SD
Student Speeches at Their Very Best Excerpts from the Class of 2013 student commencement speeches
Megan Adamo
Megan Adamo—Upper St. Clair has taught me that the quality of an experience is directly proportional to the amount of yourself that you invest in it. In the words of our esteemed math teacher, Mr. Coffman, “Maybe it’s not just about learning math. Maybe it’s something more.” What we will remember are the life lessons that were subconsciously instilled in us as we developed from awkward freshmen to confident seniors.
Jillian Vlah
Chenhao Yang—Although our journey through life has only started, we must make the most of it, so when that Day of Judgment comes, we can smile and say that we have reached our fullest potential as human beings. No regrets.
Becca Degregorio—Contrary to what I first believed to be true, failed attempts bring us closer to the answers we seek simply by logically narrowing down our search. Failed attempts and fallen plans are some of the greatest tools on our bench. Sometimes in order to find what we want, the best we can do is point out what we don’t, because plans change and so do we. Becca Degregorio
Jillian Vlah—Whether we excel in the classroom or on the soccer field, on the stage or in the studio, this class certainly has a knack for achieving success. With this in mind, we realize that we should not fear the future, but rather embrace it as a further means by which we might express our talents. A very special congratulations to our amazing seniors! I am extremely confident that each and every one of you will leave a distinct “paw print” upon the world.
Chenhao Yang
To view the video of the USCHS 2013 commencement through September 30, visit the USC School District website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us and click on “2013 High School Graduation Video” under Headlines.
USCHS Class of 2013 Academic Achievers I dare say at this point, your parents, there will be times when you will create your own software, your own path that satisfies the person you know best—you. The challenge, of course, is in the knowing—knowing when to listen to others and knowing when to design your own path. If Robert Frost were to have today composed “The Road Not Taken,” he may have written, “if two roads diverge during the beta release phase, don’t always listen to the feedback from the end users. Sometimes it is best to create your own software version, and that will make all the difference.” You will benefit greatly from thinking of yourselves as being in a state of perpetual beta, always learning and improving as you move toward your final product design. But never be afraid of going your own way, of taking the road less-recommended by the end users. As you begin your perpetual beta journey, I offer you good fortune, Godspeed, and the best wishes from your alma mater, now and forever. n
Valedictorians (pictured above, listed alphabetically): Alexander Abraham, Megan Adamo, Maura Boston, Kelly Burdette, Carolina Cappetta, Kathleen Chen, Qinglan Huang, Hana Hueser, Adam Lucas, Alexa Schlein, Michael Seitanakis, Katherine Subosits, Jillian Vlah, Chenhao Yang
Superintendent’s Award winners: Andrew Betzold, Alaina D’Aloiso, Eric Krolczyk IB Diploma graduates: Hyunju Bin, Maura Boston, Hana Hueser, Tanner Murray, Alexa Schlein, Constantijn van der Poel, Ryan Zalla, Helena Zatawski, Jenna Zommick
Photos of graduation courtesy of M&M Photography Fall 2013
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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