speech about your senior high school life

4 High School Graduation Speech Samples That Inspire

Get ready to motivate and inspire your fellow grads with our example speeches you can use as inspo to craft your own.

Kelly has more than 12 years experience as a professional writer and editor.

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You made it to your senior year! And the next step in your life is graduation. Congrats on being chosen to speak for your class on the big day. While public speaking can be a bit intimidating, we know you have what it takes to do an awesome job. All you need is a little inspo for your high school graduation speech. 

Not to worry. We have your back. So take a deep breath, check out our high school graduation speech examples and tips, and get ready to wow your classmates, faculty, and families. You've totally got this. 

Sample Speeches for High School Graduation

While you probably won't want to use these speeches exactly, they're definitely a great place to start. Use our sample graduation speeches to help inspire your own creativity. Click to download and edit them for your own use. If you have any trouble downloading, please review the troubleshooting guide .

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If you like the style or sentiment of a particular speech, think of how it applies to your own high school experience, and use that as the basis for an original speech of your own.

Sample One: How We'll Measure These Years

You're not the same group of people you were in your freshman year. And our first sample is a speech that talks about how things have changed over your high school years.

My fellow students, we only arrived here four short years ago, and now it's already time to leave. How did it all go so fast? It seems like only yesterday that we were skinny little freshmen fighting with the locks on our lockers, trying to figure out where our next class was, and looking generally clueless to all the upperclassmen. Now, we are the upperclassmen — the seniors who stand here ready to graduate and move forward in the world. Yet at this seminal moment, we can't help looking back. 

How do we measure the time we've spent in high school? In the beginning, we measured it in class periods, counting down the day to eventual freedom. As the days and weeks passed, we measured it in semesters and later in years as we moved from being those clueless freshmen to becoming sophisticated sophomores who thought they had it all figured out. By the time we reached our junior year, we were confident that we were prepared to take over for the graduating seniors, and we couldn't wait to "rule the school." 

And now here we stand. Our rule is over, and it's up to the next class to step into our shoes and take over. I know that as I look out at all of you, I will measure my time here in a much different way. I will measure it in all the friendships I've enjoyed these last four years. Some were pretty casual, and others were much closer, but I'll remember each one fondly, as I'm sure you all will, too. And when many of our high school memories begin to fade, that's how we'll ultimately measure the time we spent here, not in periods or semesters or years, but in the friendships that we made and the times we shared together. 

Congratulations my fellow graduates of the class of (Insert year). Wherever we go and whatever we do, may we always be friends when we meet again. 

Sample Two: The Future Is in Our Hands

The second example focuses more on what the future holds for a high school graduate.

We stand here today on the precipice of the future. It's not a distant reality anymore. It begins here. It begins today. 

We began high school as children, but we're leaving here as adults. We've completed a basic education that will serve as the platform we use to launch ourselves into our futures. Some of us will go on to college, and others will go straight into the workforce, but each of us will travel our own path. 

No matter where we go or what we do, there are challenges ahead of us. What I'm asking from each of you, and from myself, is to meet those challenges straight on with our heads held high and our hearts wide open. It's not enough to simply try to get by in life. That doesn't move the world forward. We must try to excel in everything we do; strive for excellence in every task, large or small. 

Although it may not be easy to see, every accomplishment we achieve is added to the world's accomplishments. Our individual successes benefit society as a whole because when we succeed, we lighten the burden on our fellow man. When we succeed, we are in a position to give rather than take. 

Imagine if every individual lived up to their own potential. Think about how amazing that would be, and how much better off the world would be. Now imagine if just half of those individuals lived up to their potential. The world would still be an awesome place. If even 1/4 of those individuals worked to make their lives successful, they could still make some amazing contributions to society. 

Well, we may not have the power to inspire the entire world to strive for success, but we do have the power to try to achieve it for ourselves. My challenge to each of you and to myself is to do all that we can to reach our full potential. If each of the (Insert number) students in this graduating class is able to do that, just imagine the effect that would have. The future is truly in our hands, so let's make the most of it. 

Sample Three: A Debt of Gratitude

Nobody's accomplishments are 100% their own—there's always someone there to provide support, inspiration, and motivation. The third sample is about giving thanks to those who have helped everyone successfully graduate from high school.

I'd like to welcome everyone to this solemn and joyous occasion. It has been a long four years, but here we are, ready to graduate. We worked hard to get to this point, but we didn't do it by ourselves. 

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the following people. To our teachers, thank you for so unselfishly sharing your time, talent, and knowledge with us. Yes, we know it was your job to do it, but what you did for us went beyond the call of duty. You took the time to explain assignments, sometimes repeatedly because we weren't paying attention. You allowed us to come to your classroom after school for extra help when you could have gone home to spend time with your family. You put in the effort to make lessons more interesting so we wouldn't just tune out. You demanded excellence from us whether or not we wanted to give it. You set the bar high and challenged us to live up to it. 

To our parents, thank you for supporting us in more ways than it's possible to count. You dragged us out of bed each morning and made sure we were fed and clothed for school. You herded us out the door to the bus stop or drove us to school yourselves. You helped us with homework, paid our class fees, and listened to our complaints. You came to our plays, attended our sporting events, and chaperoned our dances. You commiserated over our daily dramas, but you tried to give us enough space to learn how to work things out for ourselves. These are just a few of the thousands of ways you've supported us on our journey. 

To our coaches and advisors, thank you for making school about more than just classwork. Through sports, we learned how to power on through adversity and give it our best effort, win or lose. We learned the importance of discipline and good sportsmanship. Through other activities like participating in clubs, school plays, and service projects, we learned how to work closely with others to achieve a common goal, and we had a lot of fun doing it. 

To our custodial staff and lunchroom attendants, thank you for keeping our school clean and safe. You know better than anyone else what slobs we've been. You actually deserve some kind of medal. 

To our principal, vice principal, and all the office staff, thank you for keeping things running smoothly so our teachers could concentrate on us. We're better off for it. 

To our guidance counselors, thank you for listening and trying to keep us on the right track for graduation. Without your help, some of us might not be graduating today. 

As you can see, behind each graduate there must have been at least a dozen people providing support in at least a dozen ways. The best way we graduates can show our gratitude is to make the most of the opportunity we've been given and go forward into the world with the intention of making it a better place for the generations that follow us. We'll pay that debt of gratitude forward. 

Sample Four: Inspirational Moments for Life

You're getting ready to head out into the world as adults. Adulting can be hard, but you'll find all the inspiration you need inside yourself. This last sample speech is an inspirational high school graduation speech that asks each student to look back on some of the moments from high school that will inspire them forever.

While the last four years were filled with friends, classes, teachers, and work, there were also tiny inspirations hiding in plain sight. In those moments, we were too busy, too distracted, too young to notice them. As we take a retrospective look at our high school years, I hope we will all see them clearly now. 

Close your eyes and imagine, if you will, that one thing that one teacher said to you that didn’t mean much at the time, but means something now. If you can’t hear it, think harder. This is one of your inspirational moments from high school.

Now, imagine that one scary moment with that one friend inside the school walls. Think about how you both acted and how it all turned out. If you can’t see it, think harder. This is one of your inspirational moments from high school. 

Imagine, one more time, that time when you felt so proud of yourself. Think about what you accomplished and how you did it for yourself. If you can’t feel it, think harder. This is one of your inspirational moments from high school. 

The most amazing things happen in high school when we least expect them. Although we're different people with different lives, we all experience these inspirational moments that happened in high school and stay with us for life. As we look toward our future, I encourage you to take time and look for these moments. They’ll be your inspiration for life. 

Example of a Humorous Valedictorian Speech

The following video offers a great example of a graduation speech that really speaks to the graduates while being humorous, appropriate, and entertaining. If you have a natural gift for humor, a funny speech like this will be remembered long after other graduation memories have begun to fade.

Tips for Writing a Graduation Speech

Whether you're writing a speech for your homeschool graduation, as the class Valedictorian, or as a graduation thank you speech , there are a few tips for speech writing that can make your talk meaningful and memorable.

Related: Inspirational Graduation Speeches and Themes

Know Your Audience

Even though parents, faculty, and members of the community will be on hand, the focus of your speech should be your classmates. Speak to them!

Grab Their Attention

A good speech grabs the audience's attention and never lets it go. Start off with an attention-grabbing question or a humorous first line, or make a strong statement that provokes curiosity about where the speech is going. Feel free to add appropriate humor liberally. Having a theme for the speech is also helpful.

Tell Stories

Don't just read your speech. Tell your speech by interspersing emotional stories that tug at the heartstrings or inspire positive actions for the future. You might even want to include an original poem to help express your feelings.

