An Open Letter to “The Trouble Class”

How many times have we heard something like this:

“Kids are so much different now!”

“So much worse!”

“Back in my day…”

We’ve been told since the beginning that our class is the class to watch out for. The trouble class. The class that can’t do anything right, that ruins traditions, and wreaks havoc.

It’s hard, over time, not to let that message get under our skin. When the adults of our community show such apparent disdain for us as a group of people, we start to believe what they say. Maybe we are the trouble class, who’s to say?

On our graduation day, it’s time to finally shake that off. When we walk across that stage, we deserve to walk with pride; heads up, shoulders back, hearts light (with Landon-esque poise).

As a class, we deserve to be recognized for what we really are: dedicated athletes, performers, loving friends, adventurers, book lovers, artists, inventors, musicians, creators, hard workers, party goers, and leaders.

We are a class of individuals, with strengths and flaws and a million different qualities; we deserve something more than the broadest of brushes to paint us with. We have done so much, and we have brought so much life and talent and friendship through the halls of CHS and the streets of Chelmsford.

We’re scattering now, and it’s sad because something big and important is coming to an end. But the futures ahead of us are so bright, and we can’t wait to see what lies in store for this class.

— — —

“You see us as you want to see us — in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain… and an athlete… and a basket case… a princess… and a criminal. Does that answer your question?”