...we are not survivors, but rather overcomers!

Portions of Hosanna's Valedictorian speech

...at my previous high school, where I attended before I came to Bridgemont, I had teachers who told me to my face I wasn’t good enough, who told me that I was fake, and who told me that if I left that school, I wouldn't make it, that I wouldn't get good grades, and that it would be too hard for me. I arrived at this school wondering if all they had said was true, if I would be accepted by the students and teachers, and if I would be able to handle my new classes. Well, here I am. Valedictorian.

 ... we don't have to keep living by the lies that others have spoken over us, because in Christ, we find truth. There are some verses in the Bible which spoke directly to me when I was doubting my potential and I believe speaks to all of us as we prepare to face new challenges, doubts, and fears.

From Romans chapter 8 - What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

As a class, we have already gone through mountains and valleys in order to be here today. Having gone through parent’s divorcing, family members dying, eating disorders, physical abuse, verbal abuse, losing friends, getting involved with the wrong friends, learning disabilities and every other trial we could have possibly faced…we made it. The fact that we are standing here today is more than enough of a testimony of our determination, and ultimately, our strength.

When you look at our senior class, know that we are not survivors, but rather overcomers. We did not just survive high school, but we overcame every obstacle that dared to get in our way, and we did it with excellence. And what better example of fulfilling your potential, than to exceed everyone’s expectations of you, as well as your expectations for yourself, by overcoming every hindrance, difficulty, and barrier between all you are… and all you are capable of being. You are more than conquerors.