Salutatorian's address by Derek Houseknecht

Read the class of 2009 salutatorian's address by Derek Houseknecht, exclusively on RB for DV.

This is a copy of his speech that was handed out to the press on Saturday. Because graduation was a day later and the speakers were allowed to fine tune their speeches, there may be some differences between what appears here and what was read on Saturday.

Through my last four years at Delaware Valley, I have continually witnessed students succeeding. Whether it is winning championships in sports, receiving noteworthy recognition in academics, or performing Broadway caliber plays in drama; our class has attained many remarkable and impressive accomplishments. However, despite these great accomplishments, it has been the little individual successes that I want to accentuate and congratulate. Each and every one of these students that sit before me today has accomplished something valuable in their life, and have thus revealed their ability to work hark, overcome obstacles, and ultimately attain the success they set out for.

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Our Class of 2009 is full of students who have already demonstrated this ability to succeed and have the potential to attain a lot more in their future to come. As Prime Minister Winston Churchill once said, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." So I encourage this class, as they graduate and move on from high school, that they always stay determined and courageous. Believe in yourself, and work hard to attain the goals you set out for. Stay focused, stay determined, and do not let the words and actions of others hinder your desire to succeed. You are the one who chooses what to do. You are the one who can accomplish great things. You are the one who can succeed. Even though some failure is inevitable, we must rise above it.

With the talent and potential that you all already possess, in combination with a little self-confidence and determination, you will be able to continue your success in the future. "It is with passion, courage of conviction, and strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world."