ASHMONT – The Ashmont Class of 2024 might have given many of their teachers grey hair over the years.
“We were wild,” joked Layla Large during her valedictorian address at Ashmont School’s graduation ceremony held on June 7. “But in all honesty, the class of 2024 worked incredibly hard to be here.”
They all pushed through as one, she said.
The future is daunting, acknowledged Cardinal, and the graduates are no longer children. “That itself alone seems scary enough,” said Cardinal.
While the graduates may face adversity, failure or self-doubt in the future, she reminded her classmates to remain diligent.
“Because if you want the honest truth, nothing comes easy,” she said. “It may take thousands of tries just to succeed. However, learn to grow a mindset of diligence, and you will achieve the dream you never gave up on.”
Peter Barron, superintendent of St. Paul Education, also touched on similar concepts when he offered pieces of wisdom.
“You will find success, but you will also find setbacks. You will face frustration and obstacles. This is to be expected,” he said, but it is also about the courage to continue.
“When you fail, fail forward [and] pick yourself up. Reflect on what you’ve learned and keep moving forward,” said Barron.
Ashmont School principal Corina Idzan told the graduates to look back on their graduation day as they move forward and reminded them to remain strong.
“Overcome your challenges and be proud of who you are,” she said. “Taking one day at a time and just really try to achieve your goals despite anything that might come in your way.”
She also asked them to remember the love and compassion of everyone around them.