Include Everyone

Don't just speak to the academic achievers, sports stars, or popular crowd. Your topic should be all inclusive of your graduating class.

Keep It Short, but Not Too Short

Knowing how long a high school graduation speech should be is important before you start writing. Student speeches at high school graduations are generally between five and 10 minutes long, but closer to five is ideal.

End With a Memorable Message

High school graduation speeches by students and special guests often end with a memorable and actionable sentence that encourages the audience to do something great. It's customary to end by saying, "Thank you" in your graduation speech, which you can do after your memorable one-liner.

Don't Wear Out Your Welcome

A really great commencement speech is enjoyed, not simply endured. Put some serious thought into your speech, say something meaningful, and stick to your topic so your message doesn't get lost. Above all, don't talk too long. Remember that everyone wants to receive their diplomas, shed those caps and gowns , and get on with the celebration.

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The High School Experience: A Personal Reflection

Filled with growth and life lessons, the high school experience has been a journey worth the climb.

Anna Waldron , Editor May 4, 2022

High school is arguably the most transformative time of a person’s life. My own experience has been filled with more memories, laughter, stress, and — most importantly, growth — than I ever could have anticipated when I began. 

The lessons I have learned about myself, about others, and about the world in the last four years have shaped who I am today, and that person is far from the naive 14-year-old girl who walked through those glass doors of La Salle nearly four years ago. I was oblivious to the overwhelming emotional distress that I would feel when I started high school. 

In some ways, it feels like an everyday battle. 

As a freshman, the struggle began with adjusting to what felt like a whole new world. I was desperately trying to make friends, considering I had only one. I never knew what it was like to feel alone in a school with so many people. I felt like I had to act a certain way or be a certain person in order to maintain a basic conversation with people in my classes or on my soccer team. 

Every day, my head was filled with an overwhelming concern about how I could manage to make myself look like someone with more friends than I actually had at the time. 

I remember constantly thinking, “I’ll start enjoying this at some point, right?” 

The truth is, I did. 

To anyone who is feeling the way I once felt, please know that those feelings do go away. By the end of my freshman year and into the next, I enjoyed myself. School wasn’t particularly challenging, and I was spending my weekends having fun with my friends and going to basketball games and sleepovers. I had finally created a routine and felt mostly content with my life, aside from daunting thoughts in my head telling me it was all a lie.

I think that’s something that all teenagers deal with. It comes with the age, the questions, “do my friends actually like me?” or “am I enough?” — “do people worry about me or have I tricked myself into thinking they do?” 

I continued to move throughout my sophomore year feeling a new level of comfort with my life. Then, the pandemic hit. 

The original two weeks of quarantine turned into two months, and then two years. The predictable high school experience I had become accustomed to was no longer my reality, and instead, high school turned into an atypical rollercoaster of isolation from all the essential parts of the experience. 

To say it was hard would be an understatement, but after the initial forced adjustment to a remote life, I was forced to be content without relying on others.

Without having to fear other people’s judgments of me or having to conceal myself in social situations to appear more “acceptable,” I gained independence and confidence within myself that I didn’t know existed.

Then finally — after over a year — the long-awaited return to school arrived. 

I rejoiced in my ability to thrive academically again and I was so relieved to feel like I was really learning. I reconnected with my friends, ate lunch outside, took finals, and then — after a blur of two months — the year ended. My junior year flew by like no other. 

When senior year rolled around, I felt out of place. I couldn’t imagine a world where I belonged to the oldest class at the school. In the beginning, it was odd getting used to, but after a few weeks, it was nothing but a thrill as I planned what the next weekend alongside my friends would hold. 

My friendships were flourishing and I was becoming closer and closer with people I had never really gotten to know. 

Unlike the three years prior, my senior year has felt like a stereotypical high school experience, and I could not be more grateful for it. 

I always thought of myself as someone who was above enjoying things like attending soccer games, getting ready for homecoming with my friends, singing karaoke in someone’s basement, or going to a trampoline park for an 18-year-old’s birthday party. 

The truth is, I’m not. 

I regret that I spent so long depriving myself of the things I love in order to fit a narrative that I created for myself. 

I love that I will graduate high school happier and more fulfilled than I ever felt during my other three years here. It feels like everything has finally come full circle, after all these years of feeling so alone. 

So yes, it was transformative. I am finally content with the person I have become and the life I have chosen to lead. I wouldn’t be the same without La Salle and I wouldn’t be the same without the people I’ve gotten to know here. 

I know that I will look back on my high school experience here, not feeling critical of the insecurities I have felt, but feeling grateful for the memories and lessons that came regardless of them. 

Senior Anna Waldron has lived in Portland, Oregon her whole life, in the same neighborhood as nine members of her extended family.  Outside of The...

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How to Write and Deliver a Memorable Graduation Speech: Tips, Examples, and Techniques

• The Speaker Lab
• March 7, 2024

Table of Contents

The goal of any graduation speech is to find words that capture the essence of years spent learning and growing. Today, we’ll guide you through that process and help you craft a memorable graduation speech . You’ll learn to weave gratitude with shared experiences, and balance humor with wisdom. We’ll even help you find quotes that strike a chord and deliver them in a way that resonates.

But that’s not all! Dive into proven strategies for public speaking, managing stage fright, and drawing inspiration from iconic commencement speeches. Discover how personal growth stories add depth to your message and explore themes that leave a lasting impact on your peers as they step forward into new beginnings.

Crafting Your Graduation Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to marking the end of your high school or university journey, a graduation speech can capture the essence of this pivotal moment. But how do you start such an important address?

Opening with Impact

The first words of your graduation speech are crucial. They set the stage for what’s to come and grab your audience’s attention. Think about starting strong by sharing a personal anecdote that ties into the broader experience of your class or drawing from Steve Jobs’ Stanford University commencement speech , where he began with, “Today I want to tell you three stories from my life.” This technique instantly piques interest because it promises narratives that have shaped who you are.

An impactful opening also acknowledges shared experiences. Perhaps you could reflect on how moments in classrooms turned strangers into lifelong friends. Or for university commencements, consider touching upon those late-night study sessions that tested perseverance but ultimately led to academic achievements worth celebrating today.

Building the Body of Your Graduation Speech

In crafting the body content, intertwine lessons learned throughout high school years or during university courses with aspirations for what lies ahead. For instance, share how overcoming obstacles like balancing extracurricular activities and academics taught valuable time management skills.

To add depth, incorporate quotes from luminaries like Oprah Winfrey or draw parallels between classroom learnings and real-world applications. Dive deeper by discussing milestones achieved together as a graduating class and recognizing the hard work everyone put in to make it to this monumental occasion.

Concluding with Inspiration

Your conclusion should leave fellow graduates feeling inspired while helping them celebrate high school memories one last time—or honor those unforgettable college years if addressing higher education grads.

Closing remarks could include heartfelt gratitude towards teachers’ support and parental guidance. You might even crack a joke or two. It’s these personalized touches paired with universal truths that resonate most deeply as students step forward into new chapters post-graduation.

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Delivery Techniques for Confident Speaking

Standing in front of a crowd can turn even the most composed student into a bundle of nerves. But fear not, with some smart strategies, you’ll be able to channel your inner orator and deliver your graduation speech with confidence.

Practicing Your Graduation Speech

Becoming familiar with every word of your speech is key. Rehearse it out loud until the words feel like second nature. This practice does more than just help you remember what comes next; it lets you find the natural rhythm and pace of your delivery. Consider recording yourself to catch any quirks or stumbling blocks—you might be surprised at how much this helps refine your presentation.

A trick often overlooked is practicing in different environments. If possible, stand on the actual stage where you will deliver your commencement address. Familiarity breeds comfort, making that once daunting podium seem like an old friend when graduation day arrives.

Overcoming Nervousness and Stage Fright

Nervousness is normal but doesn’t let it dictate your performance. Before stepping up to speak, take deep breaths to steady yourself—a calm body encourages a calm mind. An effective method for easing anxiety is visualization. Imagine delivering each line perfectly and receiving an enthusiastic response from listeners—envisioning success can make it so.

Maintaining Eye Contact

The power of eye contact cannot be overstated. It connects speaker and listener on a personal level that amplifies engagement significantly. Scan across different sections of the audience periodically without lingering too long on any one individual.

Incorporate these techniques diligently when preparing for the big day. In doing so, they become part of muscle memory and help build confidence. With confidence and plenty of practice on your side, your graduation speech is sure to conclude to applause leaving you to celebrate yet another milestone achieved.

