Ananya Kamineni ‘24 Addresses Her Peers at Senior Night

Salutatorian Ananya Kamineni ’24 addressed her peers at Senior Night, the class’s penultimate gathering. Here are her remarks.

Tonight, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible journey we have shared over the past four years. These years have truly flown by, filled with moments of joy, triumph, and even moments of adversity.

We started our high school careers isolated from each other, yet over the past four years, we have managed to come together as a grade. Despite the challenges of navigating school online and the uncertainty that loomed over us our freshman year, we persevered, forging strong friendships that will last a lifetime. We didn’t have a traditional start to high school, with teachers teaching in the classroom settings they’ve had years of experience in. Instead, we learned alongside them how to operate in a virtual classroom setting. I remember how difficult it was to find motivation to pay attention to class on Zoom or to speak up in breakout rooms, yet we overcame these challenges to achieve success both within and outside of the classroom.

This perseverance is something we continued to demonstrate as seniors, especially during May Day, when we refused to let bad weather mar such an important senior tradition. Our unity and determination were evident as we stood together to push for a full May Day. Our unique freshman and sophomore years taught us the value of high school traditions, which is why we cherish the ones we do get so much. I am reminded of the strength of our grade’s bond, not only during celebrations like May Day or Senior Sunrise, but also every day when I see someone helping a peer in class or people playing card games in Hearth. Together, we have faced unprecedented challenges and emerged stronger, more resilient, and more unified.

However, we couldn’t have achieved all we have without the support of those around us. To our teachers, thank you for believing in us, for inspiring us, and for pushing us to be the best version of ourselves. Mr. B, your impact extends far beyond the classroom, and we are truly grateful for everything you have done for us. Thank you to Mr. Tourais as well for pushing us to extend our limits everyday and for always believing in us. Your class not only taught us how to analyze novels and film but also how to understand the world around us and our place in it. To our college counselors who have guided us through some of the most tumultuous and uncertain times over the last four years, thank you. Mr. Essman, thank you for your limitless support and constant enthusiasm. To our advisors, thank you for your hard work and dedication to helping us achieve all of our goals over the past four years. Finally, to our parents, who have been there every step of the way, thank you for unwavering love and encouragement. Your support and guidance have provided us with a foundation for success and your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. I am grateful knowing we will have this love and support behind us throughout this next chapter in our lives.

Class of 2024, it has been an honor and a privilege to grow up with such an exceptional group of individuals. Our high school journey may be coming to a close, but the memories we have created and the lessons we have learned will last us a lifetime. As we begin the next chapter of our lives, I have no doubt that each of us will continue to achieve amazing things and uphold the MICDS mission statement by making positive change in the world. Thank you.