Aislinn Bleck has been at Princeton Latin Academy for over eight years. Through hard work and dedication, she received the honor of presenting the Valedictorian speech at the 21st commencement ceremony. Her words brought tears to the eyes of parents, faculty and students.

I arrived at PLA at just age four. But my first day was not an auspicious start. I had shut the car door on my finger and walked into the building crying. Many people thought that I didn’t want to be here and I didn’t want to leave my parents, really I was in pain. But recognizing the tears, my Caesar teacher handed me an ice pack and from that point on I was set. For the past nine years at PLA, there has been much that I love and enjoy.

First and foremost are the teachers, for a school would be nothing without a great set of teachers. Here at the PLA the Magistri get to know each student and are able to explain topics in ways that are best for individuals, ensuring that we have a complete understanding of what has been taught. I appreciate all the teachers who have influenced my learning. The Magistri make themselves available for all my questions and provide answers that expand my view on what is out there to learn. My thirst for knowledge has grown and it is the Magistri I have to thank.

Another point that I love about the PLA are the many languages that have been offered to me. I have of course been exposed to Latin and Greek and have also studied Spanish and French. But the language that I fell in love with was Polish. We had to learn it last year for the Opera, but Magister was kind enough to let us continue it this year. Dziekuje Magister Perulli.

Beyond the languages, the school has helped me focus on the sciences. Astronomy and Physics have become my main interests. Through the Giordano Bruno days, I have been able to explore various scientists in these fields. Not focusing on single subjects, the school has intertwined the teachings through Philosophy, History, Syntax, Art, Math, Music, Literature, and the Opera.

Of the many events at PLA, the Opera, of course, is my favorite. When I was younger I didn’t think about how much work and concentration it took to write one. Now, after writing two, I know. My first stage performance, at just age five, was as an Italian guard. I had to learn three songs in a foreign language. Through the pages of Romala, Barnaby Rudge, Martin Rivas, I Promessi Sposi, Vanity Fair, Daniel Deronda, Tom Sawyer, and Pan Tadeusz, Mrs. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice was probably the most fun to act out.

Along with the academics, I cannot forget to mention all of the friends I have made. From the Quintilian class all the way down to the Lyceum, with a fun game of dodge ball, you have made my stay here memorable. It has been a great final year spending days with my classmates Chanel, Erika, Sofia, Chris and Molly, all of whom have become close friends.

Although this is the only school I know, it is one I truly love. Through my nine years that I’ve been here, the few points cannot sum up what this school means to me. It would take too long to thank all the teachers individually, for all that they have done for me over the years. Thank you Magistri. Of special mention are the teachers who have watched me grow from a three foot, eight inch Caesar, to a five foot, nine inch graduating Quintilian: Magistra Toda, Magister Mordetsky, Magister Enna, and, of course, Magister Perulli.

One thing that Magister Perulli always says is “knowledge is important, but you have to know yourself.” This school has taught me a lot, but more importantly has pointed me in a direction to discover more of myself.