Palmer High School Episode 2009: A New Hope

Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away. It was a period of civil war. We were being flooded with test, exams, projects, demanding only perfection of us. The Rebellion, led by Mr. Fournier, our modern day Obi Wan Kenobi, had arranged for his philosophizing students to steal the secrets for the destruction of the Death Star, or more publicly known as the IB program. We are all aware of this evil. A challenge, if we choose to accept it, to further advance our education by being put through rigorous tasks. Most of those who accepted the challenge spent nights on end staring at computer screens, bleary eyed, only to be kept awake by an IV of pure caffeine. The philosophizers ways of persuasion: confusion, which of course goes hand-in-hand with the force. After a few million burned out brain cells and numerous pots of coffee later, the philosophers and the Empire were deep in philosophical debate over what really made the evil Death Star plans, evil Death Star plans. They never told you in the movies, but this is how they really ended.

Growing up, our parents told us that we could be anything that we wanted to. A fireman, a policeman, the president. Ah yes…. the president, that has never been more true. With a direct quote from George W. Bush “To those of you who received honors, awards, and distinctions, I say well done. And to the “C” students I say; you, too, may one day be President of the United States.”

Now, seniors, we have had quite the year. We are the best senior class to ever walk through the halls of this glorious penitentiary. From Palmer hosting its own Alaska Association of Student Government conference and having our very own Daniel Hagen crump dance in front of the entire congregation, to our football team beating Juneau at home AND bringing the Potato Bowl trophy back to its rightful place. From our basketball team beating Wasilla at home in a nail biter, to our art program, putting on Palmer High’s very first public art show. The Civil War Trip, a 2 week spring break trip chaperoned by our very own Mr. Gorman, was highlighted this year by the charge up Little Round Top, a 200 yard sprint up a hill covered with rocks and enough sticker-bushes to make even the most manly of men cry, which this year was won by the one, the only, Michael Porterfield. This year, our own Nick Stahler rose through the ranks to claim 1st place in the State Wrestling Championship at the 140 pound weight class. The Senior men were the best out of all 4 classes in our very first Men’s Volleyball League. On the stage, our music and acting departments put on a stellar performance of “Hello Dolly” this past winter, which was lead by Madison Moss who played Dolly. I’ll never be able to sum up into words what we have done here in the past 4 years, I just hope that you will never forget all the good times that we have had, all the friends that we’ve had the opportunity to meet, and never forget that feeling when you open your eyes and your alarm clock says that its 7:15 in the morning. But what makes us so great is that not one of us is the same. We all brought different perspectives and all have different views, and that is what has made us as accomplished as we have been.

As we all go our different way’s after tonight, I want you all to remember one thing..

Class of 2009, May the force be with you! {*Chewbacca sound*}