Jyah Alexander-Clark: "It Takes a Village"

by Jya Alexander-Clark, Secretary of the Class of 2021

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Congratulations Class of 2021. I can’t believe we have finally made it to where we have wanted to be for so long. However, graduation is not the end; it is only the beginning. 

But--  before we can begin the next chapter, it is important to remember all those who have helped us along the way. There’s an old, familiar African proverb that states:  “It takes a village to raise a child.”  When they say this, they really mean it.  It -- takes -- a -- village! 

Thank you to the families who supported us,

the teachers who pushed us 

and so many others who have helped us, 

who listened to us, 

who hugged us 

and who reminded us that our value is immeasurable.    

I’d like to share this quote from Oprah, “Your life journey is about learning to become MORE of who you are and fulfilling the highest -- truest expression of yourself as a human being. It is GOOD to have a journey towards the end, but it is the journey that MATTERS in the end.”

Graduates:  You are about to embark on this new adventure. 

Don’t rush it. 

Enjoy every moment. 

The past 18 years have already flown by in the blink of an eye.

Take a moment -- THIS moment -- to take it all in.  

I wish you all the best of luck. Take everything you’ve learned here and take it with you wherever you go. LCCTC will always be a part of who you are.  Of who WE are. 

Forever and always, we are the Class of 2021.