Valedictorian calls for kindness and compassion

The following is a graduation speech submitted by Raquel Cervantes Espinosa. Cervantes Espinosa, a graduate of Lexington Senior High School, was one of 300 students out of 37,000 applicants across the United States chosen for the Gates Millennium Scholarship. She is also a Project Potential scholar.

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Good evening, 

My name is Raquel Cervantes Espinosa and I stand before you today, honored to be the Valedictorian of Lexington Senior High School, Class of 2021. 

I have always felt such pride in belonging to this wonderful and beloved institution, but more so, for belonging to such a diverse and exceptional group of students. The time has come in which we will embark on a new journey and open a new chapter in our lives. Not only have these past thirteen years been filled with arduous learning and unforeseen challenges, but they have also been filled with long-lasting friendships, remarkable passions, and valuable lessons. In remembrance of our hard work, I would like to recap this wonderful journey that spans from our beginning in South Lexington School to our “one of a kind” Lexington Senior High School. Generally, our school experiences largely depended on what we chose to be a part of. Those who played sports will forever remember our rivalry games and the crazy bus rides back to the school, while those involved in clubs will remember class fundraisers and the impact they had on our community. Chorus and band members can reminisce over musical concerts and exciting field trips, while others will remember coming home from a six hour shift at your local Bojangles or Walmart, which is where everyone seems to be working nowadays. While each of us have had our own distinct experiences, we all share the memories of the morning bell, stressing over exams, and running the pacer test in gym class. Most importantly, we made it through an entire year of virtual school. These memories have defined our high school career and have led us to this pivotal point in our lives. However, as we walk off this stage and begin this new chapter, our identity as high school students will come to an end. It will be up to us to decide how we define ourselves and what roles we choose to undertake.

From left to right: Ally Copley, president of the class of 2021, Caroline Pyle and Raquel Cervantes Espinosa.

While we have faced many challenges throughout our high school career, we will continue to do so throughout our lives. Many of us will enter college in the fall, enlist in our country’s military, start a family, or join the workforce. I pride myself in the fact that Lexington is very diverse, allowing my peers and myself to grow up with open minds and perspectives. Yet, the world is very different from our small town in Lexington. We will be exposed to new environments where we may feel small and alone. We may experience culture shock and individuals who do not view the world as we do. There will be others who will make assumptions about us and elevate their status by cutting us down. But we must remain strong in our roots and remember where we came from. We may venture onto different paths, but we are not alone. Many of us are first generation college students, children of immigrant parents, single moms and dads, or are cared for by a dedicated older sibling. Others of you may not have these same hardships, but have hardships nonetheless. We will make mistakes and have setbacks because we are young and are allowed to do so, but we will also have successes and find our own happiness. Regardless of how each of you decide to define yourself, be sure to pursue your passion and make your own decisions. While I know this may not be easy, I am confident that each of you will have amazing success in the future. 

Among the crowd I see many talented and innovative students. I have had the honor of connecting with math geniuses, such as Kyeesha and Uziel, class leaders, such as Ally, future veterans, such as Ny’lasia, remarkable athletes, such as Franco and Alyssa; all of which will

be role models to a forthcoming generation. Thank you, Caroline, for your motivation and kindness when classes seemed impossible to endure. Thank you, Lili, for being such a caring friend and an inspiration to me. Thank you, Amaya, for uplifting me in times of sadness with your jokes. Thank you, Pablo, Zarriah, Makayla and Sassyni, for being a kind smile at work. Thank you, Brenda, Alexa, and Alaina, for making our soccer season a memorable one. There are many more wonderful individuals in the crowd that have had such an amazing impact on, not only myself, but on others when they needed it most. 

I also would like to take this opportunity to thank our administrators, teachers, coaches, friends and families, not only for sharing this momentous occasion with us, but also for the endless support provided to us throughout our educational journey that has enabled us to stride across this stage today. I would like to give a small shoutout to one of my best friends Gary Charles, who has seen me through many obstacles within the short time I have known him. Above all, I would like to thank my family. To my younger sisters, I hope that I can inspire you as much as Rebeca and Amiel have inspired me. A mis padres, aquí está la prueba de sus esfuerzos y sacrificios que han hecho por mi. Ustedes han sido mi motivación y les agradezco tanto por su gran apoyo en estos años, que para la juventud, son muy difíciles. Sin su amor incondicional, esto no sería posible. I would also like to invite my fellow classmates to think of someone so integral to your success and remember to thank them after this ceremony. 

To my fellow classmates, I congratulate you for reaching this milestone. Let’s never forget where we come from, let’s carry with us the kindness and compassion characterized by our class. I love you all and truly wish you the best in your future endeavours and in your lives. May we cross paths again and congratulations class of 2021! 

Thank you.