One Shot to Fly

by Aaron Liu, Class of 2026 Valedictorian, Eastside Catholic School

As a kid, I longed to fly. I wanted to sprout wings and soar like the birds. As you all may have guessed, that dream never came true.

When I first heard the story of Icarus, I took away a different moral. I was amazed that he had the courage, the freedom and the will to chase his dreams, never letting go even as he fell.

Class of 2026, as we reflect on these past four years, I want everyone to think back on a dream you've accomplished. Any goal, big or small—that sense of pride and accomplishment is unlike anything else. As we depart here today, I urge each and every one of you to chase your dreams with unrelenting passion. Never let those dreams go.

We get one shot to live this life.

Chase your dreams, surround yourself with people who will support them, and push yourself until you have no other option but to succeed. Because if you don't, you'll never have another chance.

But no dream is accomplished alone. The people beside you make all the difference, and I'd like to take a moment to thank those who helped me chase mine.

To my family, thank you for providing me with countless opportunities to find my passions and for supporting me no matter what I did.

To my teachers, thank you for teaching me to be curious and to love the process of learning.

To my friends—whether through support, relentless teasing or simply being people I looked up to—you pushed me to be the best version of myself.

And finally, to my girlfriend, Lucy, who, through all the ups and downs, has always been there for me: Thank you for celebrating every success and for always believing in me.

Just as Icarus spent his last moments fulfilling his dreams, I urge you all to find your "flight" and never let go.