SENIOR CLASS FAREWELL

Francis Allen President, Class of 2021

KIT SENIOR CLASS FAREWELL

Good afternoon graduates, faculty, and guests To even be on this stage, in person, with the Class of 2021 is a tremendous honor

Four years ago, I remember sitting before the Class of 2017 as my brother Joseph described how learning is a lifelong endeavor Unfortunately, my eighth-grade self was too young to fully appreciate his wisdom Three years later (and a COVID spring break that lasted slightly too long), I’m proud to say that the graduates sitting next to me have taken to heart my brother’s message about the importance of education and a love of learning However, I now realize there was something missing in his speech Being a part of this community has taught me that learning isn’t just confined to the four walls of a classroom, but that the world is full of lessons, waiting to be absorbed by brilliant minds like our own

Founded by Holocaust survivors who sought to educate leaders who would prevent future injustice, this school reflects George and Annemarie’s vision for a better world It has always been clear to me that my classmates embody their dream in word, deed, and spirit As I look across the stage, I see my closest friends and lifelong classmates, for all of whom today marks the end of a chapter in our lives I hope that we not only remain lifelong learners, but that we continue to be the leaders the Roepers always hoped we would be

After a devastating pandemic forced us to stay out of the classroom for a year, there’s nothing the Class of 2021 understands better than this I’ll be the first to admit, when quarantine first began, I was pessimistic that we would continue to grow as individuals Online learning was a new, frightening experience for us all Yet, I’ve never been so happy to have been proven wrong by my classmates We used the extra time to learn to invest, to launch businesses, to grow YouTube channels, and discover ways to volunteer through Zoom Our passion for learning knows no bounds Our work ethic, creativity, and perseverance are not just apparent when sitting behind a desk, but always We collectively emerged from this past year stronger than anyone could have imagined

I couldn’t write this speech without keeping a few people in mind I owe a special thank you to all of our teachers, faculty, and staff who have devoted themselves to us the last four years It feels like just yesterday that Matt Vallus was telling us about the good ole’ days, or Max Collins was demonstrating the prairie dog for World History From getting lost in Chicago to nearly burning the school down, we know we’ve made it hard to love us sometimes I’m filled with a sense of both privilege and humility to say that we could not have survived high school without your support I would also like to extend my gratitude to all of our coaches here at Roeper The lessons you’ve taught us about effort, discipline, and teamwork are ones that stretch far beyond the field and far beyond our time here at Roeper Most importantly, to my parents, who I owe the world for the sacrifices they’ve made so that Roeper could always be a possibility for me I love no one in the world more than you

Graduates, when you step off this stage, never stop seeking knowledge, and never stop pursuing your passions Remember that the world is not only your classroom, but your sandbox No idea is too radical so as not to pursue it; no plan is too ambitious; and no challenge too great

Thank You F

Our passion for learning knows no bounds Our work ethic, creativity, and perseverance are not just apparent when sitting behind a desk, but always We collectively emerged from this past year stronger than anyone could have imagined