“Saturn is your only little planet where you can continue to grow,” was the message to the 230 members of Magna Vista High School’s (MVHS’s) Class of 2024. The class took its place in the school’s history during its May 24 graduation ceremony.
Noting the event was “a momentous occasion marking the conclusion of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance,” Dakota Hairston, who was among the
graduates, said “Saturn,” the SZA song, inspired his speech.
He added that he liked to interpret the lyrics from SZA song as saying, “To find something worth saving is yours for the taking. We’ve formed lasting friendships and discovered our passions and are on our way to find our Saturn.”
Whether headed to a four-year university, community college, or into the workforce, his class members will continue to grow, Hairston said, and noted the difficulties that the COVID-19 pandemic brought to the class.
“Since most of us didn’t go to school in person our first year, walking into sophomore year still felt like a freshman, I didn’t know any of the teachers or where most of the classes were,” Hairston said. Things got better as time went by and he got to know some of the “coolest teachers,” as well as rekindle old friendships.
“Something non-academic that I learned was that I needed friends around me to survive these four years,” he said, noting students had learned valuable lessons outside of the classrooms.
“We have witnessed firsthand that success does not come easily. It requires determination, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in ourselves. We are the leaders, innovators, and change-makers for tomorrow,” he said, and encouraged the class to express gratitude to those who helped them make it through school.
“As you enter into the universe, find your Saturn. As we step out into the world, we are met with a landscape that is constantly evolving,” he said.
Lauralee Robinson talked about reading fortunes and magic.
“When I was a little girl, I was fascinated by having otherworldly powers,” Robinson said, and explained that she went on to be enthralled by fortunes and wanted to predict the future for the class.
“Whether you’re pursuing your dream school with your degree, going into the workforce, or taking time to figure out what you wish to pursue, there is one thing that is always guaranteed: Happiness,” she said.
At the start of her high school career, she knew that many of her classmates were filled with anxiety.
“You did not feel like your future was guaranteed, you did not feel like your happiness was guaranteed, however, like many of you, I always had a wonderful group of people filling my life with joy,” she said.
Although they may not remember anything from geometry, the laughs they shared with peers and teachers helped motivate them through the uncertainty of freshman year, Robinson said.
The sudden passing of her grandfather had stirred up her tears, but through school, she found the arts, which helped her find her happiness, she said.
“A wise person once told me that it is our mindset that determines the day. We can choose to face each day with a positive mindset as we face each day with the power of yet,” Robinson said, noting that while it isn’t possible to always be masterful, the power of “yet” can help keep them working to improve.
“That mindset of achieving even the smallest goal can keep us building towards happiness,” Robinson said, encouraging her peers to look for the positive. “If you find yourself feeling alone or scared, reflect on the memories you developed within these brick walls.”
While no one can know the outcome or the future, each person can choose to live with happiness and kindness, she said. “Doing what you love is freedom, and loving what you do is happiness.”
Duane Whittaker, principal, quoted his 2023 speech: “Wherever you go in life, sit in the front row. It’s the best seat. Whenever you can refer to yourself in first person, take advantage of that opportunity.”
He encouraged students to be proud of their hometown, even though “I want all of you to soar and travel to wherever your heart and desires take you. However, our hometown is more than just a place on the map. As you start chasing your future, it’s important to remember where you came from.”
Borrowing a quote from Tom Wolf, Whittaker said, “You can’t go back home to your family, back home to your childhood, back to a young man’s dreams of glory and fame.”
Rather, leaving the field would signal a difference, and “while you may never be able to go back home in the same way as before, it’s important to remember that you take a piece of this place, this school, and this community wherever you end up.”
“Everyone has a plan till they get punched in the mouth,” Whittaker said of the words based on a Mike Tyson quote. He noted that life doesn’t owe anyone anything, and encouraged students to “be ready when life decides to mess with your plans and your goals.”
While it is okay to cry about problems, he urged students to start “figuring it out,” and always keep fighting to move forward.
“You are going to have to figure out the new plan, the new path, the new answer,” he said.
