Today, The DAILY LEADER continues its publication ofvaledictorian and salutatorian speeches from the Class of 2011.Today’s address is from Jay Case, West Lincoln Attendance Centersalutatorian.

On behalf of the class of 2011, I would like to welcome each ofyou to the West Lincoln Graduation Ceremony.

It seems like only yesterday we were starting kindergarten. Theyears have flown by, leaving many great memories that we will neverforget.

How things have changed over the years.

The first day of kindergarten my dad was dragging me to class.Now he can’t drag me away from this place. We can all recall themany memories on the playground playing octopus tag, on the fieldtrips and the lunchroom entertainment. We shared both sad and happytimes in the locker room, at ball games and at competitivepractices. These experiences have made us who we are today and willcontinue to be cherished memories.

I would like to thank God for His grace, forgiveness andguidance through the years. To parents, grandparents, family andfriends, thank you for your love, encouragement, and support.Without you none of this would be possible.

To our devoted teachers, coaches and administrators, thank youfor motivating and inspiring us to achieve more than we thoughtpossible. Thank you for preparing us for the next chapter in ourlives. We will miss you.

As we embark on this new chapter, I would like to wish my fellowgraduates much success and happiness. Remember you get out of lifewhat you put into it. Let me leave you with this quote fromProverbs: “Trust in the Lord with all your hear, and lean not onyour on understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and Heshall direct your paths.”

I want to thank each of you for coming tonight. Your presencehere means so much to us. God Bless.

Jay Case is the son of Jason and Mary Case.