams.
While high school was not necessarily “the best time of our lives,” our class did manage to have some fun. Some of my best memories are goofing off in the cafeteria, or the excitement of Friday night football games. Our class was extremely skilled at having fun, but we also were able to be serious enough to get here today.
Thank you to the teachers that have encouraged me and supported me, from elementary to high school. My passion for learning was developed at a young age, and y’all are to thank for developing and continuing this. Thank you to my huge, insane family for being here today, as well as the friends who have supported me in my efforts. Lastly, I would like to thank my classmates. Y’all were what made these years of school so special. Even if I only had small interactions with you, each of you has made a lasting impact on my life. Today might be the last day I see some of you, but I have the most sincere hope that all of you will live a life full of satisfaction. Thank you all, Class of 2022, I love you.
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