To the Class of 2019,

          It’s 2019! Did you think it would never arrive? We’ve had quite a few historic events occur since you’ve been at the high school… President Obama visited Cuba, the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, the Zika virus, Donald Trump was sworn in as President of the U.S., tension with North Korea, Jerusalem is recognized as the Capital of Israel, #MeToo movement, Opioid Epidemic declared a national emergency, Hurricane Harvey left historic flooding in
Texas, Hurricane Irma ravaged Florida, a total solar eclipse in August, protests in Charlottesville, Virginia, Climate change warnings, Democrats dominated midterm elections, Venezuelans began experiencing a humanitarian crisis. As we headed to 2019, President Trump triggered a trade war, South Korea hosted the Winter Olympics, the national emergency over “the wall”, Heartbeat bills, Robert Mueller concluded his report on Trump and possible collusion with Russia. More than 100 women were elected to Congress. Julian Assange “Wikileaks” was arrested. Executive privilege…on and on. Closer to home you have had quite a few dress down days, some pretty successful dances and memorable sports events. How about that Homecoming game against PV? You won the Little Brown Jug from East-burg, Spring sports boasted EPC winners, Wrestling and Track & Field even went to States. Some of you were major players in our springtime musicals such as Damn Yankees, How to Succeed in Business, and Mamma
Mia.

       As seniors, you created quite an entertaining Sponge Bob float for homecoming. But then, again, your Home Alone, Jetsons, and 101 Dalmations were sights to behold. My memories include what a great group of students I had the opportunity to teach in Global Issues and Globalization. I will describe you as creative, talented, and yes, most of you were aiming for success! I have to say that your class provided me with deep discussions, lively conversations, and thoughtful solutions on a variety of issues. I remember the first day of tenth grade? Since then you have experienced joy, sadness, nervousness, exhaustion, stress, anxiety, and excitement. You’ve taken on many roles such as student, friend, athlete, leader, tutor, musician, actor, boyfriend, girlfriend, journalist, activist, and licensed driver. You’ve learned how to think, how to be aware of the world around you. You’ve grown! Are you prepared make your mark?
You are about to finish one chapter of your lives and begin a new one. Look ahead with determination and hope. Where do you see yourselves in five years? Set goals and work toward them. Think, dream, and pursue, all that life has to offer.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Class of 2019, remember each one of you is unique. You each have something to offer, you are the future of America. Make yourselves proud of your accomplishments. May all your dreams become reality. Congratulations!

                                                                                                                                                                                    S. Flad
Social Studies