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Hundreds of successful graduates at Tyler Legacy High School are paving the way for those who will come after them, valedictorian Kawsar Yasin said.

As the 476 seniors prepared to receive their high school diplomas on Saturday night at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium, Yasin recognized each of them and their efforts to get to this day. But she wanted to specifically speak to those who may have had a more difficult journey.

“Some of us didn’t expect this day to come, so I want to be one of the first to recognize the efforts of those who had to work 10 times harder to be here today,” Yasin told her fellow graduates. “You are ending generational cycles throughout your entire journey … (Your success) paves the way for others like you to follow. The impact that creates can’t even be measured … You open the door of possibility, not just for yourself but for everyone who will come after you.”

Yasin said “the American Dream means paying back” families and ancestors who worked hard to provide the opportunity for them to graduate high school.

Salutatorian Zoe Strain spoke to graduates about their long journey to get to graduation, including the everchanging years of their high school career. From construction and a new name to a pandemic and virtual schooling, they experienced a lot of changes.

Tyler ISD Board President Wade Washmon said the Class of 2022’s ability to adapt and thrive under such conditions will carry them far in life.

“You will benefit from your high school experience, I have no doubt,” Washmon said. “People who can adapt to change and have a great attitude about it are highly sought after in the business world … You’ve had four years of on-the-job training.”

Also at the ceremony, late senior Lilly Thornburgh was remembered. Thornburgh passed away in January and “left the world too soon,” Yasin said, but her joyful spirit continues to live on.

Legacy’s graduating class earned a total of more than $22.5 million in scholarships.