[Ariel Schlag is one of the six honor graduates in the Goshen Central High School Class of 2009. The following is the text of the commencement address she delivered on June 26, 2009.]

Four score and seven years ago… Wait. Who put that in there? Sorry about that. Must be a misprint or something.

As I stand here before you today, I realize that the day none of us ever saw coming has finally arrived. Who would have ever thought that, what must seem to our parents like just a few short years ago, instead of receiving diplomas in our caps and gowns, we were tottering off to that little yellow school bus with our colorful lunchboxes and tote bags, or playing pretend on the playground? Yup. Those were the days.

Some of my fondest memories are of the 4th grade. That was the year I met two of my best friends in the entire world—Maria and Cody. We were inseparable, romping around at recess together in our little wolf pack, playing kickball in the dirt, and exploring the beautiful forest, that is now Harness Estates, when no one was looking. But time has a way of changing things, and, so, like almost everyone else here has experienced at one time or another, I was forced to lose them both when they moved away. This is the time I miss most in my life.

Then, of course, we go through that awkward phase in middle school and high school when we all go from being friends and accepting one another’s differences, to the time when cliques form, social status is determined, and students are pushed to their intellectual limits.

But in high school, there were some truly unforgettable things—driving, dances, class trips, and an array of new responsibilities. How could I forget Goldstein’s Geometry class (when our final got locked in the cabinet), Gaer’s mad scientist Chemistry labs (I’m pretty sure we almost blew that room up more than once), Dr. Schneider’s Socratic Seminars (guys, The Wizard of Oz is, in fact, a Buddhist parable), or J Po’s intense history lectures? (J Po, if you were here right now, I’d beat you like a four year old at K-Mart). Prom was a blast (you know what I’m talkin’ about), Economics with Mr. Isseks had me laughing nonstop (how am I doin’?), Mrs. Giardina’s love and affection never ceased to bring a tear to my eye, and visiting the Bronx Zoo with Mrs. Moran made me feel like I was in 4th grade once more. As things started coming to an end, students came together again as if we were kids, realizing that this might be the last time we will ever see each other. This is what I wish to bring away with me.

I realize, however, that in looking back, we must also move forward. Unfortunately, it is time to leave the comfortable familiarity of this small, historic town and branch out into the unknown for a time. But, never forget that one can always return home. In college, many of us will find the acceptance, individuality, and educational opportunities we’ve always dreamed of. And, so, remember this if nothing else, within each of us, there lies the ability to look back and remember the good with the bad but to also move forward in order to see what our future holds. Always be the change that you wish to see in the world.