Valedictorian talk:

LAUREN BEHNK

On behalf of the class of 2020, I would like to take a minute to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone in attendance. Whether you traveled a long or short distance, the ten of us on this stage are immensely glad you are here to support and celebrate this day with us. These times are unprecedented and it would truly not be the same without you. While this is our special day, you have been behind the scenes helping us to get here, so thank you.

Our class is unique to say the least. We've been through three mascots, two sports cooperatives and witnessed an abrupt conclusion during our final year of high school due to a worldwide pandemic. Those are some pretty impressive stats, if I do say so myself. Needless to say, we've had our share of challenges.

If you know the 10 of us personally, you know that we are anything but ordinary. We all have our roles and traits that make us unique to the class. Let me explain. Trenton is the fisherman, Tyler is the airplane fanatic, Zach is the farmer and James is the debater. But, don't make him angry. I hear he flips tables. Don't worry, we'll get to that later.

Taylor Anne is the cowgirl, Kierra is the mom, Jackie is the coffee addict, Taylor Rose is the klutz, Brooke is the ball of fire and, for me, I struggle with punctuality.

Despite our differences, it takes all 10 of us to form this little family of ours. There were days we despised each other and thought the drama of high school would never end. We've helped each other make the bad times better and the good times great. Throughout the years, we've been able to make so many memories together. School dances. Class trips. Somersaults in the hallways. Game days. Flipping tables, Tornado drills gone wrong. Along with countless more, we've done it all.

Here are two of my favorite memories.

The first was anything having to do with Mrs. Miller's class was funny. I would say about 90% of the time, things either ended up broken, on fire, blown up or all of the above. Just kidding. However, we did have an occasional fire in the lab and Trenton may or may not have gotten scolded by Mrs. Miller for breaking three beakers in a span of five minutes and also accidentally lighting my notebook on fire.

Back to the part of James flipping tables. We were playing a very intense game in Miss Schneider's English class. Yes, it had educational value and yes, we had her permission. I'll save you the specific details, but basically, he lost the game, and in an act of rage, kicked a table. The table then toppled over with a thud and Miss Schneider banned the game for the remainder of the year. The rest of us were furious. James swears the only reason that the table fell over was because his book bag was on top of it, therefore, making it top heavy.

Remembering these good memories makes me grieve the time that we lost due to the pandemic, but I am eternally grateful for the memories we were able to make together. It is now time for us to go our own way and begin a new journey. I am so excited to see what the future holds.

Behind the scenes, my family has served as a great support system. Mom and Dad, it's been quite a ride these last 18 years. Thank you for teaching me the value of hard work and doing your best to support my ambitions, even when my dreams are hard for you to understand. I hope one day I am as strong, focused and determined as you are.

Sarah and Logan, although the age differences between us didn't allow us to grow up together, I'm extremely grateful for the advice and guidance you have given me over the years. I also enjoy our phone calls, whether it's a rant or something funny that got said.

Jacob and Christian, this one might be the toughest one of all. You guys are probably two of the most annoying people I know, but I love you so much. We share a bond that many siblings do not get to experience until later in life and for that, I will be forever thankful. You two are my best friends and not seeing you every day will be hard. I will miss your daily hugs in the hallway.

Also, quit fighting over my room. I don’t leave until August.

In addition, I’ve learned several life lessons beyond the textbook during my time at Clearwater High School and would like to share a few of them with you today.

• Once, when I was having a rough day, a wise woman told me that there were better days ahead. She was right. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that even our worst days only last 24 hours.

• Don’t stress over what you can’t fix. God has a funny way of working the kinks out for us.

• Stand your ground even when it proves difficult. People tend to be hesitant to rock the boat at first, but will follow a leader who shares their similar viewpoints.

• A very wise farmer once told me that the most important skill he had learned was how to use wire and duct tape. I laughed and asked why that was. He told me that we must learn how to fix what is broken with the tools around. It was then that I realized that he meant this as a metaphor of life.

• Last, but not least, appreciate the people around you, especially your grandparents. They love you and they aren’t here forever. Cherish the time you’re given.

Hopefully you were able to take something away from this.

I will leave you with this final quote I feel is fitting. “Be bold, be courageous, be your best.”