THE WALRUS SPAKE...

For all of you who requested a new blog, sorry. I couldn't write (block.) But I took the trouble to type this out. I hand wrote it eight times.

I've been meaning to put this up for a long time. Every year, on valedictory day, the School Pupil Leader of St. Bede's (a.k.a. Head Boy, for all you barbaric ignoramuses) delivers a valedictory address. For those of my faithless readers who didn't know, I occupied the above post in my 12th standard. So, on valedictory day, it fell to me to deliver the valedictory address. What follows is what I said that day. Sadly, the effect was spoiled by my esteemed friend Immanuel, who, though a brilliant student and excellent human being, has not grasped the fact that school audiences dislike 20- minute- long reminiscent speeches. Hence, not many people actually listened to my speech. But I took a lot of trouble over it. I'm hoping someone, somewhere, will appreciate. :D

VALEDICTORY ADDRESS

~2007~

Rev. Fr. Rector, Rev. Fr. Headmaster, Rev. Fr. Administrator, Rev. Fr. Dean, Assistant Headmaster, Teachers, well-wishers, and my fellow students of the class of 2007. Greetings!

As of today, we are no longer children. We are men. We have crossed 14 years of study and play, troubles and triumphs, growth spurts, mood swings, homework and holidays. 14 years of growing up. Some of us have spent the entirety of these 14 years at St. Bede's, others, fewer.

But St. Bede's leaves us with a legacy, a legacy unique to each individual. For some of you, that legacy may be courage, the focused determination springing from fighting the challenges of school life. For others, a competitive spirit, others, ambition, the drive to succeed, and for all, a deep desire for knowledge.

Friends, we're all in the same boat. I don't know what the future holds, not for me, not for you. I just hope that, as I grow older, I don't forget all those wonderful experiences I've had here : participating in, and winning culturals, becoming the SPL, the fun we had during classes, playing basketball after school, eating everyone else's lunch, watching the inter-class cricket tournaments and finally, I hope that you and I will never forget this, our school, our Alma Mater.

My dear teachers, on behalf of my class, the class of '07, I thank you for moulding those weak kneed children into the proud, fearless young men you see here today. Thank you for lighting the fire in us. Thank you for being you, and for being there. We can never repay the debt we owe you, we can merely acknowledge it. Please pray for us, that the fires you lit will burn, and burn brighter.

My friends, the time has come, to say farewell to all, the school we love, the friends we trust, the familiar way of life. Today is a new beginning. Your journey has begun. Godspeed.