Sowing the Seeds of Love
By Me! Miss Aiedail.
Summary: "There are so many things about Degrassi that I will always remember." Liberty Van Zandt's valedictorian speech.
Story title is from a song by Tears for Fears.
Enjoy! And Review.
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"There are so many things about Degrassi that I will always remember."
She'd waited for this day for so long, prepared for it since Ms. Hatzilakos had named her Valedictorian in early May.
"When I think back to my high school years, I will remember them as full of friendship, love, support, fun, and mostly, humor."
So many crumpled papers tossed on the floor, the earliest drafts of her speech. She'd blended the best together, made a perfect speech about working hard to achieve goals.
"Which brings me to another topic. As you know, one person could not be here today to accept his diploma because he was killed by a student from Lakehurst High School. His name was J.T. Yorke."
She took a deep breath as she said his name, finally accepting the word "was" in front of it.
She still remembered. Even today, under her cap and gown, she wore an exact copy of the green dress from her birthday, the one he'd said made der her look beautiful.
"So what does that have to do with humor? 'Humor' was one of J.T.'s first words, his last word, and it was used so many times in between. J.T. Yorke was the very definition of the word, and the exact way we should be living our lives. He brought out the absolute best in everyone and didn't get caught up in the negatives."
When she gotten to school, she'd realized her speech sucked. It didn't connect with the students, it wouldn't be something they would remember, it wasn't even about Degrassi!
"Everything was a positive to him, and he let insults roll right off his shoulders. J.T. Yorke made us all laugh and I'm sure he is in most of our best Degrassi memories."
So she'd hurriedly comoposed a new one in the ten minutes before she was to read the speech out loud, not even checking to edit or look it over.
"So when you remember Degrassi, when you're looking back, let go of the negatives."
But as she read the words off the crumpled napkin, she felt like she'd been practicing her whole life.
"Don't focus on what went wrong during the year."
She was proud to read this speech.
"Don't hold anything against anyone."
This was what Degrassi was about.
"Remember instead all the times someone gave you a hug."
Letting go of the past.
"Remember every single time someone made you smile."
Ignoring the future.
"Most important, remember the times you laughed, and continue to laugh in the future."
And embracing the present.
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So! What'd ya think? Review and let me know.
