Ansley Benedict, Beacon’s Valedictorian for 2024 delivered a heartfelt speech that encapsulates the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of the graduating class. Delivered with passion and wisdom, this address offers a glimpse into the journey our students have undertaken and the bright futures that lie ahead.
First of all, I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude by thanking all of the teachers and staff at Beacon Academy who have been conducive to providing me with a great learning experience since I joined the school during the BFP program. I am truly grateful to be up here – all thanks to your help.
Additionally, I would like to give a special thanks to my parents (my mom and dad) – who are taking their time off to join me today. They are the ones who supported me by guiding me and lightening my burden, working day and night for my success, preparing lunch, and giving me all the resources I need to succeed.
When I joined Beacon in 2021, it was a very different time. During the midst of the pandemic, we were all indoors – trapped in our own metaphorical bubble. In the uncertainty of it all, not knowing when it would end – we had to endure two years of online learning – with the familiar ceiling-and-forehead look in the camera. That life-changing moment forced us to rethink school, learning – and ourselves.
At the time, I spent that time – discovering myself and my interests – but also spent that time wastefully. I remember watching YouTube during Mr Vicky’s business class – and whenever he’d call me – I would always not notice – and he had to call me again and again.
So when I came to IB, I had limited prior knowledge – and I had to learn a lot. I had taken two subjects I never studied – Economics and Computer Science subjects. Nevertheless, undeterred by the challenges, I faced it head-on. With the help of my wonderful teachers
Ultimately, however – being a valedictorian is not the end all be all. A symbolic piece of paper does NOT make a person superior or be a guarantor of success – or a sole indication of “high education”. The real education in school we learned – is the life lessons and memories made in addition to the academic side – thereby creating applicable knowledge.
When I reminisce about this event in the future, I will remember that Beacon provided me with memories that I will never forget. As we part ways, I hope – that we all remember the lessons that were taught to us by our teachers which will prove to be continually useful. Embodying the beacon motto: Imagine, Create, Innovate, we shall move forward.
Thank you very much.
