Here is my speech so far. I like it but it feels a wee bit dry and because I’m actually tied for salutatorian, I’d like my speech to be better (no it doesn’t count for grades but I still would like a better one!)
Graduation Speech
It was once said that “Even as one journey ends, a new one begins”. Tonight we are gathered here to celebrate the ending of the Class of 2010’s journey, which started a short twelve years ago.
Our school career has taught us much since that first day we entered kindergarten. It seems like only yesterday we were led by hand into our first classroom, soon to learn our ABC’s and to make new friends. Before too long, we were able to participate on the 3 R’s committee which enabled us to plan fun activities for the entire school, such as kite day. Unfortunately I recall most of the kites spending more time on the ground than in the sky, but still. Soon after, we became proud members of the middle school where we wrote our first research papers, flung books out of windows, and attended our first school dances. This is also where we had our first tastes of responsibility from joining the sports teams, band, and chorus. We were learning a little more every day, about what it took to succeed.
Even when we entered high school, these lessons continued. We learned what it took to survive Mr. Mayer’s tests, the best way to finish our homework, and how to fit twelve chapters of information on one note card for finals, all while keeping up with our homework and other after school activities. However, it wasn’t all work. I can fondly recall all the times that our float won first prize, dressing up in crazy costumes such as Darth Vader or the Joker for spirit week, and listening to Mr. Spella’s hilarious stories.
Yes, those past twelve years have been quite an adventure, with but we couldn’t have done it alone. That being said, we would like to extend a huge thanks to all of our teachers, principals, and other staff members for all of their gracious help throughout the years. They helped to push us to our maximum potential and assure us of success even while we worried about failure. Without their support, understanding, and guidance, we’d be right back at square one instead of standing here tonight.
But what does tonight really mean? It means that a new journey is forming before each one of us. Some of our paths may lead to college, others into the work force, and still others into the armed forces, where we will face new challenges and obstacles. I know that we’re all feeling a little overwhelmed at the thought of this change, but I’m not too worried. After all, I know what we have been through together and what we have achieved. The fact that we’re all sitting here tonight proves that we have the passion to get what we want and the drive to work for it. When I look out among my classmates I see future business owners, physicists, zoologists, people who are willing to work now for a better tomorrow. I see people that are going to be the movers and shakers of this world, and I’m proud to be one of them. As you can see, the future is in good hands.
So my fellow classmates, I wish to thank you for all of the fun times we shared and to reassure you, once more, that I believe in all of us to achieve our dreams. But before we all go our separate ways, I’d like to read to you the immortal words of Doctor Seuss.
Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.
KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
Be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea,
You’re off the Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!
This is it guys, we did it!
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