Analyzing Renowned Graduation Speeches for Inspiration

When crafting a commencement speech, it’s often helpful to look at the giants whose words have echoed through auditoriums and across campuses. Steve Jobs’ Stanford University Commencement Speech is a classic example of weaving life lessons into an address that connects deeply with graduates. Similarly, Oprah Winfrey’s Harvard University Commencement Address showed how stumbling blocks can become stepping stones if we learn from them.

Steve Jobs’ Storytelling Mastery

Jobs had a knack for turning personal anecdotes into universal truths. In his Stanford address, he shared three stories from his own life without sounding self-indulgent. These stories worked because each one carried a broader message relevant to every graduate: finding what you love, dealing with loss, and facing death head-on. Jobs famously urged students to “stay hungry, stay foolish,” encouraging them not just to pursue success but remain curious about life despite challenges. This advice is especially poignant for today’s graduating class.

Like Jobs, you too can craft narratives around moments that speak volumes about perseverance and passion.

Oprah’s Unflinching Honesty

Much like her television persona suggests, Oprah did not shy away from discussing her setbacks in front of Harvard’s graduating class. Instead, she confidently laid bare the challenges faced by anyone who dares greatly because failure is part of achieving greatness. As she reminded students, “It doesn’t matter how far you might rise… At some point you are bound to stumble.”

In doing so she forged an instant connection with listeners grappling with their fears about what the future holds post-graduation. It was a powerful reminder that even icons like Oprah are not immune to trials but emerge stronger through them.

The power behind these speeches lies not just in their content but also in their delivery. These speakers mastered the art of speaking confidently before crowds, maintaining eye contact, and conveying authenticity—techniques any speaker should aspire to replicate on graduation day.

Themes and Messages That Resonate with Graduates

Facing a sea of caps and gowns, the right words can turn a graduation ceremony from mundane to memorable. When crafting your commencement speech, focusing on themes like overcoming obstacles and perseverance connects deeply with graduates who have hurdled high school or college challenges.

Overcoming Obstacles

Talking about stumbling blocks is not just relatable; it’s inspirational. Think Steve Jobs at Stanford University or Oprah Winfrey at Harvard—both shared personal tales of setbacks turned into comebacks. Beyond simply telling their stories, they showed how those hurdles were stepping stones to success.

Weave your narrative around the potholes you’ve navigated during your high school years. This doesn’t mean airing every bit of dirty laundry, just highlighting that one significant moment where everything seemed against you yet failed to defeat you.

The Power of Perseverance

Perseverance is more than sticking to something—it’s pushing forward when every fiber wants to quit. It resonates because everyone, including your fellow graduates, has felt that urge to give up but chose to persevere instead.

Incorporate this theme by using vivid examples that mirror collective experiences—the all-nighters before exams or balancing sports stars ambitions with academics—to illustrate perseverance isn’t just an idea but lived reality for many students.

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Life Lessons Shared During Graduation Speeches

In addition to sharing content that fellow graduates will find relatable and inspirational, you should also consider sharing life lessons with your audience. Whether young or old, everyone has a unique perspective on life and sharing your wisdom can steer graduates toward a fulfilling path.

The Power of Kindness

Making a positive impact doesn’t require grand gestures; sometimes it’s found in small acts of kindness or an innovative idea that simplifies lives. This message sticks because everyone wants their work to mean something—to know they’ve left footprints on society’s vast canvas.

True Grit and Tenacity

Embracing failure and resilience is another powerful theme echoed by commencement speakers across podiums. Let’s face it; not all endeavors lead straight to success. But as Oprah Winfrey once said during her Harvard University commencement address, “It doesn’t matter how far you might rise… At some point, you are bound to stumble.” Her words remind us: How we pick ourselves up matters more than how we fall.

Making a Positive Impact

A graduating class stands poised on tomorrow’s threshold ready to mold history—and speeches should fuel this transformative fire within them. Memorable graduation speeches show individuals that ovation-worthy achievements are possible if you believe your actions count.

As you prepare your graduation speech, consider including one of these life lessons or one of your own. Don’t be afraid to share your hard-won insights to your fellow graduates—you just might inspire them to make history.

Celebrating Achievements and Acknowledging Contributions

Graduation is not just a ceremony. It’s a tribute to the academic achievements and extracurricular activities that have shaped students into who they are. The acknowledgment of teacher support and parental guidance also plays a pivotal role in these speeches, as they’re the scaffolding upon which student successes are built.

Academic Achievements, Extracurricular Activities

Acknowledging academic prowess goes beyond GPA scores or honor societies; it’s about highlighting unique intellectual journeys. Similarly, shining a light on extracurricular triumphs—be it sports stars setting records or artists winning competitions—adds depth to your speech. Remembering these moments isn’t merely recounting victories but celebrating the relentless spirit of your fellow graduates.

Diving deeper into personal anecdotes helps you connect with peers by reminding them of their growth through challenges faced together—from late-night study sessions to championship games. It’s these stories that make graduation memories stick with classmates long after commencement ends.

Teacher Support, Parental Guidance

The unsung heroes behind every graduate deserve their moment in your address too. Teachers’ dedication can turn classrooms into launch pads for dreams, while parents’ unwavering belief often fuels aspirations during tumultuous times like the pandemic.

In weaving tales of mentorship from teachers or wisdom imparted by parents, you remind everyone that success is rarely a solo act—it’s supported by many hands and hearts along the way. Celebrate this collective effort because each person has contributed uniquely to shaping graduating classes across America, including yours.

Common Issues in Writing and Delivering Graduation Speeches

Staring at a blank page as the clock ticks down to graduation day can rattle even the most seasoned speech writers. Overcoming writer’s block is about finding your message stick—the core idea that you want to leave with your peers. Remember, this isn’t just any talk; it’s one that marks a significant transition for both you and your audience.

Overcoming Writer’s Block

Finding yourself stumped on how to write a speech ? Don’t sweat it. Start by jotting down memories from school years or powerful life lessons that resonate. Think of Steve Jobs’ Stanford University commencement speech where he shared personal stories, which became an inspirational backbone for many other speeches.

If inspiration doesn’t strike immediately, step away from the computer. Take a walk and reflect on high school experiences or browse through commencement speeches archives—like Lin-Manuel Miranda’s address at the University of Pennsylvania. They might spark ideas you hadn’t considered yet.

Navigating Technical Troubles

A great speech can stumble over technical hiccups. To avoid glitches, check all equipment beforehand—a simple but crucial task often overlooked due to nerves or excitement about graduating class celebrations.

Prior rehearsals will also let you handle these issues like a pro should they pop up during delivery. Make sure any videos or slides complement rather than overshadow what you’re saying. After all, graduates aren’t there for bells and whistles—they’re there for meaningful words.

Handling Stage Fright

Your knees may shake thinking delivering in front of proud parents and peers—it’s no small feat, after all. Before you step on stage, visual your success until it feels more real and attainable.

And don’t forget to watch your body language. During your speech, maintain eye contact—not stare-downs—to connect genuinely with fellow students. And if anxiety creeps up despite practice sessions? Take deep breaths to steady yourself and keep going. You’ve handled high school—you can handle this.

FAQs on Writing and Delivering a Graduation Speech

What do i say in my graduation speech.

Share heartfelt stories, acknowledge support from others, and inspire your classmates to chase their dreams boldly.

How do you write a 3 minute graduation speech?

Keep it tight: hit the high notes with gratitude, shared memories, a dash of humor, and wrap up with punchy inspiration.

How do I start a graduation speech?

Kick off with thanks. Give props to family and mentors. Set the stage for reflecting on past adventures together.

What is the most important message of a graduation speech?

The core should spark hope—urge peers to leap into tomorrow equipped with lessons learned during these formative years.

Master your moment with a graduation speech that turns heads and warms hearts. Remember the power of gratitude and connect with your audience through stories, those shared adventures that bind you to your classmates. Don’t be afraid to add a few jokes and quotes to your speech either, as well as personal growth stories to inspire.

When you hit the stage, stand tall, make eye contact, and speak from your heart—the podium’s yours. If butterflies invade, breathe deep and know everyone’s rooting for you. Writer’s block didn’t stop you and neither will this.

Your graduation speech is not just words—it’s a battle cry for your graduating class as you prepare to conquer what lies ahead!

• Last Updated: March 5, 2024

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How to Write a High School Graduation Speech (+ Examples)

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

I was in several clubs in high school, I was the valedictorian, and I happened to be the youngest in our graduating class. Needless to say, I had to write and give more than one speech at our graduation.

