Today, The DAILY LEADER continues its publication ofvaledictorian and salutatorian speeches from the Class of 2011.Today’s address is from Haley Ainsworth, West Lincoln AttendanceCenter valedictorian.

If you were asked to name the five wealthiest people in theworld, do you think you could? How about the last five winners ofthe Miss America pageant? Or 10 people who have won the Nobelprize? Now, consider these questions. Who are a few teachers whohave aided your journey throughout school? Three friends who havehelped you through a difficult time? Or five people who have taughtyou something worthwhile?

When asked these questions myself, I found the second set mucheasier to answer.

The point is, none of us really remember the headlines ofyesterday; even though, at the time, it seemed to be veryimportant. These people are, in fact, the best in their field, butthe applause dies, awards tarnish and achievements are eventuallyforgotten.

The people who make a difference in your life are not the oneswith the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. Theyare the ones that care. Several of us have received various awardsand certificates this week. Although these will be treasured in theyears to come, they could never take the place of the relationshipsthat accompany them.

I am proud to say that the people of West Lincoln do care andthat being at West Lincoln has influenced my life tremendously. Ihave had teachers and faculty who have been more than glad to helpme in the classroom as well as outside the classroom. I have hadcoaches who have impacted my life on the field and off. And I havemade friends that I will never forget.

I want to thank all of the teachers, faculty, coaches andfriends as well as the parents and families who have supported usall. I would also like to thank my church family for all the thingsthey have done for me throughout my life. Most importantly, I wouldlike to thank God for all of His guidance and all of the blessingsHe has given each of us.

I would like to direct this last part to my classmates.

We have all been together for a long time now, most of us sincekindergarten. We have had our ups and downs and in betweens, butwe’ve always managed to work it out somehow.

We have been there to watch each other grow from children intoyoung adults. We’ve helped each other to become the people we aretoday, and we have all become so close that I consider youfamily.

I wish each of you the best of luck in the future. I hope thatyou become everything you have ever wanted to become and more.

If I had one simple piece of advice to offer each and every oneof you, it would be to strive to do your best in all that you doand to have a dream and go for it, even if it seems out of reach.It is amazing the things that become possible that were oncethought to be impossible. We may be going in many differentdirections, but we will always remember each other and forever bethe Graduating Class of 2011.

Haley Ainsworth is the daughter of Jeff and RobinAinsworth.