Dear Class of 2025,
On my very first day of high school, I was told by Mrs. DeVries, or as we called her, Profe, to thank the people around me before it becomes too late. So, here’s my thanks to all of you. Thank you for teaching me how to be the most sophomoric sophomore, judgmental junior, and stuck-up senior. I truly learned from the best. But in all seriousness, it has been great getting to know and befriend all of you during my time at Providence. This school will not be the same without all of you.
I’ve had what I would consider a rather unique experience with your class. Between skipping Spanish 1, band, APUSH being allergic to me, and numerous other factors, I’ve had several classes with you all. Sometimes that was scary. I remember feeling alone my first day of Spanish 2H. I remember feeling awkward on Harvest Drive, wearing a completely different color. However, something I’ll always remember even better is how my worries and fears always ended up being unfounded. No matter what happened, whether I had no idea who to work with or felt like I was an annoying bother, there was someone who was there to remind me that I belonged in Spanish. To remind me that my schedule actually did have AP Gov. There was always someone who treated our humongous age gap as small as it really is. There was always someone who acted like my presence was completely normal. There was always someone who wanted to be my friend. And it was always different people too. It was never just one person, although some people did so more than others. By the time my junior year schedule was given to me, full of senior classes, I knew that it would be all right. I no longer felt self-conscious and fearful, and it was thanks to all of you who welcomed me into your class with open arms.
So, thank you, class of 2025. You are a special group. You all served as an excellent example to me and the rest of the school. You showed me how I want to treat those who are younger than me. You showed me what type of upperclassman I wanted to be. You showed me what type of leader I hope to be every day. These past three years have been fun. I’ve loved getting the chance to learn and laugh by your sides. Leaving Providence might be scary, but you’ve taught me that sometimes the greatest lessons are learned from the scariest experiences. You have shared your gifts with Providence for the past four years, and now it’s time for us to stop being greedy and share you with the rest of the world. Thank you for embodying truth, unity, and love. I hope you all continue to do so as you move on to bigger, better things.
Sincerely,
Celia Minonne – Class of 2026