Being asked to give a graduation speech in high school is a tremendous honor and responsibility. It takes a lot of preparation, from planning to writing and editing your speech.

My guide should show you how to write a graduation speech for high school, especially with the examples I’ve included. Follow the template and tips, and you’re sure to receive a standing ovation from your audience.

How Long Is a High School Graduation Speech?

The best high school graduation speeches aren’t long and boring since the ceremonies already take hours. Aim for an address that doesn’t exceed 10 minutes. Keep your audience’s attention and save some for other people’s speeches.

Your graduation speech should only be around 500 to 600 words. You have to read it slowly and articulate the words clearly. One way to keep it shorter is by removing cliches and other unnecessary content.

High School Graduation Speech Template

Essays and speeches usually have three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. Here is a structure you can follow for a memorable high school graduation speech.

Introduction

• Thank people for attending. Acknowledge the presence of your teachers, parents, and fellow graduates.
• Introduce yourself. Not everyone in the room knows you, even if you’re the class valedictorian.
• Catch the audience’s attention by sharing a motivational quote or saying. Your personal narratives and advice will later be based on this saying.
• Recall memorable high school experiences. Anything is worth sharing, whether it’s a simple day in class or your debate competition.
• Encourage classmates not to forget these beautiful memories.
• Share helpful advice for this new chapter of their lives.
• Restate the quote or saying you mentioned in the introduction.
• End with a call to action that will encourage the graduates to make a difference.
• Thank the audience for hearing you out.

How to Write a Graduation Speech for High School

Public speaking takes a lot of preparation. Here are some tips you should follow when writing and delivering a graduation speech for high school.

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Pick a Theme

Inspirational high school graduation speeches leave a mark on people. If you want to create one, try building it around a central message.

Think about everything you experienced in high school and look for patterns. Was high school about learning from mistakes? Or was it about achieving big dreams with small steps? Consider not only what is essential to you but also what is important for your fellow graduates.

Once you have picked a theme, selecting a quote, including advice, and recalling high school memories will be much easier. Here are some popular themes you can consider using for yours, but make sure to choose ones that are relevant to you and/or your class.

• Embracing failure
• Big things take time
• Achieving big dreams with small steps
• Facing change with grace
• Overcoming adversity
• Becoming a lifelong learner
• Being more intentional and responsible for your future

Begin With Gratitude and a Self-Introduction

Once you step on stage, you must start with a few formalities. Know the name of the previous speakers and acknowledge their excellent speeches. Then, thank everyone in attendance, including the teachers, parents, and fellow students.

Say it’s a privilege to speak before the audience on this special day. This is also the best time to introduce yourself.

Don’t assume that everyone in the room knows who you are. State your name and why you were tasked to create the speech. Below is an example.

“Thank you, Mr. Jones, for the wonderful speech. And thank you to the parents, teachers, staff, and fellow graduates in this room who have made the past four years unforgettable. It’s a pleasure to stand in front of everyone and represent the class of 2022 at this address. I am [name], your class valedictorian.”

Make It About Everybody But You

Your graduation speech is not a mini-biography of your accomplishments. Only sprinkle a few personal anecdotes, then include what the four years of high school have been like for the other students. Below is an example.

“Four years ago, we were freshmen walking through the doors of [school name]. While some of us want to be doctors, artists, engineers, and singers in the future, we all had one goal in mind during that time: to leave a mark on the school in the next four years.”

Recall High School Memories

Tap the ceremony’s nostalgia by recalling important events from the past four years. You can include prom, school fairs, and even mundane scenarios. Include hardships, such as the sudden shift to online classes during the pandemic.

If you are a valedictorian , you should know which memories everyone treasures. Try interviewing some of your peers about their best high school memories. Below is an example.

“Every batch of graduates from [school] has a common core memory. For us, it was probably prom 2022. Instead of getting our beauty sleep the night before the dance, everyone stayed in school until 8 PM because of the last-minute changes. While that experience was full of pressure and chaos, we look back on that memory remembering teamwork and dedication.”

Share Advice

Your advice is the most crucial part of the speech. It serves as a call to action the students will follow in the future.

Make sure to keep it positive and remind everyone that anything is possible. You can also advise them to advocate for others and treat everyone equally.

Here’s an example showing what I mean.

“The future is uncertain, and the only thing we can do is be optimistic about it. We learned to stay determined in the past four years, so we can do it again throughout college or our careers.”

Incorporate Your Personality

Just because you’re speaking for the rest of the class and following an outline doesn’t mean your speech should be boring. You can still infuse your personality through humor, anecdotes , and life experiences.

You can also open your address with something funny, as long as it’s appropriate and timely. If you’re a valedictorian, self-deprecating humor will be a hit. Try adding quirky memories from classes that will immerse your audience.

Leave Your Audience Inspired

You are not at the graduation to merely receive your diploma. As a speaker, you need to leave your audience inspired on the next chapter of their lives. Encourage them to find their purpose and make a difference in the world.

Some speakers end their speeches with another quote. Here is the one I used in my high school speech, but there are tons to be found on the internet you can use that might better suit your needs.

• “All our dreams can come true… if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney

Finally, thank everyone for taking the time to listen to your speech. Express gratitude toward your classmates for the memories over the last four years.

Proofread Your Work

Read your writing out loud and fix parts that don’t sound pleasing. Doing so will make your writing more powerful and precise. Look out for flowery language, excessive adjectives, and lengthy sentences.

When editing, make sure to remove cliches from your writing. These are words and phrases that have been overused in speech and writing. These include phrases like “all walks of life,” “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and “two wrongs don’t make a right.”

Try sharing more personal anecdotes and collective memories than tired pieces of advice. This will make the speech more interesting and customized for the audience. Find out what your fellow high school graduates and the rest of the audience want to hear and know, then write it concisely and effectively.

Once you’re done fixing clarity issues, it’s time to fix structural errors. Perform several edits on your speech to remove all spelling and grammar mistakes.

Practice Your High School Graduation Speech

There’s no exact formula for the perfect valedictorian or commencement speech. But if you follow my tips and examples and speak from the heart, your fellow graduates will live by your words as they go about their futures.

Remember to keep your engaging speech positive and inspiring. Recall memories from high school, then make them look forward to creating new ones in their careers or college.

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16 Best Graduation Speeches That Leave a Lasting Impression

By Kristi Kellogg and Noor Brara

Some of the most impactful and inspiring sentiments are shared during graduation speeches delivered by the leaders we look up to. Graduation speeches from celebrities , entrepreneurs, authors and other influential thinkers are motivational, inspiring, thought-provoking and just might make you reach for the nearest tissue. After four years of hard work, stress, and exhausting self-discovery, lucky graduates are privy to a life-changing speech to top it all off.

Here, we rounded up up 16 of the best graduation speeches of all time, including words of wisdom from Natalie Portman, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and more.

1. Steve Jobs: Stanford, 2005

"You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."

2. Michelle Obama: Tuskegee University, 2015

"I've found that this journey has been incredibly freeing. Because no matter what happened, I had the piece of mind knowing that all of the chatter, the name-calling, the doubting...all of it was just noise. It did not define me, it didn't change who I was, and most importantly, it couldn't hold me back."

3. Natalie Portman: Harvard, 2015

"I just directed my first film. I was completely unprepared, but my own ignorance to my own limitations looked like confidence and got me into the director's chair. Once there, I had to figure it all out, and my belief that I could handle these things, contrary to all evidence of my ability to do so was half the battle. The other half was very hard work. The experience was the deepest and most meaningful one of my career."

4. Amy Poehler: Harvard University, 2011

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"What I have discovered is this: You can't do it alone … Listen. Say 'yes.' Live in the moment. Make sure you play with people who have your back. Make big choices early and often."

5. Meryl Streep: Barnard College, 2010

"This is your time and it feels normal to you but really there is no normal. There's only change, and resistance to it and then more change."

6. David Foster Wallace: Kenyon College, 2005

"Twenty years after my own graduation, I have come gradually to understand that the liberal arts cliché about teaching you how to think is actually shorthand for a much deeper, more serious idea: learning how to think really means learning how to exercise some control over how and what you think. It means being conscious and aware enough to choose what you pay attention to and to choose how you construct meaning from experience. Because if you cannot exercise this kind of choice in adult life, you will be totally hosed. Think of the old cliché about quote the mind being an excellent servant but a terrible master."

7. Barack Obama: Howard University, 2016

"You have to go through life with more than just passion for change; you need a strategy. I’ll repeat that. I want you to have passion, but you have to have a strategy. Not just awareness, but action. Not just hashtags, but votes."

