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Valedictorian speaks on popularity, compares "Wicked"
Little Elm High School Valedictorian Zachary Sherburn gives his graduation speech to his fellow classmates last Saturday at commencement, charging them with remembering the importance of being who they are. Kelsey Kruzich/Staff photo
By Emily Hill, ehill@starlocalnews.com
Little Elm ISD administration, staff and parents watched with pride as over 300 Little Elm High School graduates walked the stage during commencement last Saturday at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano.
Valedictorian Zachary Sherburn spoke to his fellow graduates about the importance of individuality and staying true to one's self. He compared his peers to Elphaba, a character from Gregory Maguire's "Wicked" who fights "through the hatred and jealousy of her own classmates, desperately searching for acceptance and a chance to let her true colors shine."
Like the green-skinned Elphaba, Sherburn compares, each of his peers have had to deal with popularity and judgment for being unique.
"No matter what direction you follow regarding your goals and aspirations, there will always be someone encouraging you from the sideline or working alongside of you and your vision, just as long as you stay true to you."
Sherburn is the son of Andrea and Keith Koppenhaver and James Sherburn. During his academic career, Sherburn was involved in the National Honor Society, the Spanish National Honor Society, the Little Elm High School Band, and the Gay-Straight Alliance.
He has been an A Honor Roll student since starting school, and was also named winner of the "President's Own" U.S. Marine Band Concerto Competition, allowing him to perform his solo with the distinguished musicians. Sherburn plans to attend Eastman School of Music in New York, majoring in music performance.
Salutatorian Emily Bowlin also gave her remarks to her fellow students. Bowlin is the daughter of Jim and Deborah Bowlin. She was in the National Honor Society as the vice president and the LEHS Lobo Band where she was a drum major.
Bowlin plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin where she will be majoring in pre-law.
In his last remarks, Sherburn encouraged his classmates to remember who they are as they go their separate ways after graduation.
"So after all the parties, the after parties and everything in between, I hope the one thing each of you take from today is the importance of being you," Sherburn said. "We are a group of over 300 graduates who will fill the positions of over 300 different jobs in over 300 different cities nationwide and maybe even worldwide. But whatever true success you encounter will only result from your dedication to yourself."
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