RMHS Graduation 2024
Good evening, family, friends, staff, and fellow graduates. My name is Caroline Gallegos, and I am honored to be speaking to you all today as the class salutatorian.
Before I begin, I want to thank my mom, who is the most excited about me graduating since she no longer has to edit my papers the night before they are due (or, in this case, a graduation speech). I also want to thank my grandmother for her daily reminders of her support and love, and I want to thank the rest of my family and friends, who I couldn’t have done high school without.
Although Reading feels like home, as a military kid, I have lived in five states. When this comes up in conversation, people always ask me which one was my favorite.
I usually say I’m not sure. Every state was a different step in my life, and it’s impossible to compare them. Honestly, I barely remember South Dakota, where I was born. My preschool years were in California. I also lived in Ohio, which I think speaks for itself. And I spent a few years in Maryland where I was introduced to field hockey–never knowing I would end up on Reading’s first-ever State Championship Field Hockey team!
The summer before I started fifth grade as the new kid, my soon-to-be teacher, Mrs. Conrad connected my mom with a few Birch Meadow families. My mom received an email from a parent in my class saying, “Please let Caroline know that the 5th-grade class is a great group of kids, and Mrs. Conrad is really nice! I bet she will fit right in and will make lots of friends! She can consider Brooke one already!” Mrs. Pulpi was right; Mrs. Conrad was really nice. I’ve met some pretty great people in our class, and that friend has remained by my side ever since.
I can say with complete confidence that I am so grateful and fortunate to have lived in Reading and to be a part of this community.
Humans are hardwired for relationships, and we crave a sense of belonging. To be a part of something bigger than ourselves, something that makes a lasting impact.
Reading Memorial High School consisted of intellectual and challenging conversations with teachers; friendships based on loyalty, humor, and honesty; teams that held me to high standards on and off the field; and these things showed me what belonging feels like.
We all come from different backgrounds, and no two students’ high school experiences are alike. We have each faced our own hardships and adversities. Most importantly, today is a testament to our strength.
But, behind every diploma lies so much guidance, wisdom, and encouragement– big or small. So, thank you to the teachers, family, and friends who have been there for us along the way.
Having moved from state to state, I have left many of my friends, teachers, coaches, and family that have shaped who I am today. I imagine that is similar for many of you, even if you have lived in the same place your entire life. Tonight, as we are surrounded by so much support, we also remember those who cannot be here with us.
As we embrace our next move- whether it be serving in the military, attending trade school, taking a gap year, entering the workforce, or heading to college, we are ready even if we have mixed feelings between excitement and uncertainty. To linger any longer would only hinder the possibilities waiting for us.
Remember to take Reading with you. The sports, drama, music, band, activities, and school work we participated in contribute to who we are and to what makes RMHS, RMHS. As we turn the page, use your uniqueness to ground you and foster confidence in new opportunities. We can lean into our well-curated interests and hobbies to find belonging and add to our new communities.
However, there’s a whole lot more to the world than our small town. And if I’ve learned anything from running seven seasons of track, it’s that there will almost always be someone faster, no matter how hard I train. Despite that, along with my teammates, I lace up my spikes and try again. Every day, we are reminded through snapchat and instagram that we need to be smarter and stronger, more of this or more of that. Instead of being consumed with what you’re not, focus on what you have achieved.
So much knowledge and curiosity have been poured into us during our childhoods, especially during the last four years, and now we get to pour into others. Mark Twain said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2024! Here’s to all we have done and to working towards the day we find our why. Thank you!
