Address by Noor Mohamoud Abdi at Helix Charter High School Graduation

Good afternoon, Class of 2012! As your student representative on the Helix Charter Governing Board, it has not only been my honor, but it has been a pleasure serving the entire student body, especially this senior class. 

Now I have just one thing to ask to this senior class: Take some time right now and reflect on what exactly this senior class has been through the last four years.

Four years ago, we embarked on this journey—a journey that now ends with us walking across this stage and entering into what most people classify as the real world.

As freshman, many of us were challenged when we were asked to write our very first research paper. Sophomore year, Helix once again kept up its promise of preparing students for college by requiring all sophomores to complete a sophomore board. Junior year, we had certain staff members encourage us to take AP classes and we went to Mr. Theroux and Ms. Irving for college advice.

Senior year, well, I think we have heard enough about senior proposals, projects, portfolios, defenses and boards! We have been challenged during our time here at Helix.

Even when we had the opportunity to switch schools, or not even attend Helix in the first place, we understood that the challenges that we faced ahead of us, while they may be difficult, would be more rewarding if we overcome them in the end.

So while we may have whined and complained, (most of the time on Facebook anyways) we can ultimately say: Hey, we made it. We must also never forget to thank those who helped us reach where we are today.

I’d like to thank the entire Helix staff and faculty, there are too many to name but you have all made an impact on my experience in high school. I’d like to thank all my friends, especially all those I met this year and became really good buddies with.

Last, I’d like to thank my family, especially my mother. I have no doubt in my mind that every single graduate sitting here is more than capable of tackling whatever obstacle life throws at its way—because this school has given us the tools necessary in order to create a great life for ourselves.

Class of 2012, I couldn’t have been more honored to have gone through this journey with you guys. Congratulations!