William Woodard was stuck.
The soon-to-be Burlington High School graduate had a considerable track record when it came to meeting lofty goals, so much so, in fact, that he had earned the title of class valedictorian — an achievement whose significance was proving to be a problem, for with great power comes great responsibility, and the task with which he had been assigned was a daunting one.
“I really struggled to get over the idea that in a single essay, I had to be a voice for over 200 students, some of whom I had never even met,” Woodard, clearly having pulled through this most recent debacle, admitted to the hundreds of students, family members, and friends gathered at Bracewell Stadium for the Class of 2025’s commencement ceremony.
“It was an overbearing feeling that I would hold the weight of all my peers in a single document. What if my speech was too cliche? What if my speech didn’t represent my class as a whole? What if my speech just plain bombed and it affected how people looked back on graduation?”
As the questions swirled and the pressure built, Woodard found himself becoming paralyzed by his pursuit of perfection. It was only when he was able to let go that the words began to flow.
“I found that it was only when I let myself go and accepted the fact that whatever I put down on paper would be my best possible work that the ideas started flowing,” Woodard said. “After all, even if someone had all the time in the world to perfect every detail of their day, there would still be someone ready to say that it wasn’t good enough, that they didn’t try hard enough, that they didn’t care enough, because perfect isn’t objective.”
It was a lesson learned that Woodard was eager to share with his classmates.
“We carry so much fear that what we do might be bad or that others might not like it that it completely deters us from even starting — starting a sport we have never played, starting a hobby we have never given the time of day, or starting to chase a dream that we thought was unobtainable,” Woodard continued. “Who knows what we could do if we just gave it a chance?
“So, Class of 2025, the next time you feel you have failed because things did not go exactly the way you planned or it feels hard to start, because you could never get it perfect, I encourage you to celebrate yourself for the wins instead of criticizing yourself for the losses, because sometimes, the pressure to be perfect becomes the very thing that prevents us from being good.”
Salutatorian Peyton Strabala reflected on shared educational experiences, both in and outside of the classroom.
“From our first days of elementary school to the final days of high school, we’ve grown together for the past 12 years,” Strabala said. “We started high school wearing masks and wondering if we’d be learning online and we’re ending in a school that’s nearly unrecognizable after renovations.
“Our time in school is not just about memorizing facts or equations for tests. We didn’t just learn grammar or U.S. history,” Strabala continued. “Through school, we’ve learned skills that go far beyond the classroom. We’ve learned to make friends, persevere through hard topics in class and manage our time while trying to juggle jobs, sports and homework.”
Strabala credited his siblings and parents for their support and role modeling, and his faith for his security of self worth.
“Today I stand here as this year’s salutatorian, and while I’ve worked hard by this title, after tonight, it won’t hold much meaning,” he said. “Being second, last or somewhere in between isn’t what truly defines us. If we tie our value to any title, we set ourselves up for disappointment. The only title that truly matters to me is son, a child of God.”
After Woodard and Strabala had finished their commencement addresses, BHS Principal Nathan Marting thanked the 205 students seated before the stage for their hard work and commitment to their education, their involvement in school and community activities, for being positive role models to younger students, and for being Grayhounds.
“Thank you for allowing us to share some of our knowledge and experience with you, as coaches and support staff, teachers and administrators,” Marting said. “Thank you for making coming to work each day fulfilling, joyful and a pleasure — at least most days.
“And thank you for the opportunity for me to serve as your principal. We are so very proud of what each of you achieve and look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in life. We wish you the best, Class of 2025.”
Superintendent Robert Scott remarked that while there is plenty to look ahead to in the future, the commencement ceremony was a time to celebrate what’s happened. He went on to recognize all former BHS graduates who were in the crowd, as well as police, firefighters and military personnel before thanking staff, administrators and school board members.
“Our Burlington students receive the highest quality instruction and coaching by our teachers and staff for the true backbone to our school’s success,” Scott said. “Staff, I would like to thank you for being here for these students during the past four years and producing the best students in Iowa. I would also like to thank the current and previous school board members for all the work they’ve done over the past four years.”
He then returned his attention to the Class of 2025 and remarked on the combined more than $1.1 million in scholarships and grants earned, as well as the numerous successes in district, state and regional competitions.
“Today, students, you are graduating seniors, confident, prepared, excited and ready for the next phase of your life. There will be opportunities for you on college campuses, in the workforce, possibly in the military …
“Seniors, what is important is that you stay true to your dreams, your goals and remain positive during your journey. When that opportunity comes to you, don’t be afraid. Grab it, seize it and take advantage of it,” he said. “Finally, class of 2025, please remember that you will always be a Grayhound.”
Burlington School Board President Anika McVay was the final speaker standing between the graduates and their diplomas, and she knew it, so she kept it short and made it “fire.”
“As you sit here today before friends, family, teachers, staff and board of directors, we celebrate your accomplishments, we celebrate you, not just your four years of high school, but all of your school days,” McVay said. “From preschool all dressed up when your backpack was much bigger than you were, to your awkward middle school years, and now your early adulthood as you enter the big real world.”
She then imparted one last lesson.
“Commencement means the start of or beginning of. I’m here to tell you as this chapter closes, another is beginning. Make the most of your next chapter, because it may be everything you want it to be.”
And even if it’s not, there are still plenty of chapters ahead.
