Lane McVey is a three year senior from Bronxville, New York. Lane plays Varsity Field Hockey and was a Captain of Varsity Lacrosse this year. She will attend Colby College the fall.
I put off writing this speech many times over the past few weeks because I didn’t know how to capture everything we’ve experienced at Choate. There are so many students, teachers, and experiences in general that have made my time here unforgettable. So, I’ve chosen some highlights from my three amazing years to explain how Choate has helped me become the person I am today.
There are many people who have contributed to my success and happiness at Choate. First and foremost, there are my friends, who have always been there for me. You girls have made me laugh, made me cry, made me happy, and made me mad, and overall, I know that every one of you had a positive influence on me. Some of my favorite memories are Botina’s prank calls, watching P-cup, going to the waterfall (although this is where it gets fuzzy- something about a beached whale?), and spending many nights in the Lewis kitchen just talking. These are just some of the millions of memories I have with you girls, thank you for always making it fun.
Then there is the faculty at Choate. Your dedication to the student body has undoubtedly made this school what it is today, so thank you. Mr. Stowe, thank you for allowing Connor and me to be lab partners, you started something great. Ms. Homan, sorry you had to catch us breaking co-ed, you can blame Mr. Stowe. To my advisors, deans, and teachers, I appreciate your flexibility and openness.
Athletics have definitely contributed to my growth at Choate. Playing on teams has provided me with so many laughs and memories. More importantly, these teams have taught me responsibility and leadership, two qualities that I know will come in handy later in life. What I love most is that Choate sports aren’t always serious! Take thirds squash, for example. I remember spending most practices sitting on the courts gossiping, or having heart to hearts with Zoe Gorman. We even convinced Murgio to give us Fridays off so we could help Zoe start her juggling club!
Playing an equal role in my progress at Choate are extracurriculars. Being a member of a club is rewarding, too. For everyone who reads The Press, we generally don’t care if the articles are poorly written or how bad the jokes are, the point is, we have fun doing it. I always look forward to Press nights, knowing it is a quick break from reality to just hang out, and get filled in on the gossip, of course. Also, I cannot tell you how much I have learned from Choate’s Young Republicans…I apologize to the club for knowing almost nothing about politics! (I’m just here to make the t-shirts, right Beek?) The point is, do something worthwhile in your free time, join a club, and if there aren’t any you like, start one.
Finally, there is one aspect of Choate that has made this experience different from so many other high schools in the country, and that aspect is living in a dorm. I now have a new understanding of personal space, sharing a kitchen, living with best friends, living with strangers, and living with freedom. I was lucky to live with two best friends, but also with so many others interesting people. I know that in college next year we won’t get nearly the same experience, so, seniors take a moment in our last week to appreciate this place.
To finish off my speech today, I want to share what I think are five important things to remember as a student at Choate:
1. Confide in your friends. High school is even more difficult when you keep your feelings bottled up, and a good friend will always be willing to talk it out.
2. Show school spirit. Be proud of Choate and everything it stands for.
3. Don’t regret your mistakes. Trust me, someone somewhere has done worse.
4. Don’t let the pressure get to you. In the grand scheme of life, failing an exam or not making varsity really doesn’t matter!
5. If someone “accidentally” pushes you into a brick wall, you can rely on Doc to take care of it.
