“It’s easier to go down a hill than up it, but the view is much better at the top.”  This quote is from English novelist Arnold Bennett. Getting to where we are today has been like climbing a hill.  It’s been a long and sometimes difficult road, but from where we stand today, the view is beautiful.  As we look back on the past four years, and back even further to the twelve that we have grown and learned together, we can truly realize how far we have come.  We can see what a difference five hundred determined young adults can make.

            The class of 2004 has been involved in big things.  Our successes were not because we’re at a big school, but because we dream big.  We want big things for ourselves.  We set big goals for ourselves and are focused and determined to reach them.  Sumter High School has experienced numerous accolades in academics, service, music, the arts, and athletics, during the four years that the Class of 2004 has walked its hallways. 

            In academics, our class is the first to graduate with the International Baccalaureate program.  Moreover, Sumter High has been named a William and Melinda Gates Model School.  Members of our class are going to some of the nation’s best schools this fall to study a vast assortment of subjects including International Business, Musical Theater, Communications, and Medicine.  Some of us are going directly into the work force in a variety of fields just as wide.

            Our class has worked hard to help those who needed it.  From collecting for ROTC canned food drives to helping at the Special Olympics, visiting nursing homes, and building houses with Habitat for Humanity, we have been determined to be of service to others.

            Members of our class have been unwavering in their drive to succeed in the arts.  Countless beautiful sculptures, paintings, and ceramic pieces have come from our art students.  Our drama department has seen success when it won first place at the state’s International Thespian Society Competition.   Our bands, choirs, and orchestras have received superior ratings at competition after competition over the years.  Most recently, we have contributed to Sumter High School being named as one of the Grammy Foundation’s Signature Schools of 2004. 

            We have also shown our commitment to success in the field of athletics.  Students, parents, and fans come out to event after event to see our baseball and softball teams, our cheerleaders, our basketball teams, our wrestling team and our cross-country teams, just to name a few, all of which experienced successes with members of the class of 2004.  Probably most renowned is this year’s varsity football team, fighting their way, undefeated, all the way to the state championship game at Williams-Brice Stadium. 

             Our football team is evidence of what determination really is.  More importantly we can take a lesson from them:  Determination is contagious.  People like to see it.  Each year, all of our teams make a commitment to be the best they can be.  Each player recommits everyday in the weight room and at practice.  Success in athletics is about overcoming obstacles, from something as simple as a bench press to an entire opposing team.  And our teams have shown the power of determination. 

            Over the last few years the determination has grown.  After seeing that Sumter High’s football team was determined to go places, the fans (our community and students) became determined to see them be successful.  They became more willing to give the extra push needed to see the gamecocks succeed.

            There will always be some that are supportive of you no matter what.  But once most people realize that you have made up your mind to become something great, they too want to see you achieve your goals.  You then become more intent on succeeding in order to show your supporters that their efforts were not in vain.  Through the rapid growth of determination, you will find that you can be a success.

             The Class of 2004 has shown that it can be successful in all arenas.  As we have learned, success is not easily accomplished, and it is not normally achieved in one attempt.  Yes, we have experienced disappointments over the years, but what is most important is our drive to achieve despite them. 

            Standing here today, it is my honor to speak before so many people who have proven, just by being in this place right now, that they are determined to prosper.  Where we are today, however, is not the top of the hill that we must mount to reach success.   The purpose of my speech is two-fold:  I come here not only to congratulate you on the many accomplishments the Class of 2004 has achieved, but also to challenge you to continue to climb.

             I would like to challenge each of you to hold on to the determination that you have shown in getting here today.  Continue to strive for success in everything you do.  Keep being the class that we have grown to love.  Reach the top of your hill and enjoy the view.  The class of 2004 aims to be the best….  And we are the best.  Be proud of this accomplishment as you continue to achieve great things… because "It’s easier to go down a hill than up it, but the view is much better at the top.”