Farewell Address
Robert Kason Herlong
Lake View High School Valedictorian 2025
Fellow graduates, esteemed faculty, proud parents, and honored guests:
It is hard to believe this day is finally here. It feels like just yesterday we were freshmen, navigating the halls of Lake View High School, unsure of what the future held. Now, we stand here, on the verge of a new chapter, ready to embark on journeys we have only begun to imagine.
High school was not always easy. I remember last year, feeling the sting of defeat when we lost to Latta in the Lower State Championship in baseball. But, that loss fueled a fire within me and the rest of my teammates, a determination to work harder, push further, and overcome any obstacle in our path. And this year, we tasted victory, winning the Lower State Championship against those same guys in green. However, that victory was not just about winning a game; it was about proving to ourselves what we are capable of accomplishing when we refuse to succumb to challenges, teaching us the valuable lesson of perseverance and showing that it is not about how hard you can hit in life, but how hard you can get hit and keep stepping forward in the right direction.
Additionally, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my baseball and football teammates. These past few years, playing the sports we love side-by-side, has truly meant the world to me. The memories we have made, the challenges we have overcome, and the victories we have celebrated together will forever hold a special place in my heart. As we move forward, let us carry the teamwork, dedication, and passion we learned on the field into every aspect of our lives.
Speaking of overcoming obstacles, I am reminded of the story of Job from the Bible. Job faced unimaginable hardships, losing everything he held dear. Yet, through it all, he maintained his faith and trust in a higher power. Like Job, we will face trials in our lives, moments that test our faith and resilience. But, it is during these times that we must remember that there is a plan for us, even when we cannot see it or even truly understand it. Before every baseball playoff game this year, I told the team that God had a plan for us, and all we had to do was believe. And, we did. We believed in ourselves, in each other, and in the power of something greater than ourselves.
To my classmates, what an amazing journey it has been. We have laughed, learned, and grown together, supporting each other every step of the way. As we step out into the world, we will face new challenges, new setbacks, and new opportunities. There will be moments of doubt, moments when we question our abilities, and moments when we feel like quitting. But, it is in those moments that we must remember the lessons we have learned here at Lake View High School. Remember the value of hard work, the importance of perseverance, and the power of teamwork. Remember the teachers who inspired us, the friends who supported us, and the community that believed in us.
Class of 2025, the future is ours to create. Let us go out there and make our mark on the world. Let us pursue our passions, embrace our challenges, and never stop learning. Let us be the change we wish to see in the world. And, most importantly, let us believe that there is a plan for each and every one of us. All we have to do is trust in that plan and have faith that we are exactly where we need to be. As we stand here on the cusp of a new chapter, let us embrace the future with open minds, courageous hearts, and an unwavering belief in our ability to make a positive impact on the world. Let us go out there and create the lives we have always envisioned. Congratulations, Class of 2025!
