Invocation Speaker by Ben Codon '15

Wow. There are a lot of people here today. What like 6, 700? My dad thought I would be nervous to speak today, so before I left the house this morning, he gave me some classic fatherly advice. He told me, “Ben, look out into the audience and pretend that everyone is in their underwear.” Oh, hey what’s up Mr. Ballaban. That’s right, I’m looking at you.
 
Anyway, welcome to the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2015. I could say that these four years of high school have flown by, but I would be lying. Some parts have flown and some parts have not. Academically, sure, it felt like it was never going to end, but I don’t feel like I’m quite ready to be done coming here every day. Even though we like to complain about some down time, I think that most of us can remember some great experiences. In the end, these are what will stick out. The craziest thing about graduating won’t be that this day marks the end of our status as members of this campus, but that some of us may never see each other again after today. I truly believe that I have made friendships here that will continue forever, but to the rest of you, see you at the five-year reunion. I can’t wait to see what you all do after you “branch off” from the “Torrey Tree.” I also want to see who is going to be the first one to go bald, but that’s beside the point.
 
It’s hard to think about what this school is going to be like without my class. For the administration, your job is about to get a lot easier. I think that my class has left a mark on this school so great that even when we’re gone, everyone will continue to feel our presence. Hopefully, our epic senior prank will inspire some of the other classes to be like us. I can only imagine how some of the teachers must have reacted to their class being derailed by a five men mariachi band.
 
I’m going to miss a lot of people who will remain at the school. I have to shout out my favorite security guards, Alex, Luis and Jocsan. I also could not have made it this far without all of the great teachers I have had. I’ll be back to visit next year.
 
I’d like to close with a few words from the honorable poet and noted scholar 2 Chainz. 2 Chainz once said, “I did what they said I wouldn’t, (True) I went where they said I couldn’t (True).” Class of 2015, we did what they said we wouldn’t, we made it to graduation. Now let’s go where they said we couldn’t and really make something of our lives.
 
Well, my time is up and I guess this speech is over. The ceremony is straight down hill from here, everyone. Thanks for everything, Country Day.
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