Each year, one member of the senior class is selected to write and deliver a poem at Commencement that reflects their Berkeley experience and their thoughts about graduating high school. This year, Scarlett Ray ’25 was chosen as Class Poet.
Ray’s poem, entitled Not Enough, reflects on her favorite Berkeley memories by describing the experiences she has not had enough of. In her poem, she states that there is not enough time to “name names” and thank everyone in the Berkeley community for their contributions to the Class of 2025. She describes fond memories from junior excursions and Camp Winona, the 9th-grade class retreat, stating that there are not nearly enough memories to cherish.
When asked about what motivated her to become Class Poet, Ray mentioned that she wanted to give back to the community that has given her so much.
“I also wanted to be a part of it all somehow. Do something that I don’t really do and go out with a bang because it’s the last time I get to,” said Ray.
The process of writing Not Enough helped Ray test out her poetry skills. Prior to becoming Class Poet, Ray mostly wrote poetry for English classes, but a moving poem book and a Latin creative competition motivated her to write a poem for Commencement. She credits Upper Division English Teacher Tom Brandt for helping her edit and rework her poem.
Ray’s favorite parts of her poem are the first and last stanzas, because she truly feels their meaning on a personal level. Although reminiscing about specific memories and events is important, Ray feels she is at her most genuine when she is thanking individuals within the Berkeley community.
“There was never just one moment or person. It was all of them together that was the most impactful thing to me,” said Ray.
True to her poem’s message, Ray concluded Not Enough by highlighting the endless love she has for her class:
“To the Class of 2025
There’s not enough
That I won’t do
For each and every one of you.”
To read Ray’s interview, click here.
To read Ray’s poem, click here.
