“Gratitude, Courage, and What Comes Next”: Annalisa Valdez-Page’s Graduation Speech
- dstorey62
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
At the Waterford Success Center’s Class of 2025 celebration, graduate Annalisa Valdez-Page shared a message that felt true for every student in the room: we grow because we do it together. Her words honor the people and moments that shaped this journey—and the resilience it takes to keep moving forward.
Graduation Speech by Annalisa Valdes-Page, Class of 2025 – Waterford Center
Standing here today looking at all the 2025 graduates, I can't help but think about how fast time moves.
One day, we're walking into this school for the first time, unsure, nervous, wondering where we'll fit in or how it’s going to be. And now, here we are, at the end of this chapter, looking back on everything - everything that brought us here.
We've had moments of doubt, when we felt unstoppable, and moments of failure when we thought we'd never make it through.
We've laughed until we cried, and cried until someone reminded us that we weren't alone.
Because that's the thing, isn't it?
We were never alone.
Even when it felt like no one understood, there was always someone who did.
A friend, a teacher, a quiet nod around the building that said, "I see you."
Today, we stand here not just as individuals, but as a family, shaped by every moment, every challenge, every lesson - not just from textbooks, but from each other.
And as we step forward, into whatever comes next, I hope we remember this life isn't about never falling.
It's about getting back up.
It's about trying, failing, and trying again.
It's about believing, even when it's hard.
So let's leave today with gratitude, with courage, and with the knowledge that no matter where we go, we carry this place, these people, and these memories with us.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2025!
Finding Your Way at Success
Annalisa’s message is a powerful reminder of why Success exists: students lifting one another up, finding strength in community, and taking the next step with purpose. Congratulations to Annalisa and to the entire Waterford Success Center Class of 2025—we’re proud of your hard work and excited for what comes next.
