2022 sal speeches, Abilene High's McFadden: 'Do Justice, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly'
Good evening, everyone. I simply wanted to thank everyone who came out to celebrate each and every one of us.
I know many of y’all don’t know me, but my name is Hailey McFadden. Despite what all of y’all are thinking, I have attended school with y’all for at least four years.
I've spent every day since I found out I had to give a speech contemplating what I would say, trying to think of something unique. As I struggled to find the right words, a friend of mine asked, "Do you regret spending all of your time in high school studying and stressing about grades?"
My initial response was, "Of course. I don't regret the diligence and time I put into my work over the last four years" because it not only led to the position I am in now, for which I am grateful, but it also strengthened my motivation, knowledge and comprehension of not only myself, but also the world around me.
But, upon further reflection, I realized that while I still stand by my initial response of not regretting how I spent the last four years, my friend's question did cause me to reflect on how much time I also spent making a family with all the people around me and how much I will miss and care for each and every one of them.
We've spent the last four years attending classes together, laughing, learning and creating memories that we'll all cherish forever. Nothing equates to the special bond we've formed over the last four years. My final answer is no, I do not.
But one thing I do regret is that my time with you is coming to an end, that we are letting go of nearly everything and everyone we've known over the last few years, and that this is a dramatic shift for us. From the outside perspective it seems easy, but at this moment as we experience our last hurrah together, I’ve realized this is one of the most difficult things I have ever done.
After today, we might never walk the halls of Abilene High School together again. We're all going our separate ways to face whatever life has in store for us. So, as we embark on the next chapter of our lives, I'd like to thank all the parents and teachers who have helped us get where we are now and impacted us profoundly.
Lastly, I want to leave you with a verse that was told to us by one of the greatest teachers I know, Mr. James McGee, about preparing us for the world and serving as a guide for our next steps in our journey.
Micah 6:8: “Do Justice, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly.”
— Hailey McFadden, Abilene High School salutatorian
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Abilene High's McFadden: 'Do Justice, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly'
