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 Enterprise Attendance Center Valedictorian Kelsey Hux.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Kelsey Hux and it is my honor to speak to you as valedictorian of the Enterprise Class of 2012.

     First I would like to thank our parents. We could not have made it this far without your love, support, and money. Next I have to thank our teachers for their hard work and dedication to our education.

     I can’t believe how fast the years have flown by. From our early years of elementary learning ABC’s in kindergarten, cursive writing in second grade, and multiplication facts in third to our last four years of high school, we have learned things and made memories that we will never forget.

     In ninth and 10th grade, our eyes were opened to what a hard test really looked like “thanks to Mrs. White” and to always remember to read everything before you answer anything. Eleventh and 12th were just as memorable, having to learn every historical fact about the United States, never using “it” at the beginning of a sentence, and using Mrs. McKone’s song to always remember that Taq works best around 72.

     The lessons we have learned have not been limited to the classroom. We have learned important life lessons that we can use long after school is over like being held accountable to our teammates, coaches, and friends and being responsible for our actions no matter the consequences. We have made memories that will last us a lifetime.

     Now to my fellow classmates, no matter which road you choose to travel whether it be college, the workforce, or serving our great nation, always remember our greatest glory is not in ever falling but in rising every time we fall. No matter what obstacles are thrown your way, always keep your faith in God strong and just as Callie always says, “Don’t stop believing.”

     Callie is a great example of someone who never gives up. After her accident she battled back and now she is sitting behind me continuing to trust God in all she does. She is a great example of how by keeping your faith and a positive attitude you can conquer any obstacle that may come your way.

     There are many decisions ahead to be made, but through our years at Enterprise we have become equipped to handle almost anything. So my fellow classmates, I leave you with this quote by Dr. Seuss, “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to great places! You’re off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

     Now I say goodbye to you as the time of the class of 2012 is through. Congratulations, Class of 2012, we are no longer “children.” We are graduates.

     Kelsey Hux is the daughter of Kyle Hux and the late Kim Hux.