To the Class of 2022,

It has been an absolutely amazing and humbling experience to grow up alongside you all. I feel blessed to have gone to school in the Alden community and develop bonds and friendships with so many wonderful human beings.

The road to graduation was not easy, but we finally have arrived. From graduating kindergarten, to moving up to the middle school (we had more than one teacher- ahhh!), and then the 8th grade class trip, freshman orientation, online learning during quarantine, senior skip day, the senior class trip, the parade of graduates… all of it has been leading up to this one special day. Make sure you take it all in on June 24th, for it’s the last time many of us will be together in one place.

I know we’re all grateful for each other, our parents, teachers and anyone else who has guided us through our education at Alden. But never forget to remind them of your gratitude.

WACS gave me an outlet in high school to tune into my creativity and obsession with storytelling. From a young age, I always wanted to be the first to report about the latest news. So, sophomore year I was a reporter and covered any news stories I was asked of. Junior year, with the help of Mr. Dabkowski, I realized that my passion was within the media and highlighting the underdogs and unrecognized organizations and events. This past year in WACS has been a whirlwind, and I enjoyed every moment of it. I was able to design a new logo, continue my social media designing, photograph sports and events, and try my best to be a positive and inspiring storyteller.

I’ll end this with my senior quote, a quote by Maya Angelou. She said, “My wish for you is that you continue… continue to astonish the world with your acts of kindness.” Throughout my years in Alden, the biggest lesson I have learned is that with hard work and a kind heart, you can accomplish great things. It’s something we’re all more than capable of.

Thank you all, for everything.

Much love, Ray Tryka