Agoura valedictorian leaves classmates inspired

Zac Byer, one of 12 valedictorians honored at Agoura High School's graduation ceremony last week, presented a moving speech to the Class of 2006 and the many families and friends in attendance.

To earn the honor of valedictorian, students must complete numerous honors and advanced placement tests, and end their eighth semester of high school with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 4.2. Byer's final GPA was 4.3, he said.

For Byer, the end of high school was typically bittersweet.

"Today will be the last time we're all together, the last memory we will be able to collectively make as the Agoura High School Class of 2006," he said.

Byer recalled high school moments that will forever be etcheinto his memory. "The fallout oSept. 11th. . . losing a fellow classmate as sophomores. . . he firsday of senior year prom in SantBarbara. "Only in high school can yoshare such experiences with 50other people your own age," Byesaid.

The senior class leaves witfeelings of "apprehension" and "uneasiness," he said.

Balance was Byer's recommendation to his classmates. He called for each student to discover a "middle ground" that allows reflection on past experiences with family and friends while discovering unique ways to contribute to society.

"(A) middle ground that allows us to reflect on our past experiences with our families and friends and the time we spent at Agoura High School. A middle ground where we can be honest with the choices we will make throughout our lives," he said.

Byer urged his classmates to "accomplish the unthinkable," such as curing cancer, ending poverty and healing the environment.

"Yes, these are audacious tasks, but they are certainly worthy of our best, most concerted efforts," Byer said.