2008 Valedictorian Speech: 'The door of opportunity is wide open if you are prepared for it'

By Ali Hoyt

The following is the speech delivered by Kennett High School valedictorian Ali Hoyt at graduation last Saturday.Hello and welcome. Class of 2008, we are all together for the last time, standing in the doorways of our lives your right foot on the threshold of opportunity, and the other on the end of security. These doorways are everywhere you turn, and each day you pass through more than you can count. Just a few hours ago, we entered the school through the single red door by the cafeteria. Remember the cement step, the cold silver handle, and thoughts running through your head. Today was the last time we could come in that door as seniors. Kennett has become our home, and we are comfortable with the known. We all loved the tall wooden doors of the old history wing, a constant reminder of Kennetts past. And the heavy red front doors that led to the cherished lobby, a gathering place for friends and conversations. But in addition to our memories of the old school, we had the pleasure of creating memories here, and now appreciate the new locking doors of Eagles Way.Then there are our real homes; a place that we have defined as home for the past 18 years, filled with love and support from our families. The doors of our home havent changed much, but our perception has. Remember when we were little children, only standing two and a half feet tall. The doors were intimidating and the handles were just out of our reach. And even if you were able to stretch up to the handle on your tippy toes, you were disappointed to find a child safety lock covering the handle, so that you couldnt escape from nap time a minute too early. During that time in our lives we constantly needed assistance opening and closing the doors leading to our dreams. But today you are prepared to conquer life on your own. All of the special people in your life teachers, family and friends taught you how to open the door, but now you must enter by yourself. My advice to you graduates: Never close the safe doors in your life. Always keep them propped open. At some point in your life you will want to return to what's on the other side. Today, without hesitation, we can say that we are ready to leave this valley and embark on a new life. You want to explore the world, find inspiration in people, or reconnect with yourself. But also think about what you love about this valley and what will draw you back. You love the natural beauty and location, the community that nurtured you and gave you room to grow. The return will be much easier if you prop the door open, maybe with a rock, shoe or your old high school binder whatever you need to keep your ties with this wonderful place. Next year you will encounter brilliant new doors in your life the door to your dorm, classrooms, a new favorite coffee shop, and friends houses and some doors that are still waiting to be discovered. These are a new type of door that is unfamiliar to you. Beyond them lies the unknown. Take a quick peek through the door and you may like what you see, and feel the recognizable sense of comfort. But most likely the opportunity on the other side will scare you and your initial reaction will be to back away, but I want you to reconsider. Deep within that unknown are your opportunities and future. Go for it. Cross the threshold with confidence and risk entering boldly and with passion. The door of opportunity is wide open if you are prepared for it. Jump on the opportunity before it passes you by. In the words of Mark Twain, Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didnt do than by the ones you did do. In your lifetime you will be facing many new doors, and each one of you will choose different doors that might lead us to opposite ends of the country. My new doors are in Ithaca, N.Y.; the door into my dorm, the Cornell library, and the glass door into the Hotel School. Upon arriving on campus, I will make the decision to open these doors and walk right on through. I am not afraid to go first. Even though my family will not be there as my support system, I will embrace this risk, and I encourage you to do the same with the new doors in your life. Your greatest fear should be of risking nothing. Without walking through new doors, you cannot learn, grow, or love.The safe doors of your past will be open to offer you support in your future. But your life will take you to new places, and you wont go through these doors as often, so make sure they never close behind you. You will need them. As for your future doors, fully commit to taking the risk to go through them boldly. The importance is not in what you achieve, but who you become as a result. You will be more confident, engaged, and alive all qualities that you will need to overcome your fears and grow. In growth you will find happiness and wisdom. Congratulations, Class of 2008!Ali Hoyt, of Eaton, is the daughter of Yvonne and Bob Hoyt. She will attend Cornell University in the fall.