Christopher DuVall, National Scholar Award Recipient
Talequah High School, Talequah, OK
Class of 2007
Life is packed full of obstacles, both minute and immense. All of us have just completed high school, which in my opinion was a colossal challenge. However, today we face an even more tremendous challenge. Today, we decide the paths that will eventually forge who we will become. I know that the easiest way would be the well-worn path; however, I challenge each and every one of you to be adventurous and discover a new path because new paths are the ones that will bring the sweetest rewards!
Twenty years from now, no one will care how many friends you had in high school, or even what kind of grades you made. What people will care about is the works that you have accomplished in your life. Wouldn’t it be great if we were all like Superman and could “fly” around carrying out magnificent goals with virtually no effort? I know, I’m really, really close. Honestly, you don’t have to be in the top three percent to succeed in life. The stage is set. We are all an important part of the orchestra of life.
Our forefathers told us that all men are created equal, that they are all endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Simply put, we all have unique gifts, talents, and abilities; we merely need to employ ‘carpe diem.” In other words, we need to seize the day! I encourage all of you to look around and not be satisfied with the status quo. You should always push yourself toward greater heights. Part of what makes the United States of America such a great country to live in is the fact we have the opportunity to look around and challenge everything that has been placed around us. We should ask ourselves if we can improve upon our surroundings. Furthermore, if we don’t like things, we hold the power to change them. Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
Class of 2007, I encourage you to see through your imaginative eyes, to ask how you can not only improve yourself but your community, your state, and your country. So, be bold. Take risks. Don’t be afraid to try new ideas, and if need be, change your world. And most of all, congratulations on your amazing accomplishments. I am proud to be a part of this academic class! I hope all of you pursue your dreams until you reach your goals, and then set even higher ones! Once again, congratulations class of 2007.