Editor’s note: Today, The DAILY LEADER continues publication of valedictorian and salutatorian speeches from recent graduation ceremonies at local schools. Today’s address is from Brookhaven High School Valedictorian Roshelman Terrell Breakfield, Jr.

     Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. First and foremost, I would like to give thanks and honor to God, who is the head of my life. Without Him, none of this would be possible.

     I would also like to thank the superintendent of education – Dr. K; each member of the school board; Dr. Jay, who began the journey with us as the new principal during our freshman year and is now ending the journey with us as well, as this also is his last year at Brookhaven High; and the entire faculty and staff of Brookhaven High School.

     Although it would be very time consuming to name all of the teachers who have had an impact on my life during these cherished four years, I would like for each of you to know that you hold a very special place in my heart. Last but not least, I would like to extend thanks to my family for all of their support. Thank you Mom, Dad, my grandparents, and each of my family members from far and near. I am truly grateful to have you all in my life.

     As this school year progressed, death struck close to home and claimed the lives of two beloved members of BHS. At this time, I would like to take the opportunity to have a moment of silence in remembrance of the passing of our classmate and teacher, Nathan Moak and Mrs. Linda Monroe, respectively.

     This year’s graduating class shared some pretty incredible moments together, some good and some bad. From the rowdy pep rallies for every home football game to the long lines in the cafeteria (I am sure we all dreaded those days!) to the very meaningful senior projects we had to complete (Coach Walker and Mrs. Covington know exactly what I’m talking about!), I can truly say that our years at Brookhaven High School were well spent.

     I am pretty sure we all could come up with a list of things we could have done better as students, but life is all about making mistakes and learning from those mistakes. I am pretty sure many of us even contemplated in the last four years whether we were actually going to graduate or not, but look at us now. We beat the odds; we persevered to the end. Our ultimate goal will have finally been attained when each of us strides across this field to receive our diploma.

     Now that all of the thank you’s and acknowledgments have been issued, it is time for the part of the speech where most of you tend to doze off or let the words spoken pass completely through one ear and out of the other. If any of you prefer the initial option, just don’t let your snoring be so loud where nobody can hear anything around you.

     Now it is time for some discreet words of wisdom to my own classmates. As I began to think on the other day what I should speak on, I am reminded of a scripture in Deuteronomy 28:13 that reads, “And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them.” Immediately, I knew exactly what I would talk about.

     To the BHS Class of 2012 – each and every one of us are leaders in our own way. The ability to lead is a trait that everyone possesses, whether we know it or not. Most people think that one can only lead if he or she is in a position of power. Most people think that one can only lead if he or she is at a certain age. Well, I come to tell you all tonight that these theoretical assumptions by some are not the limiting factors for a leader.

     The ultimate determinant for a leader is you. Your mind set is the utmost determining factor for whether you are able to become a leader or another follower soon to be forgotten. As Toni Morrison once stated, “Somebody has to take responsibility for being a leader.”

     If you think about it, how can one lead a line if he is at the very end? No matter how much he may yell, scream, or holler for everyone to go right or left, if everyone is following the very first person in line, they will go in whatever direction he goes. You can’t steer a train from the caboose; it’s just not possible.

     To lead requires courage, firmness, and determination, the literal antagonistic qualities of a coward. Sometimes you may be the only one to stand up for what is right; however, you are showing others what a true leader really is. Henry A. Kissinger once stated, “A leader does not deserve the name unless he is willing occasionally to stand alone.” So to the BHS Class of 2012 – be a leader and not a follower remembering that if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything. And hopefully one day – when we are all old, bald, and grey – we will be able to meet and tell some pretty amazing stories of what we were all able to accomplish as leaders. 

     Roshelman T. Breakfield, Jr., is the son of Roshelman and Rose Breakfield.