Senior Michael McGonigle Reflects on Life at Dexter High School

Editor's note: The following is a transcript of Dexter High School senior Michael McGonigle's speech to the Class of 2012.

By Michael McGonigle

I would like to thank the administration and staff for devoting four years to making us more civilized people. I hope they got something out of the deal because I have a feeling that it might be the most thankless job ever. I would also like to thank the parents who committed around 18 years of their lives to get us to this point. Clearly, it was worth it.

To the Class of 2012, I want to thank you for the past four years. I can not say enough about your generosity, intelligence, honor, and poise. I moved to Dexter in our freshman year in which is easily the most awkward time for a teenager. I was one of 300 confused, hormonally unbalanced teenagers who had no idea what to expect from high school.

As freshmen we had no idea of the joys of Mrs. Stahl’s PowerPoint (presentations), or how we would all lose our innocence at the homecoming dance. We had no idea Connie would roam the halls looking to give a detention slip to anyone not in class. Nor did we know that Mr. Miller could grow a beard that could only be classified as Lumberjack style. But I don’t want to forget the administration. They love us so much that they put cameras on us 24/7. Not that we needed them though, with Tim lurking around every corner and somehow still managing to catch stowaways on the elevator.

We knew so little going into freshman year but look at us now! Mature adults ready to open bank accounts, drink coffee and complain about the government. That’s what adults do, right?

My life in Dexter has been filled with fun experiences. Whether losing in basketball or losing in football or losing in soccer, it was always a great day to be a Dreadnaught. I heard we won something in swimming, but its swimming so no one can remember. We do really well in the sports that no one seems to know about. On a side note, congratulations to the track team, pole vaults, golf team, water polo team, equestrian team, debate, newspaper staff, forensics, and marching band. Sorry if I forgot your team. You have no idea the research I did to find that (information).

Graduation is a time to say goodbye and move on to the rest of our lives. Lynn Metz is going to discover sustainable renewable energy. Jake Haviland will probably become a toy maker. Holly Clegg will be a doctor. Taylor Neely will be a Nobel Peace Prize winner. Mark Brown will be devilishly good looking no matter what he does and Alex Mortensen will be a hell raising dictator who will lead us into the next world war... because if one thing is true Class of 12, or Class of 3 times 4, yes I listened in Ms. Day’s algebra class, it is that we are here to shock the world.

I can say that I look forward to seeing everyone again in five to 10 years when I am much smarter, wealthier and better looking than I am now. This isn’t goodbye Dexter Class of 2012. This is, I’ll see you soon, and I hopefully once I’ve got my life in order.