8. Kerry Washington: George Washington University, 2013

"You and you alone are the only person who can live the life that can write the story that you were meant to tell."

9. Conan O'Brien: Dartmouth College, 2011

"There are few things more liberating in this life than having your worst fear realized. Today I tell you that whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality … Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen."

10. J.K. Rowling: Harvard, 2008

"I stopped pretending to be anything than what I was. My greatest fear had been realized. I had an old typewriter and a big idea. Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life."

11. Oprah Winfrey: Harvard University, 2013

"Learn from every mistake because every experience, encounter, and particularly your mistakes are there to teach you and force you into being more who you are. And then figure out what is the next right move. And the key to life is to develop an internal moral, emotional G.P.S. that can tell you which way to go."

12. Joss Whedon: Wesleyan University, 2013

"You have, which is a rare thing, that ability and the responsibility to listen to the dissent in yourself, to at least give it the floor, because it is the key—not only to consciousness–but to real growth. To accept duality is to earn identity. And identity is something that you are constantly earning. It is not just who you are. It is a process that you must be active in. It's not just parroting your parents or the thoughts of your learned teachers. It is now more than ever about understanding yourself so you can become yourself."

13. George Saunders: Syracuse University, 2013

"Do all the other things, the ambitious things … Travel, get rich, get famous, innovate, lead, fall in love, make and lose fortunes, swim naked in wild jungle rivers (after first having it tested for monkey poop)—but as you do, to the extent that you can, err in the direction of kindness."

14. Nora Ephron: Wellesley College, 1996

"Be the heroine of your life, not the victim."

15. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Wellesley College, 2015

"As you graduate, as you deal with your excitement and your doubts today, I urge you to try and create the world you want to live in. Minister to the world in a way that can change it. Minister radically in a real, active, practical, get your hands dirty way."

16. Admiral William H. McRaven: University of Texas at Austin, 2014

"If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can't do the little things right, you will never do the big things right."

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Master the Art: How to Write a Senior Speech Effectively

Graduating from high school is a momentous occasion, and delivering a senior speech is an opportunity to reflect on your journey and share your thoughts and ideas with your peers. However, writing a senior speech can be daunting, and it takes careful planning and practice to create a memorable and impactful speech.

In this section, we will provide you with tips and steps on how to write a senior speech that captivates your audience and leaves a lasting impression. From understanding the purpose of your speech to delivering it with confidence, we will guide you through the entire process.

• Writing a senior speech requires careful planning and preparation.
• Understanding the purpose of your speech is crucial for creating a meaningful message.
• Researching your audience and setting can help you tailor your speech effectively.
• Incorporating personal anecdotes, humor, and inspiration can make your speech more engaging and memorable.
• Editing, revising, practicing, and rehearsing are essential steps in delivering a successful senior speech.

Understanding the Purpose of a Senior Speech

Congratulations, graduate! As you prepare to write your senior graduation speech , it’s essential to understand its purpose and what you hope to achieve with your words. Your speech is an opportunity to reflect on your experiences, express gratitude, and inspire your fellow graduates as they move forward into the next phase of their lives.

Effective senior speech writing requires careful consideration of your audience and the setting in which your speech will take place. Your goal is to create a speech that resonates with your listeners, captures their attention, and leaves a lasting impression.

Senior Speech Ideas

When choosing a topic for your senior speech, consider what message you want to convey to your audience. Do you want to share personal experiences, provide words of wisdom, or offer inspiration for the future?

Here are a few senior speech ideas to consider:

• Reflect on a particular moment or experience that shaped your high school journey.
• Offer advice to your fellow graduates on navigating the next chapter of their lives.
• Celebrate the accomplishments of your class and express gratitude to those who have supported you along the way.
• Use humor to share lighthearted stories and memorable moments from your time in high school.
• Address current issues or challenges facing your generation and offer hope for the future.

Remember, your senior speech is an opportunity to share your unique perspective and connect with your audience. Choose a topic that speaks to your passions and allows you to be authentic in your delivery.

Now that you have a few senior speech ideas in mind, it’s time to dive deeper into the speech writing process. In the next section, we will discuss how to research your audience and tailor your speech to their interests and expectations.

Researching Your Audience and Setting

Before writing your senior speech, it’s essential to take some time to research your audience and the setting in which you’ll be delivering your speech. Understanding your audience’s interests, expectations, and values can help you tailor your speech to resonate with them and make it more effective.

Start by considering the demographics of your audience, such as their age, gender, and cultural background. What are their interests, hobbies, and aspirations? What do they value most? Answering these questions can help you develop content that speaks directly to their interests and needs.

It’s also important to consider the setting in which you’ll be delivering your speech. Will you be speaking indoors or outdoors? What kind of sound system will be available? What’s the seating arrangement? Knowing these details can help you prepare your speech accordingly.

When researching your audience and setting, keep in mind the structure and timing of the graduation ceremony. Generally, senior speeches follow a structured program, and it’s essential to ensure your speech aligns with this program.

Overall, the more you know about your audience and setting, the better equipped you’ll be to deliver a senior speech that engages and resonates with your listeners.

Your introduction is the first impression your audience will have of your senior speech. It sets the tone for the rest of your presentation and can make or break your audience’s engagement. To create an effective introduction, you need to grab your audience’s attention and make them interested in what you have to say.

One way to do this is to start with a thought-provoking question or quote related to your speech topic. This can encourage your audience to start thinking about the subject matter and make them eager to hear more. Alternatively, you can begin with a personal anecdote that helps connect you to your audience on a more personal level.

Keep in mind that your introduction should be concise and to the point. Avoid rambling or getting too off-topic, as this can lose your audience’s attention. Instead, focus on setting the stage for the rest of your speech and creating a strong first impression.

Remember, your senior speech is an opportunity to share your thoughts and experiences with your fellow graduates. By crafting an engaging introduction, you can capture your audience’s attention and set the tone for a successful presentation.

Now that you have a clear understanding of the purpose of your senior speech and have researched your audience and setting, it’s time to start developing your main ideas. The structure and flow of your speech are crucial to keeping your message clear and engaging for your audience.

One effective way to structure your speech is to use the “rule of three.” This means organizing your speech around three main points or themes. This approach helps keep your message concise and memorable.

Another useful technique is to use storytelling to illustrate your main ideas. Sharing personal experiences or anecdotes can add a relatable and human touch to your speech, making it more memorable for your audience.

When developing your main ideas, it’s also important to consider the length of your speech. Keep in mind that most senior speeches typically run between 5-10 minutes. Try to prioritize your most important points and save any extra anecdotes or stories for later or as a backup in case you need to fill time.

Remember, the structure of your speech should be tailored to your personal style and the message you want to convey. Experiment with different approaches and find the one that works best for you.

With a clear structure and main ideas in place, you are ready to move on to the next step of crafting an engaging senior speech.

Adding Personal Anecdotes and Stories

One of the most effective ways to make your senior speech memorable is to share personal anecdotes and stories with your audience. These experiences can help connect with your listeners on a deeper level and allow them to relate to the message you’re conveying.

When incorporating personal anecdotes, it’s essential to keep them relevant to the overall theme of your speech. They should also be appropriate and respectful, avoiding any controversial or offensive content.

Consider the tone and mood you want to convey with your personal stories. Are they meant to be humorous, inspiring, or introspective? Use these experiences to add variety to your speech and keep your audience engaged.

To provide some inspiration, here are a few senior speech examples where personal stories were effectively used:

“I still remember the day I arrived at this school as a nervous freshman. I was so overwhelmed by the size and complexity of the campus that I got lost on my way to my first class. But thanks to the encouragement and kindness of my teachers and peers, I quickly fell in love with this school and all it had to offer.”

“I grew up in a small town where everyone knew each other’s names. When I first moved to this city, I was intimidated by the pace and hustle of urban life. But over the past four years, I’ve learned to appreciate the energy and diversity of this community. I’m proud to call myself a citizen of this city.”

Remember that personal anecdotes and stories should support your message, not distract from it. Use them strategically and sparingly, and always connect them to the broader purpose of your speech.

Using Humor and Wit

Adding humor and wit to your senior speech can make it more enjoyable for your audience and help them stay engaged throughout your presentation. When used properly, humor can also help to lighten the mood and create a sense of levity during what can be an emotional event.

One way to incorporate humor into your senior speech is to use personal anecdotes or stories. By sharing a funny experience from your time in school, you can connect with your audience and make them feel more invested in your speech. Just be sure that your stories are appropriate and don’t offend anyone in your audience.

