Success reimagined

For the past 13 years, I have been typing the same four-digit number into my computer: 2025. Back then, it felt like it was miles away, but somehow, here we are, standing together as the Class of 2025.

For those who do not know me, I’m Lillie Hoffman, the valedictorian of this incredible class. And while many believe that success is the key to getting here, I want to challenge what “success” really means.

YOU get to choose what success looks like for you; it doesn’t come with a universal checklist. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. It doesn’t need to impress anyone but you.

So much pressure is put on our future, this future, whether it comes from parents, peers or ourselves. But the power to define what success looks like? That belongs to you.

Because success isn’t one-size-fits-all. It isn’t the same for everyone. And it shouldn’t be,  success is not similar. Success can look ordinary or extraordinary. It can be quiet or loud. But it’s always real if it’s true to you. And I know from first-hand experience that this room is filled with success, from this school, SLCSD, America’s School.

Take Jennie Gutierrez — Jennie’s journey definitely hasn’t been easy, but her faith, love for family, and relentless work ethic have shaped her into a strong, self-aware leader. From providing for her family to breaking barriers as a Latina student leader in Speech and RISE, she is proof that strength can be quiet, steady and full of heart.

Alejandro Flores — a proud first-generation scholar with dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer. He states, “I aspire to be an architect of change, creating a better world, through blueprints and innovation.” His goal? To design tools that protect hardworking people like his parents.

Raul Rebollo — Raul is a first-generation high school graduate. Just six years ago, he moved to the United States and learned English. In the future, he wants a wife, a baby and a beautiful house, and he plans on working at Rembrandt Foods. He believes that earning a diploma equals more opportunities in his future.

Or Hannah Taylor — your salutatorian. Hannah was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of eight. She writes, “What once seemed like a purely negative experience has become a powerful source of motivation.” She has balanced school, sports and work with strength and compassion. She’s pursuing a career in pediatric oncology to keep giving back.

Belinda Ornelas-Gonzalez — Despite the challenges of teenage motherhood, she returned to school, applied to college and is now pursuing a career as an RN or pediatrician. Her strength and determination are a powerful reminder that success is about perseverance, purpose and love.

How about Iker Gomez — Not only your homecoming king, soccer captain or Senior Assassin Victor, but a scholar. This fall, he will be attending Iowa State with free tuition and an additional $20,000 through his dedication to his studies. But his success is not for himself but for his family. He states, “I want to give my family back everything they gave me.”

Luis Nery Reyes — also a first-generation high school graduate. He has worked throughout high school and balanced work, family and school. His success … being able to do his best for his family. He writes, “[A] diploma is a stepping stone to help you reach bigger goals.” He plans to enter the food industry workforce.

Lisette Luna — a natural leader who aspires to be the CEO of a company one day. Her proudest achievement? Never giving up, no matter what life threw at her. Besides graduating from Iowa Central Community College LAST YEAR, she has also started the Interact Club to mentor eighth graders, helping them build skills for high school.

Charlie Dvergsten — Charlie lost his mom due to cancer our sophomore year of high school. A huge loss to the community and a detrimental loss to his family. But even to this day, Charlie calls his mom his greatest role model. He has been a state athlete in both golf and basketball, as well as a phenomenal baseball and football athlete; he hopes to become a dentist.

Emma Dierking — your previous class president and current student body president. She has consistently used her voice for good, even when it meant standing alone. Emma has faced criticism with courage, and she is not done yet — her next step: fighting for justice as a future lawyer.

Christopher Romero — Although he does not have parents by his side, he is graduating this year. What I find interesting about Chris is that when I asked him about his success, he found his success in the people around him: friends, teachers and family. He writes, “I’m grateful that they helped me the whole way.” This speaks greatly of the person Chris is.

Or Marlene Coronel — your homecoming queen and cheer captain, and my senior assassin target. She has always been a visible role model for younger students. Every day, she volunteers at the early elementary school, helping students, teachers and staff. This is where she has found her passion for education, to make learning fun, creative and inspiring.

Jack Lual — This year, Jack completed 20+ credits to earn his high school diploma. Jack was also a survivor of a refugee camp and struggled with the transition to life in America. To him, graduating means a lot — getting to the life he wants. Jack is the first child of his parents to graduate from high school.

These stories are bold, bright and inspiring, and they’re just a handful of the many ways success shows up. For some of us, success might mean being the first in our family to graduate. For others, it might mean finding joy after hardship, choosing peace over pressure, or simply being here today, still standing, because every single one of you has contributed to the legacy of the Class of 2025. You’ve made your mark on Storm Lake Community Schools, and the best part? You’re just getting started. 

So, I challenge you. Tomorrow, abandon the cookie-cutter version of success. Forget the hustle for just one moment. Forget the pressure. Forget the mansion, the prestige, the Lamborghini, unless you’re still set on marrying [ENTER SOMEONE SUPER ATTRACTIVE], in which case, I support you.

Ask yourself:

What if success isn’t about reaching a fixed destination … but about creating a life that actually feels good to live?

What if it’s waking up excited more often than not?

What if it’s choosing kindness when it’s easier not to?

What if it’s having the courage to take a path no one else understands, but you?

Because starting tomorrow, we’re stepping into a world that’s going to try like hell to tell us who to be. But here’s the thing... You get to choose. Don’t chase what looks impressive, chase what feels authentic. A good life isn’t measured by trophies, titles or cars. It’s measured by meaning, connection, joy and showing up for yourself and others. Success is choosing to live fully, in whatever way makes sense to you.

Class of 2025, don’t chase the life that looks best. Create the one that feels right.

Congratulations — and here’s to reimagining success, on our own terms.