26 • GRADUATION 2020 • KEMPER ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL • THE MERIDIAN STAR
JESSICA PULIVARTHI
Valedictorian
Welcome esteemed guests, members of the
community, staff, family, friends, and fellow graduates.
Thank you all for your support during this crucial time.
My name is Jessica Pulivarthi and I am honored to be
representing the class of 2020 today. I am happy to say
the unbelievable has happened. By God’s grace, everybody
in our class is graduating! I am beyond astonished that we
have made it this far.
Due to Covid-19, we are unable to share these
last few precious moments together but our bond as a
class perseveres through these difficult times. When I first
came to KA as a freshman, I was unaware of the many
adventures that would lie ahead. From throwing paper
towel rolls in class to breaking door frames, our class is
definitely one of a kind. My condolences to Bill and Trever
for taking more than one for the team. My only regret is
leaving Skully behind. (For those of you who don’t know,
that’s the anatomical skeleton in Mrs. Cumberland’s
room.)
As we climb aboard this crazy train called life, I can’t
help but remember those who have helped and inspired
me through the years. At the start of the freshman school
year, I can clearly remember the thirteen-year-old nervous
and frightful Jessica entering the KA building for the first
time. Coach Pete, the former headmaster, welcomed me
in his office and assured me that the next four years
were going to be a wonderful time filled with hard working
teachers, comforting friends, and crazy classmates. He
was right. Kemper Academy became not only my school
but my family. Mr. Chris was always there to lend an ear
and took care of me like one of his own. Mrs. Brown, who
was one of the first teachers I met, was frightening at first
but proved to be an outstanding teacher. Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Anna were always there when I needed help with speeches as well
as essays. My writing skills wouldn’t have made it this far without them. Our headmistress, Mrs. Waters, always took care of
us as a class. She was harsh to us during the right moments and showered us with affection when we needed it most. Lastly, I
would like to mention the teacher who has made the biggest impact on me and inspired me to continue working hard to pursue
my goals in life - Mrs. Cumberland. She has always tried her best to teach us and while I believe that many people have an unfair
opinion of her, I assure you that she is one of the most diligent and warm-hearted people you will ever meet. She always said I
needed a microphone for anyone to be able to hear me. Well, Mrs. Cumberland, I finally got one.
I would also like to mention my family and friends who have been by my side throughout my time here at Kemper
Academy. My mother has worked exceptionally hard to give me a good education and has never faltered to support me. My
friends were always there for me and have never failed to cheer me up during hard times.
In the past, we have all experienced various feelings of tiredness, boredom, anger, sadness, happiness, and more.
Despite all the odds, we have continually gotten back up and I have no doubt we will continue to rise up to reach our goals in life.
Even though our senior year came to an abrupt end, I am confident enough to say that this is not the end, only the beginning.
The sun has set for our senior year of high school, but it has risen for the rest of our lives.
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