This column represents the opinion of Matilda Rydell, NOT the Taylor Press.
On May 27, the Taylor High School class of 2022 graduated. The salutatorian and valedictorian presented their speeches in accordance with tradition providing memories of pep rallies, trusting oneself, change and Samsung.
Lindsey O’Dell, the salutatorian of the graduating Duck class, began highlighting the mischief her class stirred throughout her four years and then related those experiences to the class’s untamed uniqueness.
“We stand out as a class” said O’Dell “Our class is full of strong individuals who can make a difference in this world; a trait that will serve us well in life”
O’Dell then provided a reading of “If”, a poem by Rudyard Kipling as a piece of advice for the class. The poem was meant to advise the class that life is hectic and that by keeping confidence and trusting oneself, you may live life more freely.
After providing advice to the class, O’Dell advised her audience that if they did not find value in her speech, that she was just the salutatorian speaking at a graduation.
“Ten years from now, none of it will matter and we will all be working for Samsung.” said O’Dell
The audience replied in laughter to her ending statement as she walked off the podium.
Although short, O’Dell’s speech provided a light-hearted closing for the class of 2022. Her speech brought confidence to the class of their potential, but her open disregard of her speech made it feel as if she did not value her own advice.
Trey Boles, the valedictorian, took a more community-centered outlook in his speech. Boles began first centering his speech around the concept of change.
“Our small rural town will most likely change significantly in the next five to 10 years with the construction of Samsung” said Boles “We have to maintain the balance of smalltown culture with booming and growing town characteristics.”
Boles’ speech felt less representative of the graduating class and more so delved into the idea of a changing community as new opportunities have been presented to Taylor.
“As a community we have to experience change and who our neighbors are,” said Boles. “As more [people] come to Taylor, we will have to welcome new faces while trusting that people are coming to improve our town as a whole.”
It was odd to me that only when Samsung had announced plans to construct a $17 billion dollar plant in Taylor, was when people began to be concerned of who new neighbors will be.
For a graduating class speech on change, I was expecting more of a positive outlook into the future, but what was provided felt more like a reflection on anxieties of the future of Taylor.
Boles then concluded his speech that no matter what changes occur in our own lives, community or town, we will always be Taylor Ducks.
Having hometown pride can elevate the support and growth of a town such as Taylor. The pride that Taylorites hold for the community is what attracts others to make Taylor their home. Although many are weary of new business, growth and people, I feel it would be worthwhile for people to reflect on their journey to Taylor. Whether you moved here 10 years ago, or your family moved here 10 generations ago, something has always been special about Taylor, Texas. It is no wonder that others see the community we have developed and want to contribute as well.
