Graduates, parents, teachers, family, and friends: Today as we sit here, ready to face the day, new challenges and new friends, we turn to each other and see the tears rolling down some faces, and the smiles on others. to some the smiles represent the memories, the laughs, the practical jokes, the homework that is still setting in the bottom of our lockers, not turned in. And to those who are crying, every tear reminds you of every laugh from homecoming week, every smile from Sweetheart, every hard hit from the gym floor and every memory ever made inside and outside of St. Mary's walls. To the teachers who aren't crying, you must be really glad to get rid of us, but believe it or not we may not want to leave. To all of you sitting right here in front of me, I wish we could take each other with us, to help us through the first day of class, the first all nighter, and every step from here on. But we can't, and this is not goodbye, but a new beginning for each of us. I wish you the best of luck in the future, all the joy and happiness in the world and the strength I know you will need. Thank you, but not goodbye.