If there’s one thing I’ve learned from movies, it’s that “with great power comes great responsibility.” As kids, that sounds like it’s only about superheroes saving the world. But as I got older, I realized it applies to us too. The knowledge we gain and the choices we make all come with responsibility.

Throughout high school, I had the opportunity to take college courses and challenge myself in ways I never expected. There were moments when I was overwhelmed and questioning why I signed up for another hard class. In the moment, I probably hated every assignment and every late night spent studying. But looking back now, I wouldn’t regret a minute of it. Those experiences taught me how to manage my time, adapt to pressure, and, more importantly, trust myself.

And I know many of us can relate. High school wasn’t always easy. We all had moments of doubt or times when we felt lost without anyone really noticing. But even then, we kept going. Sometimes success isn’t about big accomplishments—it’s just showing up, getting through the day, and pushing forward anyway. Those small victories are what got us here tonight.

Here I am, valedictorian, about to graduate, and somehow the best way I can describe this moment is Spider-Man. And thanks to Mr. Howard, it connects back to something called the hero’s journey.

In every version of it, someone ordinary is called into something bigger than themselves. They don’t feel ready. They doubt themselves. They struggle. But they move forward anyway—and along the way, they become who they’re meant to be.

And honestly, that’s where we are right now. Graduation is that moment where the familiar ends and something unknown begins. Not everyone is ready. But maybe no one ever really is at the start.

As we move forward, we’ll face new responsibilities and challenges without the structure we’ve always had. No teachers giving you multiple chances to turn your work in. No parents reminding you to get your chores done. It’s all on you now.

So as we leave this chapter behind, remember: you don’t have to have everything figured out. Growth comes from taking chances, learning from failure, and continuing forward anyway.

And while we may not have the ability to shoot webs or climb up walls, we do have the ability to make an impact through our choices and how we treat others. So take the leap, embrace what’s ahead, and be proud of how far you’ve already come.

Because this is only the beginning of our story.