Graduation Speech

I have been compelled to introduce myself with a “Surprise!” because I doubt many people expect me to be here speaking as a valedictorian today. My two co-valedictorians are well-known for their success in school. I, on the other hand, seem to be more commonly known for my habit of wearing combat boots with plaid skirts than my academic achievements.

However, I'd still like to congratulate all of my classmates on their accomplishments. It takes a lot of work, effort and tedious hours to gain the honor of sitting here in our caps and gowns today.

I am sure you parents out there are flustered with pride and anxiousness, because, well, let's admit it, this is a big step for all of us. We children and growing up and going out into the world and you parents are being left with an empty bedroom, an extra spot at the dinner table, a little hole in your life. Graduation is not merely a joyful experience; it is also frightening and worrying.

Not only are we soon to step into the world, but most of us have just turned eighteen years old and now we can buy guns, smoke tobacco, gamble and… vote! I'm sure this is fairly disconcerting to our families, picturing us being let loose into this world with guns blazing and lit cigarettes in our mouths. However, this is not what will happen! To make it this far, we have had to have common sense, though I bet this common sense was more often pounded into our skulls than a gift from the gods.

This common sense has helped us through guessing on multiple choice exams, deciding against trying that awesome stunt you saw on youtube. It has even told you that it is a bad idea to inform her you really don’t like that dress she loves. And, I hope with this common sense gripped firmly, you should never feel compelled to say "high school was the best time of my life." I cannot think of a worse thing to send you out into the world with than “Okay, hope you’ve had fun, because it’s all down hill from here!”

While we've enjoyed ourselves here, we've cried and laughed, been happy and sad, these years are just a prelude to the rest of our lives. From here on is where our real stories start, everything else has just been a prologue to this moment.

Everything we have learned from our teachers, our parents and our friends will help us write the best books we can. I know each will have own twists and turns, ups and downs, but it will be your book, no one else's. Each moment will be unique, important and should be cherished in it’s own way, from getting your first steady job to meeting your soul mate.

Even the small things, like waking up to the perfect morning or watching the sunset burn down upon the horizon will have its own paragraph. And with these moments and memories, the ones you have and the ones you will gain, I hope each and every one of you lives the best story possible.