Valedictorian Speech

******* As most of you know, Pride’s Tribute passed away last November.
I, Michelle Balfay, wrote an article in honor of him and it was published in several Walking Horse newsletters, as well as Voice Magazine. The following is an excerpt from my Valedictorian speech, given in May 2008, in which I also discussed Tribute and his impact on my life.**********

This past year, I lost a very close friend —one that always stood by me and never let me down. I found more friendship in this four-legged creature than I have found in many people. To others, he was just a horse, but to me, Tribute was so much more than that. The bond that I had with him and the lessons that he taught me are ones that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. These lessons are so valuable to me that I have chosen to share one of them with you today.

The realm of showing horses is one of fierce competition. Just like in any other sport or contest, competitors want to win—to beat every one else, to be called the “best.” Of course, I entered every competition hoping to claim the blue ribbon prize. It was an honor that I was fortunate to receive several times. The times that I did not win first place, however, were always somewhat disappointing. I put so much pressure on myself to be “the best” that I did not take the time to enjoy the true pleasure of the sport. One night, after not winning the blue ribbon that I had wanted so badly, I thought about what constituted a winner. Why did I insist on being the best? It was then that I realized the silliness of it all. Tribute and I had a very special bond—one that was priceless, one that no amount of blue ribbons could replace. From then on, I began to view competitions through a different perspective. I began to ride Tribute not just to win, but because it was my passion. It was what I loved to do. No matter what color ribbon I won, the thrill of the ride was the true victory for me.

It’s funny how much a horse can teach you. This attitude that I developed in the equestrian competitions began to apply to other aspects of my life, most especially the classroom. Ever since my arrival at the Brook Hill School in fifth grade, I have strived to be the star student. In fact, the little girl that I was eight years ago dreamed of someday standing on this very stage and giving this speech. Again, I wanted to be “the best”—to have the highest GPA. This desire often caused me to be competitive. However, when this attitude began to arise, I thought again about what constituted a winner and what my purpose was in the classroom. I began to excel, not just for recognition, but because studying and learning were my passion.  I wanted to succeed, to make my parents proud, to be the best—not better than everyone else, but the best that I could be. I realized that the only person I had to compete with was me and I strived to constantly improve at all of my endeavors. Being a winner no longer meant the highest GPA or the blue ribbon prize, but it meant the feeling of contentment that came from my hard work and dedicated efforts.

Fellow seniors, I share this personal information with you to offer encouragement and propose a challenge. After today, you are entering a world of competition, whether it is competing to get into the college of your choice or competing for the job of your dreams. Whatever you pursue, though, I encourage you to pursue it because it is your passion. So many people pursue what brings them money, popularity, or glory. I urge you to not be one of those people. Pursue what you love to do and pursue it for that very reason. You may not be a millionaire or appear on the cover of a magazine. However, the inner contentment that you achieve from doing what you love is priceless. This contentment is worth more than any material thing you could ever acquire.

Corinthians 10:31 commands, “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Every student sitting here today represents the future. Sitting here in their caps and gowns are future entrepreneurs, teachers, lawyers, and, as scary as it may be to think about, doctors. Whatever path you choose to take, follow it in a manner that is pleasing to God. Avoid the greed, temptation, and competitive nature that many adults so often succumb to. The world is full of evil and we must be prepared to fight it off. Thus, I encourage you today to decide who you want to be and how you want to live your life. Set goals and standards that will not waver when the world tries to pull you down.

1 Peter 4:10 commands that “Every one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.”Everyone has a talent and a passion—something that they love to do. Pursue that passion—not to impress others or to be called “the best”, but to serve God. He is not impressed by money or glory. The one who has millions has merely temporary comfort, but the one who lives to pursue his passion and serve God will have everlasting contentment, for, as my horse Tribute taught me, it is not necessarily the outcome or the rewards we achieve, but the “thrill of the ride” that is the true victory!

May you all be blessed with a safe and wonderful August, and one more thing….pray for rain and cooler weather!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!