Another way to add humor to your senior speech is to use jokes or one-liners. However, it’s important to be careful with this approach. Jokes that are too cheesy or inappropriate can fall flat and detract from your message. Instead, try to keep your jokes relevant to your topic and tasteful.

It’s also important to remember that humor isn’t the only way to engage your audience. If you’re not comfortable with using humor in your speech, don’t force it. Focus instead on delivering your message in a clear and engaging way, and your audience will appreciate your authenticity.

For inspiration, you can watch famous senior speeches like Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford commencement address or Oprah Winfrey’s 2008 address at Stanford University. These speeches showcase how humor can be used effectively to engage an audience and make a lasting impact.

Including Words of Wisdom and Inspiration

A senior speech is an excellent opportunity to inspire and motivate your fellow graduates with words of wisdom and inspiration. Your speech can convey the lessons you’ve learned during your high school years and articulate your hopes for the future.

To create a resonating senior speech, think about the experiences that have shaped you and how you can share them with others. Consider your audience and the challenges they may be facing as they enter the next stage of their lives.

One effective technique for including words of wisdom and inspiration is to use quotes from influential figures, books, or movies. Choose quotes that align with your message and have personal meaning to you. Use these quotes as a springboard to share your personal insights and life lessons.

Another way to inspire your fellow graduates is to share your personal story. By sharing your struggles and successes, you can motivate others to overcome their own obstacles and pursue their dreams.

Finally, don’t be afraid to inject humor into your speech when appropriate. A well-placed joke can lighten the mood and make your message more memorable.

In the next section, we will explore the topic of addressing challenges and overcoming adversity in your senior speech.

Addressing Challenges and Overcoming Adversity

Graduation marks a significant milestone in your life, and it’s natural to reflect on the challenges you have faced and overcome during your academic journey. Addressing these challenges and sharing your personal experiences with your fellow graduates in your senior speech can be a powerful way to connect with your audience and inspire them to persevere in the face of adversity.

It’s important to approach this subject with sensitivity and empathy. Your goal is to offer hope and encouragement, not to dwell on negative experiences or seek sympathy. One effective approach is to focus on the lessons you learned and the personal growth you experienced as a result of facing these challenges.

“The struggles we face in life are not obstacles to our success but stepping stones to our greatness.” – Oprah Winfrey

You can also draw inspiration from others who have faced similar challenges and gone on to achieve great success. Think about the people who have inspired you and use their stories to motivate and uplift your audience.

Sharing personal anecdotes and stories can also be a powerful way to connect with your audience and make your senior speech more memorable. For example, you could share a story about a time when you faced a setback or overcame a difficult obstacle. Your vulnerability and honesty will resonate with your audience and inspire them to find their own strength and resilience.

Remember, your senior speech is an opportunity to celebrate your achievements, inspire others, and leave a lasting impression on your audience. By acknowledging the challenges you have faced and sharing your personal experiences, you can create a powerful and memorable senior speech that will inspire your fellow graduates for years to come.

Closing on a Memorable Note

Your senior speech’s closing remarks should leave a lasting impression on your audience. After delivering your main points, it’s time to wrap up your speech with a strong conclusion that will inspire your listeners.

One useful technique is to revisit your introduction and bring your speech full circle. Tie back to your opening story or quote and remind your audience of the message you want them to take away from your speech.

You could also end your speech with a call to action or a challenge to your fellow graduates. Encourage them to make the most of their future and pursue their dreams passionately.

A quote from a notable figure or a popular song can also be an effective way to conclude your speech on a powerful and memorable note.

In any case, be sure to deliver your closing remarks with confidence and conviction, leaving your audience with a sense of hope, inspiration, and pride in their accomplishments.

After completing your senior speech, it’s important to edit and revise it to ensure that it is clear, concise, and effective. Here are a few tips to help you refine your speech:

• Read it aloud: Reading your speech aloud can help you identify any awkward phrasing or areas that require improvement.
• Shorten sentences: Long sentences can be difficult for an audience to follow. Try to keep your sentences short and to the point.
• Avoid repetition: Repeating the same points or ideas can be boring for your audience. Make sure each section of your speech contributes to your overall message.
• Get feedback: Ask someone you trust to review your speech and provide feedback. This can help you identify areas that need improvement and ensure that your speech resonates with your intended audience.

Remember, your senior speech is an opportunity to showcase your personality and share your unique perspective with your audience. Take the time to revise and refine your speech, and you’ll be well on your way to delivering a memorable and impactful address on graduation day.

Writing a strong senior graduation speech is only half the battle. To truly make an impact on your audience, you must also deliver your speech with confidence and conviction. Here are some key techniques to keep in mind when practicing your delivery:

1. Rehearse in Front of a Mirror

One of the best ways to improve your delivery is to practice in front of a mirror. This will allow you to see your body language and facial expressions, and make any necessary adjustments to appear more confident and engaging.

2. Record Yourself

Another effective technique is to record yourself delivering your speech and watch it back. This will give you a better sense of your pacing, tone, and overall delivery style, allowing you to make adjustments as needed.

3. Practice Speaking Slowly

When delivering a speech, it’s natural to want to rush through it to get it over with. However, speaking too quickly can make it difficult for your audience to follow along and absorb your message. Practice speaking slowly and emphasizing key words and phrases to make your speech more impactful.

4. Use Pauses for Emphasis

Pausing at strategic moments can help emphasize important points and allow your audience to catch up and absorb your words. Practice incorporating pauses into your delivery to make your speech more effective.

5. Speak Clearly and Loudly

It’s important to speak clearly and loudly when delivering a senior graduation speech. Practice projecting your voice and enunciating your words to ensure that everyone in the audience can hear and understand you.

By practicing these delivery techniques, you can ensure that your senior speech is not only well written, but also well delivered. Remember to speak with confidence, passion, and authenticity, and your speech is sure to make a lasting impact on your audience.

Depending on the guidelines and preferences of your graduation ceremony, you may choose to incorporate visual aids into your senior speech. Visual aids can help illustrate your ideas and make your speech more memorable for your audience.

When choosing to include visual aids, consider whether they will enhance or detract from your message. Additionally, ensure that any visuals used are large enough to be seen by the audience and are relevant to your speech topic.

Some examples of visual aids include:

Remember that visual aids are optional and should only be used if they enhance your speech and help you achieve your goals. Avoid using visuals that are distracting or irrelevant to your message.

Overcoming Stage Fright

It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous before delivering your senior speech. However, stage fright can sometimes get the best of us and cause us to freeze up or forget our words. Here are some techniques to help you overcome stage fright and deliver a confident senior speech:

• Practice, practice, practice: Rehearse your speech multiple times before the big day to build confidence and familiarity with your material.
• Breathe: Take deep breaths before and during your speech to calm your nerves and steady your delivery.
• Visualize success: Imagine yourself delivering your speech flawlessly and receiving a standing ovation. Positive visualization can help boost confidence and reduce anxiety.
• Focus on your message: Remember that your senior speech is about sharing an important message with your audience. Focus on the meaning behind your words rather than worrying about your delivery.
• Don’t aim for perfection: It’s easy to get caught up in trying to deliver the perfect speech, but this can actually increase anxiety. Instead, focus on delivering an authentic and meaningful message.

By following these techniques, you can overcome stage fright and deliver a confident and impactful senior speech.

Now that you have crafted your senior speech, it’s time to start practicing. Rehearsing your speech multiple times will help you become more comfortable with your delivery and ensure that you can deliver your speech with confidence on the big day. Here are some senior speech delivery techniques to help you rehearse:

• Record yourself delivering the speech and watch it back to identify areas where you may need to improve.
• Practice in front of a mirror to observe your body language and facial expressions.
• Rehearse in front of friends or family members to receive feedback on your delivery.
• Practice delivering your speech in the actual setting where you will deliver it, if possible.

Remember to pay attention to your pacing, tone, and volume as you practice. Practice making eye contact with different parts of the audience and projecting your voice to reach all members of the audience. You may also want to consider using hand gestures to emphasize important points or make your speech more engaging.

Don’t stress about memorizing your entire speech word for word, but do make sure you have a general outline of your speech memorized to avoid getting lost or going off track during your presentation.

By rehearsing your senior speech, you will feel more confident and prepared on the day of graduation, and your speech is sure to leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Writing a senior graduation speech is a unique opportunity to reflect on your high school journey and inspire your fellow graduates. Through this article, we have provided a comprehensive guide on how to write an impactful senior speech. By following the key steps and tips discussed, you can craft a well-structured speech that engages your audience and leaves a lasting impression.

Remember to choose a topic that resonates with your audience, incorporate personal anecdotes and wisdom, and practice your delivery to perfection. Although it may be nerve-wracking to deliver a senior speech, it is also an incredible achievement and a moment to be proud of.

