Good evening parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and friends. I would like to thank you all for coming to this very special day. I know how proud you must be. As we have grown over the years, there are many stages we all have gone through. From learning our shapes and colors, to getting our first kiss in middle school, or how about explaining to our parents why we skipped school because the principal called home. As we remember these days, things that we've done will be with us forever. But this is only the start of our journey. The day has come where we say goodbye to the big yellow buses, assemblies, assigned seating, and attendance policies. Are you really gonna miss it? For some of us maybe not right away. But eventually we will so for us to be here it is not necessarily an achievement, but a privilege. All of us have been in school over half our lives. To graduate is one more step we've taken in our lives. Now I would like to take the time to thank everyone who has helped me get this far. First of all, thank you to all the teachers. None of us would be here without you always pushing our academic abilities to the fullest. Jessica Parker a.k.a. my partner in crime as Mr. Tri would refer to us. You made everyday coming to school worthwhile. Hillary Laswell, who would leave third period to go steal flowers from horticulture and give them to Mrs. Granillo with me. My brother Jeramie who always said, "If anyone is mean to you, I'll take care of it." My Mom, thank you for always believing in me and putting up with me when I was a real jerk.
Thanks Miss Smith for making Science, History, Art, Drama, and Tech amazing classes. You are a wonderful teacher who makes learning fun, and I appreciate that. Furthermore, thank you Mr. Rague. Without your help, this speech would not have been written. You push every single one of your students to do their best since you know what all of us are capable of. Also, thank you Mr. Hall. I look forward to gym every Wednesday and Monday since you make it extremely amusing. Thank you to Mr. Block as well for helping me understand math better and for leading the 7/8th grade girls to winning the championship. Lastly, thank you Mrs. Rague. Before health class started, I did not know much about the heart, the food groups, the lungs, etc., but with your help I am basically a pro on all of the subjects. Thank
Over the past year or so some dreadful events have occurred at high schools, alarming the American public while they have talked about increased security, clinging to images of guns, blood and typical-looking teenagers committing unthinkable crimes. The media has focused on these incidents without giving attention to all of the potential and talent that is flourishing throughout our high schools. I invite them to recognize the inspired pupils who are propelling themselves beyond standard and motivating others around them. That is what I want the American public to be talking about.
Today is our first day of being the leaders, doers, and problem solvers of the future. Those who persevere, who give it their all and approach each day with optimism will ultimately meet success and happiness. Of course, there will be many a failure on that windy road of life, but with dedication, we can do anything and make any dream come true. But, as we grow older and encounter success, we must not forget those who have had it rough, whose lives may have hit some potholes on the way, and we must take care of those who need a helping hand. As each of us leaves our mark on the world, be generous and be happy, and always remember the good times, good friends, and lessons learned at Marefat.
Henry Adams once wrote "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." This is so true, every teacher here has taught us much more than the textbook curriculum. Every teacher here tonight has given us students something we will use or remember for the rest of our lives. I really don't think people understand or appreciate the time and effort our teachers have put into us. So tonight I'm not going to give everyone advice on the future, I'm not going to tell you how life is a journey we've just begun, and I'm not going to brag about how great the class of 2006 is. Since we have eight outstanding Valedictorians this year, I'm sure all of those bases are already covered. So instead, I'm going to take a few minutes here to thank some of the teachers and staff that have made a difference in my own life, and by doing so I hope that everybody present tonight will see how important each and every teacher and staff member is at Amos High School.
Mrs. Jennifer, you taught me not only simple skills, but how to apply them and do them my best. Mrs. Kim, you are so important to me and my family. I will forever miss your humor, patience and kindness. You saw potential in me when all my work wasn’t showing it and helped make me the student I am today. Mrs. Karlee, from Lower El to now, your smile and personality doesn’t cease to make me happy, I will miss you very much. Mrs. Joanne, you showed me tough-love and improved my work ethic. You never stopped pushing me and prepared me for what lied
Family, friends, and educators, I would like to thank you all for your support in coming out today to commemorate the Hoover High School Class of 2015 commencement. However, your support today is not where the extent of our gratitude lies, it lies within each and every single day of hard work and motivation that you all put in for my classmates and for myself to be successful. You are the reason that we are able to walk across this stage, and I think it goes without saying that each and every one of them deserve a standing ovation.
