Graduation Speech

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Before I begin, I would like to tender my thanks to all of the people who have come here tonight. I would also like to apologize for what may seem an unorthodox speech, but I feel so strongly, that I must speak. Part I In the community of Emery, there can be found a danger that may at first seem imperceptible. It is not a danger that is commonly thought of as a danger. It is not the type of danger that can threaten your life, wreck your house or run over poor Fifi. No, it is more of the ethereal type, the type of danger that waits until you have passed and then stabs you in the back. As it may not be obvious what I am speaking about, I will elucidate. I am talking about the high school, or the lack of appropriate facilities thereof. Before you misinterpret what I have to say, let me tell you that I am not downing the present facility. The high school as it stand is very capable of housing 1000 students. However, if you go to, or have gone to the high school recently, you know that it is entirely inadequate for holding the 1,150 students that we have now, and more than inadequate for the 1,350 students that we are expecting next year. We all know that a new high school is needed. What has hindered us? Primarily, we've allowed petty agendas and our own personal beliefs to act as our blinders. These things keep us from achieving what is needed. For too long we've believed that "what was good enough for us is good enough for our children." That is not true, and the fact that the high school is inadequate has led to the education process being hobbled. For too long we've been close-minded in our approach to this subject. I believe that it is time to put aside the differences that we have allowed to divide us; to forget the past and think only of the future. We need to role up our sleeves and do the work that needs to be done. I believe that as we struggle for a new high school, our community will become closer and more united. Part II Tradition Now, the second part of my speech is on a more emotional note. I did have a nice, prewritten speech. But this morning I went running and I changed it. When I woke up, I didn't do anything, I simply put on my running clothes and went running.

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