There’s a book titled: “All I Really Need to Know, I Learned in Kindergarten.”
The author, Robert Fulghum, describes how life’s most important lessons are learned in kindergarten. He stated, “Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate-school mountain, but there in the sandpile at Preschool.” Here are some of the lessons he shares,
- Share everything.
- Play fair.
- Don’t hit people.
- Put things back where you found them.
- Clean up your own mess.
- Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
- Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
- When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.
I hate to brag, but Mrs. Barney did an amazing job with the graduating class of 2023. We all learned to stand in line, and take turns. We colored inside the lines with crayons. And most importantly, we didn’t eat glue (except for maybe Skyler). Love you man.
But honestly, I’m not sure that I learned all that I needed to know in kindergarten. It wasn’t until 1st grade that we got to go to the pumpkin patch on a field trip and experience true joy; riding in a school bus. The pumpkins were a total bonus. In the summer before 3rd grade I learned that friendship lasts forever, even death can’t stop it. We were all so young when Oaklee suddenly passed away, but she will forever hold a place in our hearts.
In our 4th grade talent show, we all got the experience of becoming legends. Klyn and Konner were jumping over each other, Owen and Nash jumping motorcycles, DJ singing “when will my life begin,” and then Hayz, Korban, Westin, and me brought the house down singing “Everything is Awesome.” Like I said, legends.
In middle school, I learned that things were hard. Well I did think that until I got into high school. We all had nights that we just wanted to punch a hole through our Chromebooks after missing that last question on an IXL.
When I started high school, I learned the true value of friendship. These people behind me aren’t just kids that I’ve grown, but life-long friends who have molded me into who I am today. From winning state championships to setting up our junior prom we’ve always done it together.
As a class we’ve learned to do hard things. We made it through COVID and masks, early morning drivers ed, and endless sport practices that tested our endurance. But of all the trials I’ve seen, one person was an example to the rest of us. Arik lost not only his mother, but also his sister. He faced his trials with faith and courage. I can say for all of us that we love you Arik.
Now I couldn’t stand here before all of you today and say that I’ve gone through life by myself. All throughout my existence I have had people put in my path that have had a huge impact on me. From kindergarten to my senior year I have been blessed with teachers that haven’t just taught me but have cared about me personally. There isn’t anywhere else in the world where you find teachers that care about their students. We have the best right here in our small town.
Just this last week our school took first place in track and field for both boys and girls and this wouldn’t have been possible without my amazing coaches. With these coaches, I can’t forget my dad who was not only my biggest supporter but also someone who believes in me even when I don’t believe in myself. I want to thank my grandparents who have always been there to listen to me, my siblings for putting up with me, my aunts, uncles and cousins who have supported me in all that I’ve done, and most of all my parents who have shown me love even when I know I don’t deserve it.
But now although we will all head different directions, I want my class to know that this has been the best thirteen years of my life. You guys have been the best friends a teenager could ask for. So as we get ready to take on the world, let’s remember the kindergarten advice: When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together. Thank you.
– by Carter Yardley, Salutatorian, Panguitch High School
Feature image caption: Each member of Panguitch High School’s graduating class had a unique influence on each other as they grew throughout their school years together. Courtesy Panguitch High School.
A Salutatory Address given at Panguitch High School’s graduation on May 24, 2023.