A Message from the Class of 2020: Graduation Speaker Lucia Pechloff, DSHA '20
BY LUCIA PECHLOFF, DSHA '20
Three young women from the DSHA Class of 2020 will be speaking to their class, family, and loved ones at graduation. They have each decided a to write a letter to commemorate their DSHA experience and those who have been a part of it.
Class of 2020 Valedictorians Two young women from the DSHA Class of 2020 have earned the opportunity to speak at graduation as class valedictorians. Anna Klempay, DSHA ’20, and Lucia Pechloff, DSHA ’20, have worked diligently for four years toward holding the highest unweighted GPA in their class —an impressive 4.02 — while taking a minimum of four AP/accelerated/dual-credit/honors classes, as well as exhibiting good behavior.
Lucia Pechloff, DSHA '20 Class of 2020 Valedictorian Marquette University, Class of 2024 Area of study: Pre-law
Dear Class of 2020,
It is the year 2016. Leaves gracefully fall from the trees, and they softly crunch under your shoes as you walk across the pavement. You carefully adjust the straps of your backpack and smooth out your new plaid skirt. You are about to begin your freshman year, and your heart trembles with anticipation. The unknown may make you feel anxious and scared, but I want you to know that you will become more confident in yourself with each passing day. I am here to help guide you as you begin this new chapter of your life at Divine Savior Holy Angels.
Be true to who you are! Let your opinions and values in life help show you the way when making decisions. Be honest with yourself, and do not change your appearance or personality in an attempt to please those around you. You are strong, smart, and capable of achieving anything and everything. Love yourself and be kind to yourself, for you are enough.
I ask you to be open to new experiences even if they seem intimidating at first. Do not be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. The activities you join and opportunities you pursue may spark something within you and lead you to explore different possibilities. Find yourself. Find what makes you feel passionate. Find what grants you happiness.
Attending high school also allows you to branch out and foster lifelong friendships. Even though picking a seat in the cafeteria may seem frightening as you maneuver through a crowd of unknown faces, do not get discouraged. Take a chance! Be brave and sit next to someone! Use each moment as a way to start conversations, laugh, smile, and talk about the silliest of things. Who knows? The person that you eat lunch with today may end up becoming one of your closest friends tomorrow!
Know that you are not alone! We are all facing our own challenges and insecurities and can lean on each other for comfort. Do not hesitate to reach out to your families, your teachers, and your classmates. They want the best for you and are there to support you. All you have to do is ask.
When in doubt, I hope that you keep these suggestions in mind. Remember that you will always be able to conquer your fears and persevere. You are what makes this world beautiful!