Valedictorian of Aquinas Academy in Hampton inspires Class of ’23

As a prelude to her May 27 valedictory address, Hampton resident Maryam Bou Samra provided a disclaimer for her classmates:

“If you think you see me crying at any point when I give my speech, I’m definitely not. It’s probably just something in my eye.”

Other members of the Class of 2023 at Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh in Hampton gave a cheerful acknowledgement. And as she predicted, Maryam paused quite a few times as she proceeded, with the “something in my eye” perhaps being of the teary sort.

Her words, though, resonated with those who gathered in the school gymnasium for commencement, as befitting a student who earned a 4.5 grade-point average in high school and is going on to study at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

“Because of all of you, I have learned so much more than I imagined I ever would at the beginning of freshman year,” she told her 29 fellow graduates. “From my time here, through all these little interactions, I’ve learned how to communicate, to problem solve, to build meaningful friendships and, most importantly, how to love.

“I really do love you guys, each and every one.”

There went another something in her eyes.

“So when we go out into the world, I want you and really everyone gathered here today to remember you are not alone, and you never will be alone,” Maryam said. “Every word you have said to someone, everything you have done, has left a little piece of you with them. You are with everyone all the time.”

She imparted advice toward a meaningful future:

“It is often a sentiment given to graduates that you should go out and change the world. This may seem like a lofty goal, but it is really quite attainable. If you take one thing away from this speech, just care. I want you to care, about everything and everyone. Appreciate things for what they are. Appreciate people for who they are.

“If you care, it is evident in everything you do,” she continued. “If you simply care, it is impossible to not affect the world and the people in it for the better. Too many people just skimp on by in life on the coattails of apathy. You are all better than that. I know you are.”

Maryam acknowledged her various nicknames, plus sundry activities by which people know her, since starting at Aquinas Academy in sixth grade.

“But there is one thing I want you to remember me as: your friend. I am so excited for you all to grow up. I know you’ll be great, and you will do great things. I am truly, from the bottom of my heart, so happy for you to be adults,” she said, with that something in her eyes periodically interrupting her progress.

“And I’m so happy that we got to be kids together.”

Joining her as a member of the Class of 2023 is salutatorian Samuel Buchanan, who delivered the closing prayer for commencement. Others are:

Kian Buchanan, Cecilia Burchill, JohnPaul Calvino, Henry Catanzarite, Michael Cerny, Nicolas Cheddar, Vincent Cugini, Liam Ellis, Oliver Flynn, Hunter Harrison, Joseph Heller, Isabella Hite, Nicole Jerich, Madelyn Kelly, Emma McGinley, Elon McKernan, Kayleigh McMann, Julia Meland, Veronica Mylott, Theodore Noethling V, Thomas Quinn, Mia Russell, Francis Serrao, Palma Serrao, Naomi Solomond, Benjamin Tarquinio, Jude Truschel and Sarah White.