So go ahead and create a senior speech that reflects your unique voice and perspective. Senior graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime event that deserves to be celebrated with an inspiring and meaningful speech.

What is the purpose of a senior speech?

The purpose of a senior speech is to deliver a memorable and inspiring message to your fellow graduates, reflecting on your experiences and offering words of wisdom and encouragement.

How do I choose a topic for my senior speech?

When choosing a topic, consider what resonates with your audience and what messages you want to convey. Reflect on your own experiences, challenges, and lessons learned throughout high school.

How can I grab the audience’s attention with my introduction?

To grab your audience’s attention, consider starting with a compelling anecdote, a thought-provoking quote, or a surprising fact. Engage them from the beginning by speaking directly to their emotions or curiosity.

How should I organize the main ideas of my senior speech?

You can organize your main ideas chronologically, thematically, or by using a combination of both. Ensure a logical flow by clearly introducing and connecting each idea to create a coherent structure.

Is it important to include personal anecdotes and stories?

Yes, incorporating personal anecdotes and stories can make your senior speech more relatable and memorable. Share experiences that have impacted you and tie them into the overall theme or message of your speech.

How can I add humor and wit to my senior speech?

Adding humor and wit can lighten the mood and engage your audience. Consider using humorous anecdotes, playful wordplay, or clever observations that relate to your experiences or the overall theme of your speech.

Should I include words of wisdom and inspiration in my senior speech?

Absolutely! Including words of wisdom and inspiration is a key element of a senior speech. Share meaningful advice, life lessons, and motivational messages to inspire your fellow graduates as they embark on their next journey.

How do I address challenges and adversity in my senior speech?

When addressing challenges and adversity, approach the topic with empathy and sensitivity. Share personal stories of overcoming obstacles and provide encouragement to your classmates who may be facing similar struggles.

How can I make a memorable closing for my senior speech?

Your closing remarks should leave a lasting impression on your audience. Consider summarizing your main points, offering final words of wisdom, or concluding with an inspiring quote that ties everything together.

Are there any tips for editing and revising my senior speech?

Yes, editing and revising are crucial for a polished senior speech. Read your speech aloud, check for clarity and coherence, remove unnecessary details, and ensure that your ideas flow smoothly from one to another.

What can I do to improve my delivery and overcome stage fright?

Practicing your speech multiple times, using visualization techniques, and focusing on breathing exercises can help improve your delivery and manage stage fright. Remember, confidence comes with preparation.

Should I incorporate visual aids in my senior speech?

Incorporating visual aids is optional and depends on the guidelines of your graduation ceremony. If you choose to use them, ensure they enhance your message and are easy to see and understand by the audience.

How can I manage and overcome stage fright before delivering my senior speech?

To manage stage fright, practice relaxation techniques, visualize success, and remind yourself of your expertise and the importance of your message. Remember that nerves are normal and take deep breaths to calm yourself.

How many times should I rehearse my senior speech?

It is essential to rehearse your senior speech multiple times to ensure a polished delivery. Practice until you feel comfortable with the content, timing, and overall flow of your speech.

What is the importance of writing an impactful senior speech?

Writing an impactful senior speech allows you to leave a lasting legacy and inspire your fellow graduates. Your words have the power to motivate, uplift, and encourage others as they embark on their next journey.

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Amazing Valedictorian Speech Examples & Tips

Memorable valedictorian speech examples (+ tips & ideas).

Becoming a valedictorian and giving a speech in front of other fellow graduates is a great honor. On the flip side, drafting a memorable speech that the audience will remember for a long time is a huge stress. You need to reflect about four years in high school, choose a theme that will resonate with others, and keep the audience engaged during the entire speech.

To make things easier for you, in this post, our pro speechwriters share the secrets for writing a perfect speech for your graduation ceremony.

Keep reading to find out:

• tips & tricks for writing a great valedictorian speech,
• two speech examples for your inspiration, and
• recommendations for polishing your delivery.

Are you too stressed to write your high school graduation speech? No worries - our experienced speech writers can craft your text from scratch or revise it. We prepare witty, inventive, and attention-grabbing speeches even if you need them by tomorrow. Contact us ASAP to get a free quote and your special student discount!

Good valedictorian speech examples

If you're not sure where to get started, take a look at the example valedictorian speeches to get inspired:

Source:  https://www.sampletemplates.com/business-templates/valedictorian-speech-examples.html

This speech reflects on the unique experience of everyone present and the importance of seeing each day as a learning experience. It also has an inspirational note, encouraging the classmates not to let our self-doubt stand in front of the new opportunities. As any other valedictorian address, it expresses gratitude to teachers, peers, parents, and faculty, and mentions that graduation is only the start of an exciting life.

Source:  https://www.docformats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Graduation-Speech.png

This concise valedictorian speech congratulates proud graduates and is less formal than the previous one. It emphasizes the importance of education and academic excellence, as well as the friends you made in high school, and ends on a high note, congratulating peers on graduation day and encouraging them to take any path that students want in life.

You can use these examples to get an idea of how to organize your text and what to add. Below, we'll share tips and guidance for writing memorable, inventive valedictorian speeches.

What to say in your graduation speech: Tips & strategies

Good valedictorian speeches share some common elements. They express gratitude for being invited to speak, reflect on shared memories of school days, and look forward to the next phase of life. Here's how to craft a strong high school graduation speech:

Begin with a welcome and gratitude

The opening of your valedictorian speech sets the tone for the rest of your presentation, so it's essential to grab your audience's attention from the start.

Begin your speech by thanking everyone who helped you achieve something in life and guided you along the journey - teachers, students, and parents. This will set a humble, appreciative tone. Congratulate fellow students on their big day and start with an anecdote or an interesting fact.

Choose a theme for your valedictorian speech

Good speeches have a central element that sets the tone. You may use one element for the entire graduation speech, or use two or three, just be sure to keep your speech concise. Reach out to other presenters to make sure that they don't use the same theme as you, otherwise the audience will be bored. Here are some popular valedictorian speech perspectives you can use:

• friends and friendship
• shared memories
• overcoming obstacles and failures
• advice to achieve success
• importance of gratitude
• stories about classmates, etc.

Mention collective experiences

After four years in high school, you and your classmates surely have some interesting stories and experiences. Consider telling about challenges you faced, anecdotes, or stories about important milestones. You can mention both achievements and learning experiences.

Sharing such stories will make your speech personal and human, and also will remind your friends and teachers about the most memorable moments.

Use inspiring quotes

Every great valedictorian speech quotes some accomplished person: Oprah Winfrey, J.K. Rawling, Steve Jobs, etc. A relevant quote helps inspire the audience, better get your message across and surely draws the attention. Use quotes related to education, achievements, professional development, staying true to yourself, and overcoming setbacks.

Reflect on challenges you faced

Your graduating class surely had its fair share of challenges. Recollect the obstacles that the entire class or several students faced and how they overcame these challenges in your valedictorian speech. Such stories highlight resilience and determination, and show the life lessons you learned.

Similarly, you can tell about the shared triumph - winning in the contest or achieving a big goal together. Just be sure to pick stories that matter to your classmates and resonate with everybody. Such stories will inspire your peers to do better and overcome adversity in the future.

Storytelling techniques make any speech better. They keep the audience engaged and make people relate to your message. Weaving in inspirational stories will also remind your peers about the friendship and the importance of events they had together.

Look into the future

Graduating from school is not the end of your academic journey. In addition to reflecting on the past, a good valedictorian speech also looks positively in the future. Encourage your classmates to embrace change, pursue their dreams fearlessly, and make a positive impact on the world. No matter what path they choose, wish well to everyone in your graduating class and express hope for a great future.

Mention the importance of developing their talents and gaining knowledge for achieving success in life. Encourage everyone to grow professionally and personally. Everybody has the power to make a difference, so, you might want to make this a central element of your speech.

End on a positive note

At the end of the speech, recap the key points and remarkable moments you've shared in your address. Remind the audience about the amazing journey you had together. You don't know if you'll cross paths with your classmates and whether you'll go to the same university. So, wish them luck in all future endeavors and thank them for the time spent together.

Consider adding an inspiring call to action as well. Encourage your friends to pursue their dreams, realize their potential, and stay true to themselves. This will leave your audience with a closing statement that exudes optimism for the future and the great opportunities it holds.

Practice delivering your speech

Your valedictorian speech won't captivate the hearts of the audience if you don't show genuine emotions and read it from paper. After you've written your speech, take some time to polish your delivery. Practice speaking it at home in front of the mirror, or deliver the speech to your friends and family.

