What class of '09 member could forget ...

Welcome class of 2009, teachers, administrators, parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. I think that I can say for the most of us seniors that today is certainly a day of celebration and we thank you for sharing it with us.

Over the last four years, we have all had our share of high school drama, tardies, and, of course, the inevitable arguments with “the parentals.”

However, on the bright side of things, who could ever forget:

• Taylor Mickelberry’s “MorCast.”

• Tyler Atwell’s first place finish at States.

• Josh Pike’s luscious locks.

• Richard Preisser’s year-round attire — shorts and a VT T-shirt.

• This year’s boys basketball season.

• Mama Weakley’s bizarre trivia.

• Mrs. Heffron’s obsession with moles.

• And, Mrs. Tucker’s delicious pancakes.

As we come to the close of our high school careers, I am reminded of a poem I once read, “The Road Not Taken,” by Robert Frost. I have been particularly struck by the last three lines of this poem.

They read:
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”

Making a difference should be an integral part of all of our lives.

As I reflect on Robert Frost’s words and their application to our senior class here at Madison County High School, I recall that some of us took the path to academic and athletic excellence.

And, some of us took the path straight to Mr. Sisler’s office.

In whichever case, we all made choices. And, today, we are once again at another crossroad in our lives.

Where we go from here and the choices that we make are critical to our future and the legacy we create.

As I searched for something meaningful to share with everyone gathered here today, I remembered a poster that has hung in my father’s office for the last two decades. And, on this poster are the 21 success principles by H. Jackson Brown. Although there are 21 of these success principles, each one is but a few words. And, I would have to say that it is the best advice that I have ever seen reduced to paper.

So here we go:

• Life Lesson No. 1: Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90 percent of your happiness or misery. Just ask your parents.

• Work at something you enjoy and that’s worthy of your time and talent.

• Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

• Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

• Be forgiving of yourself and others.

• Be generous.

• Have a grateful heart.

• Persistence, persistence, persistence.

• Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.

• Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

• Commit yourself to constant improvement.

• Commit yourself to quality.

• Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.

• Be loyal.

• Be honest.

• Be a self-starter.

• Be decisive even if it means you will sometimes be wrong.

• Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.

• Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you will regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.

• Take good care of those you love.

• And last but not least, Life Lesson No. 21 — Max I hope you are listening — Don’t do anything that wouldn’t make your mom proud.

As we all leave Madison County High School for the last time, remember that the world is ours for the taking. Be bold, take chances, and shoot for the stars!

Teachers, we thank you for all that you have done for us over the last four years. We could not have made it without you.

And teachers, I just can’t resist giving you a little advice. My advice comes from football hall of fame coach Tom Landry of the Dallas Cowboys.
He said “you show them what they don’t want to see, you tell them what they don’t want to hear, you make them do what they don’t want to do, so they become the person they always wanted to be.”

So there you have it! Congratulations class of 2009, you finally made it! Good Luck and Godspeed!

(Julie Eaheart is the valedictorian of the Madison County High School Class of 2009. The preceding is the full text of the speech she gave during her class’ commencement Saturday. She plans to attend the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and major in business management. Her parents are Steve and Katrina Eaheart of Madison.)