‘The grow up part is now’

“Class of 2025, who do you want to become?”

That was a question valedictorian Delaney Schwartz asked her fellow graduates during Washington Township High School’s commencement on June 17.

For the past 12 years, the class has have prepped tirelessly for what is next.

“Our entire lives have been defined to one question, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?'” Schwartz said. “I know I’ve been asked this question since I can remember, and although my answers changed frequently over the years, I always had one: mermaid, veterinarian, doctor, astrophysicist and now lawyer. I could confidently say with a smile that is what I want to be.

“But now as we sit here with our eyes in mind looking into the future,” she added, “it looks a little less defined, a little less confident and a little less sure because it’s here – the ‘grow up’ part of the question has finally arrived. Up until now, our lives have been defined by what we do … the awards, the GPA, the games, the performances and the titles.

“It is time to move away from being what we do and begin the hard part of figuring out who we are.”

The high school welcomed its 60th graduating class onto the turf at Tom Brown Field as the board of education, Acting Superintendent of Schools Annette Miller and Principal Ray Anderson conferred diplomas on the 529 graduates. 

After welcome remarks from Anderson, summa cum laude graduates Isabella Haigh and Faaz Syed led the ensemble in the Pledge of Allegiance. The school choir performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the annual commencement song, “Moving On,” as arranged by teacher Amy Flynn. Then, senior class executive board members reflected on the senior year that was. 

Salutatorian Noah Elliot told his fellow classmates to “never forget to live in the moment.”

“It’s so easy to have your mind stuck on the past or solely focus on the future,” he remarked. “However, it’s the present that really matters. If you don’t focus on the here and now, you’ll end up regretting it later. Cherish every gathering with friends and family while you’re together … Take advantage of every opportunity to learn something new or find a new hobby, find peace and enjoyment in your free time, take some time and live in the moment, enjoy the time you have left with those around you and create lasting memories.

“When you enter the next stage in your life, enjoy it and accept all that it has to offer with no regrets,” Elliot added. “Life moves fast, seize every day, every moment and every opportunity it gives you.”

After presenting and certifying the class of 2025, Miller encouraged the graduates to prepare for making an impact and not be afraid to make mistakes along the way.

“Tonight’s graduation is the turning of the page,” she noted. “The next chapters are blank and wide open, ready for you to write of opportunity, resilience and purpose. Each of your stories will be unique. The one similarity is that you all have the power to make a difference in this world. Not some day far in the future, today. Right now. Even if you’re unsure of your next step, even if your plans change.

“Even if you don’t feel ready,” Miller continued, “your presence, your voice, and your choices already matter more than you know.”

Schwartz implored her classmates to “keep your eyes wide open and live in the now.”

“Be daring, be bold, take up space, be your own person, don’t be afraid to make mistakes and take chances,” she advised. “And just because you are unsure of what you want to do today – or even a year from now – remember that there is always time to become the person you are meant to be.

“The future is in your hands, and the ‘grow up’ part is now.”