Are we there yet? I have asked this question many times on road trips, only to hear the answer, "It's only one more mile, I promise." Of course, our destination was never just one more mile. It seemed as though we would never reach our destination. The one idea I neglected by asking the question, "Are we there yet?" is the notion that it's not the destination that is important, but the journey itself.
Well, here we are. The last year of middle school. To some this may be exciting. For there a being given a chance to spread their wings and move on to more challenging and new experiences. But to some this may just be another inevitable step towards reality, and all the hardships that may come with it. Regardless of that, I want to congratulate all of the students, teachers, and faculty for the fact that they put up with all of us for about 288 days, and that you may enjoy the how many days we have of summer break. Also, I would like to thank all the parents and families that came to this celebration today, and that I wish you have an amazing summer break too.
What is graduation? Some people would say that it's proof of the freedom we will soon experience. Some say that it's the end of the best years of our lives. Some would say that it's when we're forced to grow up and become adults. Some would say that it's just another day, no different than any other day, other than the scrolls, the funny outfits and the clapping. Some go into it silent, awaiting their chance to be recognized for their victory dance. Some use stupid comparisons to describe it by saying that it's like the opening of a new door or that it's like taking another step on the never-ending ladder of life. Some praise it, some dread it. Everyone has a different opinion, but there's one thing that we all agree on. There's one question on the back of all our minds that we worry about every time we think about this night. And that question is: What's next?
First of all, I'd like to welcome all the parents, relatives and friends, on behalf of the senior class. It has been a long, hard road to graduation and I know your presence here is greatly appreciated. My job as salutatorian is to reminisce on our past here at County High, a past that reads like a script of a soap opera.
A long time ago in what seems like another lifetime, we were once little children watching the blinking TV while we sat eating Mac and Cheese without a care in the world. So much time has passed since then, how quickly time flies. Now, instead of walking to the bus for our first day of kindergarten, we are walking across this stage for our diplomas - I think everyone will agree that it's all about time.
As we gather here today, in the seeming twilight of our too-short times together, we embrace the moment, then set sail upon our separate journeys that will take us to fabulous places presently unknown. Securely anchored in the memory of our past experiences together, we depart cautiously, anxiously from the calm harbor of our present, and set sail with uncertainty toward the distant horizon of our futures.
But most of all I want to thank all of the Career and Technical Education students that are here to welcome the new Administration and yet again show their abilities, readiness and desire to be responsible leaders in the career path they have chosen. How about a round of applause to all of these hard working guys and gals who are the future of our country. “Applause” We are here today because we have faith in in you! We’re here because we want to make sure that you get all the skills and education you need to reach your dreams and desires. We’re here because we know your dreams are so big and astonishing and also realize that you need all the support you can get! We’re here because we know one of the best ways is through career and technical education also known as CTE. Thanks again, for letting me and your new school board be part of your dream! “Applause”
Valedictorian Speech Good evening fellow graduates, teachers, family members, friends, and distinguished guests. It is a tremendous honor to be the valedictorian of our graduating class. My job is to somehow be the voice of the entire graduating class, and take five minutes to say a few words on behalf of all 539 of us. Like most valedictorians, writing this speech was not an easy task for me. Not because I did not have anything to say, but because I was overwhelmed by how much I wanted to share with you all on this day. Tonight, we have one common purpose, to celebrate. We are here to congratulate, to look towards what the future holds for us, to wish each other well, and to, most importantly look back on our time spent here. So, I would like to start by saying 'well done' to my fellow graduates, who have all worked hard during the past several years to reach this milestone. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the graduating class for selecting me to speak here tonight. Ever since the news broke, many people, some who've I've never really met before, have come up to me and have wished me well. Perhaps this speech would be incomplete if I don’t say something to the teachers. On the behalf of my entire class, I would like to thank all my teachers: thank you. Thank you for teaching us, for leading us, for building us up as adults. I know that we have not given back to you the respect you deserve. I know that we have not told you how much we appreciate you taking time out of your schedules to help us. And I know that we have not said thank you for giving us a wonderful education. So, I hope that as I say thanks, you can forget our shortcomings and remember us for who we are and not from the mistakes we have made. ...
To begin something new, you must sacrifice something old. To enter the real world, you must graduate your childhood.