Congratulations Dayton High School graduating class of 2020!

I believe that what starts here at Dayton High School can change the world. Although this year's path has been rocky, twisty, windy and rough, you have overcome and will be the change you want to see in the world.

I have always loved Dr. Seuss. One of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite books declares: "You're off to great places! Today is your day! You're mountain is waiting, so get on your way!"

What starts here changes the world, but it will not be on your terms, nor your timeline. As we can see right now more than ever, the world does not ready itself for our plans. Your ability to live a life that's full of love and meaning, to make a world a braver and kinder place, to disrupt and reshape the future, has very little to do with the greatness of your plan, it depends completely on your ability to get back up and begin again when your plan fails. This year has been a year of uncertainty, and certainly unprecedented. You have risen above flooding, illness, death, difficult classes, and consequences of COVID-19 such as school closure, cancellations of athletics, activities and dreams. If you are committed to getting back up and beginning again, the same number of times that you fall or are pushed down, you will climb mountains-and you will change the world.

This senior class of 2020 is a class of resilience, strength, compassion and courage. I have seen you volunteer to sandbag and do the messy, dirty clean up after the flooding in our community. I have belly laughed during your lip-sync contests, and stood tall and proud, marching with you throughout our community for Homecoming. I have shed tears for you when school closed. I look forward to smiling with you and seeing the joy from your faces at graduation. You are demonstrating hope in a time of hopelessness, and renewing our faith in the youth of our community and nation. Choose courage over comfort, and remember "You're off to great places, today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!" Keep your hearts open, stay curious and courage on. You've got this!

Kristina Brown