Valedictorian Sarah D'Antonio presented a moving speech reminding her fellow classmates never to forget, as they were taught in kindergarten, to "raise their hand" as they move out into the world.

Mrs. Foley and the Board of Education, Dr. Feirsen and the Central Administration, Ms. Cuttitta and the High School Administration, faculty and staff, parents and family members, and especially the Class of 2009... This is a great day for us all!

I remember the last day of preschool like it was yesterday. The teacher sat all of us kids down and taught us a very important lesson. "In kindergarten," she said, "the teachers expect you to act like big boys and girls. And big boys and girls raise their hand when they have something to say."

Well, now it's our last day of high school, and in a way we are today much like we were on that last day of preschool. We are embarking on a new journey as we enter the next phase of life. And the advice that we received in preschool is still valid. There are many new ways in which we must remember to metaphorically raise our hand. We have to raise our hand to stand up for our beliefs and values. We need to raise our hand to stay inquisitive, and always ask questions. And we must continue to raise our hand to volunteer and give back to the community that has given us so much.

So let's raise our hand for what we believe in! Our parents and teachers have instilled wonderful values in us, and it is our job to take those values with us in the next chapter of our lives. You all know what I'm talking about: treat others kindly and respectfully, view every individual as an equal, help others who are in need. When I think of standing up for personal values, I think of my favorite book character, Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. He never did anything because it was easy or popular. He always did what he thought was moral, just, and right. Let's follow his example and make decisions based on our values and best judgment. It will take us very far in life.

Let's also raise our hand to ask questions! We are all so excited to get our high school diplomas as a symbol for all that we have learned in the past four years. However, we have to keep in mind that we certainly are not done learning. We do not know everything, and we will never know everything. With that said, there is no reason why we shouldn't try. Life is a journey of acquiring knowledge and putting that knowledge to use. The more we know, the more we have to offer. So don't be afraid to keep asking questions.

Finally, let's raise our hand to give back to our community! Here at Garden City High School, community service is seen as cool, which is absolutely fantastic. We have Miracle Club, Key Club, Students Helping Students, and numerous other equally fabulous service clubs that boast many members and that raise a lot of money each year for a variety of worthy causes. I know that many of us are members of those clubs, and I also know that many others have served their community on their own. We have all been blessed to live in Garden City, where we have been provided with a strong foundation and great prospects in life.

I would like to end by thanking our teachers, administrators, and family members who believed in us and who were instrumental to our successful graduation. I also want to congratulate my fellow members of the class of 2009! I wish you all the best in the coming years. Thank you for all of the wonderful memories we have shared. I will always remember all of you fondly. Let's go forth from today forward and remember to raise our hand for the things that really matter.