CHS 2013 Salutatory Address: Jeffrey Howard

Good evening, staff and students.  I want to start off by congratulating the entire class of 2013. It’s unbelievable that we’ve arrived at this milestone in our lives. I know I’m proud of us.

When I think back on these past four years, one unifying theme runs through my mind: we are a class of individuals. Sitting down right now are musicians, artists, scientists and a blacksmith. Yet even more important than the class of 2013’s diversity is the sense of appreciation that Canton High School students have for what other people bring to the table. In my time at this school I’ve seen poets and chemists sit together at lunch. I’ve seen how my peers hold math wizards and dance stars with the same admiration. Overall, I’m proud of how little our community conforms to the clique-heavy and all-too common Mean Girls model of high school.

Still, the class of 2013’s unique character lies beyond the talents of its constituents. In my time at Canton High I’ve experienced many lunches in odd areas of the school: the main lobby, underneath a set of stairs, and in front of the auditorium doors among other places. Despite being obtrusive and sometimes disruptive, my friends and my non-conformist approach to lunch was never met with resistance from teachers and staff. Like these lunches, the class of 2013 contains a certain quirky yet undeniably warm energy that the teachers have done such a great job fostering. This class has sat through countless assemblies featuring “give it ups” from our own Kyle Mullins. We’ve seen a performance of the B-52’s “Love Shack” at this year’s talent show, and have expressed our love for cats at numerous class meetings. As a group, we always find ways to add humor to the day-to-day routine of high school, and I think that’s something special.   

Finally, it’s important to realize how much of a role our principal, Mr. Gula has played in our class’s growth. Mr. Gula clearly understands that a school’s soul extends far beyond GPA’s and standardized test scores. He demonstrated this philosophy every day and was a key part in making my high school experience so positive.

I have no doubt that the class of 2013 will go on to make its mark on the world. I will most certainly miss the friends I’ve made here and the teachers who put so much enthusiasm into their discipline. At the same time, I am exhilarated to think of what the future holds for all of us. Thank you.