Highlights, Luke Miles’ Valedictory Address

 In his address at the 107th Central High Graduation, valedictorian Luke Miles reviewed the four years of the Class of 2019. He said, “We arrived here as nervous wrecks!” They were the first class to attend the Freshman Academy. The freshman year was one of Exploration, he said. 

On the first day of their sophomore class, they left school expecting to return the next day. Then one of the worst natural disasters in Louisiana history occurred, and more than half the class lost their homes. When students returned, everything was different, he said. People came together and everyone was concerned about their family and friends and their well being. The sophomore year was one of Restoration and Unity.

The junior year was a year of Responsibility and Hard Work, he said. Intense study and testing. “I enjoyed every single teacher.” He thanked the faculty and staff and gave special recognition to his speech teacher, Karen Bush. As juniors, we became role models for younger students, he said.

The senior year was one of Laziness and Procrastination, he said. Teachers expected us to work but we were thinking of college and the future. Tonight is a night of endings and beginnings. 

He told the seniors, “We must be dedicated to making a difference in the world.”