Pictured here are Addison Trail seniors Mateo Gomez (left) and Enzo Ciaccia, who will address almost 500 of their classmates during Addison Trail’s 56th commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 22. Both seniors won the school’s annual graduation-speech, chosen by a panel of judges.
Addison Trail seniors Mateo Gomez (left) and Enzo Ciaccia will address nearly 500 of their classmates as the student graduation speakers during Addison Trail’s 56th commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 22.
Ciaccia and Gomez entered the school’s annual graduation-speech competition and were selected as this year’s winners by a panel of judges.
More about Enzo Ciaccia
Title of your speech: “The Value of Time”
Summary of your speech: “My speech is a nostalgic piece that focuses on reflection, using your time wisely and the importance of living in the moment.”
Lessons/advice you hope to share with your peers through your speech:
“I hope my speech reminds my classmates that every moment has the possibility of becoming a memory. I hope they’re inspired to stay present and to focus on what’s going on now, right in front of us.”
What does it mean to you to be a speaker during the commencement ceremony and to represent the class of 2022?
“It’s very exciting and special. I really wanted a final opportunity to be on the stage at Addison Trail, and this is an amazing way to close out my high school career.”
Involvement at Addison Trail: Founding member of the student news channel, AT News; Member of Theatre; Member of Italian Club; Member of the Superintendent Student Advisory Committee; President of Student Council; Member of the Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) program, which strives to prepare students to recognize and learn from the diversity around them.
How Addison Trail has supported you:
“The staff members at Addison Trail have taught me what I’m capable of achieving. They saw potential in me and helped me accomplish things I never thought possible. I’m incredibly thankful to my parents and all the staff at Addison Trail.”
Your future plans:
“I plan to attend Indiana University Bloomington to pursue a major in business marketing and a minor in English. My goal is to then attend law school.”
More about Mateo Gomez
Title of your speech: “AT … Where Inclusivity Leads to Success”
Summary of your speech:
“My speech is about my personal journey and story and how Addison Trail and the Addison community provided opportunities and resources to help me reach my goals. I also discuss the true definition of success and what it really means.”
Lessons/advice you hope to share with your peers through your speech:
“I hope my classmates see that being successful isn’t about money or material items – it’s about helping others and being the best version of yourself. I hope they’re inspired that if I can get to where I am today, anyone can – all it takes is effort, responsibility and hard work.”
What does it mean to you to be a speaker during the commencement ceremony and to represent the class of 2022?
“When I emigrated from Colombia and came to the U.S. at 13 years old as a freshman, I didn’t speak any English and had to quickly adjust to a new language and culture. I remember watching a student speak during my freshman year and telling my English Learner (EL) teacher, “That’s going to be me one day. I’m going to give a speech to my peers.” And she responded, “I have no doubt you will.” To reach that goal and to be named as one of the student graduation speakers means the world to me.”
Involvement at Addison Trail: Vice President of National Honor Society (NHS); Vice President of Student Council; Lieutenant Governor of Key Club; Founding member/host of the student news channel, AT News; Member of Italian Club; Member of Theatre; Member of the Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) program, which strives to prepare students to recognize and learn from the diversity around them; Honorary member of ATtribute (Addison Trail’s yearbook); Co-captain of the Boys Soccer Team; Member of the Superintendent Student Advisory Committee.
How Addison Trail has supported you:
“I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am without all of the staff members at Addison Trail – from the teachers (especially my EL teachers), to the cafeteria workers to the maintenance crew. I also must thank God and my parents for their support.”
Your future plans:
“I plan to attend Elmhurst University to pursue a double major in international business and business administration and a minor in finance. I also will play on the Men’s Soccer Team and work at State Farm.”
