Ghost Machine

All this thinking of writing this speech for the NHS Induction Thursday has gotten my reminiscing. I was looking through some of my past works for some inspiration and I came across my Salutatorian Speech. So partially for archival purposes, but mostly because I just really liked that speech I'm posting it here, where it can sit in its little corner of cyber-space for all of eternity.

Good morning ladies and gentleman. My name is Michael Behr and I have been awarded the privilege and honor of giving this speech today at this the graduation of Northeast’s greatest class, 169!

William Hartnell once said, “Our lives are important - at least to us - and as we see, so we learn... Our destiny is in the stars, so let's go and search for it.”

I have always found these words to be true. Our own lives are important to each and every one of us as well as those who care about us, those who would give anything to ensure the protection and simplification of our lives. These people are our families who raised us to the point in which we can stand here today not only as the children they raised, but as independent free speaking adults. These people are also our friends whom we have either met or strengthened our bonds with during our time at Northeast. It is these same people whose lives are important to us, and it is these relationships that will last a lifetime and be there for us in even our darkest moments, inspiring us to press forward and be all that we can be.

As we see, so we learn, this is true no matter where one finds them self on the road of life. From the time that we are infants we explore the world around us, constantly searching for something new, something that will inspire us to learn, whether It be  something as simple as learning the names of your new neighbors or something complex such as memorizing pi to the 169^th digit.  Our time at Northeast has helped us immensely with this learning process, we have been given the opportunity to witness and take part in so many wonderful events. We have not only been taught the traditional subjects of math, science, and English, but also the more complex lessons, such as compassion for ones fellow man, and how to remain positive in even when all hope seems lost. These lessons will remain with us forever and help us just as long.

Our destiny lies in the stars, our time here at Northeast has helped us expand our horizons greatly, increasing not only our knowledge but our imaginations and aspirations as well. It is here that many of us have drafted the blue prints through which we plan to shape the rest of our lives. But now comes the bitter sweet moment when we realize that we must move on from our comfortable surroundings at Northeast and take the next step in our lives, whether that be college, trade school, a career, or even the armed forces. And it is because of our time at Northeast that we are ready to succeed in the next stage of life, our time here has prepared us for any challenge that may come our way. I believe I speak for the entire class of 169 when I say that we will always be thankful for this preparation.

We have gone through a lot as a class here at Northeast, and have made the memories that will last a life time. As we journey into the next stage of life where we will form new friendships, we will never forget our Northeast family. And as we bid a fond farewell to our time together may I simply finish by saying that while we may be miles apart, in our hearts we will always be CLASS 169!