Watch your body language and use gestures.

Speak in front of the mirror to control your gestures, facial impressions, and other elements of body language. Use specific hand movements, facial expressions, and posture to enhance your message and connect better with the audience. Make sure that your posture and face are consistent with what you are saying.

Pay attention to your vocal delivery.

Use appropriate pauses and variations of tone to make your speech not only informative, but also emotional. Practice speaking in the microphone to choose the appropriate volume of your speech. Record yourself to see shortcomings in your delivery and fix them. Use a positive, hopeful tone to inspire your classmates and leave a lasting impression.

Maintain eye contact.

When delivering your valedictorian speech, you'll need to maintain eye contact to keep your audience engaged. Learn to scan the room and make eye contact with different sections of the audience. If this sounds challenging at first, try looking at the most distant person in the hall and speaking to them.

Mistakes to avoid when delivering your valedictorian speech

When it comes to delivering a stellar valedictorian speech, content and delivery are equally important. Be sure to avoid these common mistakes to leave a lasting impression:

• Don't read your speech  - while using speaker's notes is okay, reading from paper makes a poor impression. It shows your fellow graduates that you didn't take enough time to rehearse and practice.
• Don't rush  - some people start speaking faster when they get nervous. Yet, there's a risk that the audience miss the content of your speech. Practice to maintain a steady pace so that everyone understands your message.
• Don't use little-known facts  - in your speech, use stories that most graduates know and will find relatable. Sharing a story about your friend that anyone knows isn't likely to sound impressive.
• Don't keep it too formal  - leaving high school is an important emotional moment, so being too reserved can spoil the moment. Use genuine emotions when crafting your valedictorian speech - they will surely resonate with the audience.
• Don't overuse cliches  - each bad valedictorian speech is full of cliches. To make your speech memorable, use authentic stories and vivid language. If you struggle to pick the right words, consider working with a speechwriter.

By following these tips, you'll craft a valedictorian speech that reflects your shared journey, motivates your classmates for great things in life, and leaves everyone uplifted and inspired. So, encourage your classmates to strive for excellence in everything and highlight the potential of each individual.

Use storytelling techniques, show genuine emotions, and use an enthusiastic tone to get your speech remembered by everyone.

Let our valedictorian speech experts help and impress your graduating class

Writing and delivering a valedictorian speech is a responsible task. If you feel the pressure or your perfectionism gets in the way, consider getting help from a talented speechwriter. At SpeechPaths, we prepare affordable speeches for any special occasion, including high school graduation.

You'll work one-on-one with a pro writer who will find the right words and use storytellin

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5 Tips For Writing A Memorable High School Valedictorian Speech

Some might assume that earning the highest grades to become the valedictorian in your high school graduating class was tough. But anyone who has made it that far will tell you: writing a memorable valedictorian speech is the real challenge. After all, as a high point of your class commencement ceremony, this once-in-a-lifetime moment honors not only four years of high school but must encourage everyone to look forward to the future. It's a tall order but follow our five tips below to write a valedictorian speech that your audience hears, remembers, and draws inspiration from.

1. Begin with a Goal

A helpful way to start is by understanding the unique goal of your valedictorian speech. Of course, you want to deliver a fitting send-off message to your graduating class. Still, to be memorable, you must also get them excited about the future as if an epic adventure starts soon. For inspiration, see the winners in our NSHSS Virtual Valedictorian Speeches , there you will find a recurring idea or central theme cementing each speech.

Examples of themes suited for high school graduation include:

•   People at school that inspired you
•   Significant changes between freshman year and now
•   Tips for moving forward after graduation

By establishing a personal theme, you'll produce a unique valedictorian speech that only you could write.

2. Make it Everybody

As valedictorian, you are there to represent the entire graduating class, not just your own experience. Be sure not to turn your valedictorian speech into a mini-biography of your high school accomplishments. While you're welcome to add personal anecdotes for flavor, it would be best to talk about everyone else in your class. It might take extra work to find out what the four years have been like for them. Using your chosen theme, provide the captive audience with memories and insights that their family and friends are eager to hear. That will guarantee your valedictorian speech achieves stellar status.

3. Hit the Highlights

To make your valedictorian speech genuinely unforgettable, you can tap graduation's unavoidable nostalgia by recounting the highlights of the past four years in high school. Sure, four years may not be a lifetime, but everyone in your class takes away lifelong memories from such a short period. With the right theme in mind, and a list full of memories you’ve gleaned, you’ll know the best anecdotes and stories that will resonate with everyone. In addition, you can include global events of importance that occurred during your high school years. Just remember to focus on the positives you all experienced together. 

4. Humor Speaks Volumes

Reading your greatest hits of high school memories like a shopping list will quickly bore your crowd. Why don't you write your valedictorian speech with a fusion of humor, no matter how tiny? We suggest making a big splash with something funny to open your address, then doling it out in smaller bits and pieces for the remainder. The best kind of joke to charm your listeners is self-deprecating humor, such as something that you (the valedictorian) failed at in high school. Or asking the audience if your hair looks good from the back row. Even a funny memory about a quirky teacher or favorite classes can likewise immerse your audience. It's a fun way to liven up your valedictorian speech.

5. Leave your audience inspired!

You've honored the past four years with many cherished memories recalled in a celebratory way. The other half of your valedictorian speech should inspire your fellow students. We suggest writing a clear call to action to end your address. You're not at your commencement to pick up your diploma. You're there to see everyone off to all the places they'll go after graduating. To leave everyone feeling inspired to face their next challenge, you can end your valedictorian speech with an inspirational quote. Since you and your fellow graduates should try to live by this quote going forwards, choose one that ties back to your theme and leaves everyone motivated. This circular approach will help round out your speech as a whole. 

 Examples of quotes suited for high school graduation include:

•   "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." - C. S. Lewis
•   "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." - John Dewey
•   "There are no regrets in life. Just lessons." - Jennifer Aniston

In the end, there is no perfect valedictorian speech, they are all different in their own unique way. Find a speech that best suits the way you want to send off your fellow classmates into their next adventure. But, when in doubt, follow these five tips to write a memorable one. While your address is vital to the ceremony, remember to keep it short and sweet. Unless otherwise instructed, cut it to ten minutes maximum, so people stay attentive. It might help to imagine yourself twenty years from now watching your valedictorian speech on YouTube. Will you regret anything you've written? Maybe, you’ll chuckle to yourself. Maybe you’ll cry. And maybe, just maybe, you too will be left feeling inspired by the young, wise voice calling out to from your past. 

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Graduating seniors talk about a high school experience clouded by the pandemic

NPR's Sarah McCammon talks with high school seniors from around the country who have spent nearly their entire high school career during the pandemic.

Copyright © 2023 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

• May 14 Dear Sophomores, it's me again
• May 10 Small habits, big impact
• May 10 The paradoxical reality of graduating high school: am I ready?
• May 10 Chris Valcarcel selected as new football head coach
• May 9 Senior Jake Clulow earns Eagle Scout status after a long journey

the Gauntlet

Do Senior Speeches have the power to impact your life?

At Saint Stephen’s, the senior speech is a long-standing graduation requirement that can have two different impacts: one on the graduating student, and one on the audience.

Alyssa Nucci , Staff Writer | October 7, 2019

Evanthia Stirou

The Senior Speech, historically, has been an engine of change in the hearts of Saint Stephen’s students. Original art by Evanthia Stirou.

Here at Saint Stephen’s, a core component of the graduation process is the famous “senior speech,” where a senior speaks to the whole school during chapel about a core aspect of their life. 

During our weekly chapel services, seniors can use this culminating opportunity on stage to reveal anything about themselves to the audience. Senior speeches can have two different impacts: one on the graduating student if it is personal and written with meaning, and one on the audience if they truly listen to the words being spoken. 

Mr. Revard is a member of the Senior Speech Committee, a “judging” panel that confers and decides on the “best senior speech” at the end of the school year. 

Revard said the senior speech must be genuine, and truly from the heart. 

As someone who has listened to hundreds of speeches ranging in all subjects, over time, he has pinpointed what specifically makes a speech impactful: “The types of speeches I think stand out talk about a personal experience, what you’ve learned, how you’ve grown, and/or how your experience at Saint Stephen’s has stood out over time.” 

When judging senior speeches and looking for the one that best fits the criteria, the actual content of the speech is not the only thing being considered.  According to Mr. Revard, “It is not just the content, although that is important, but how well it can be delivered and how well it resonates with the audience.” 

It is not just the content, although that is important, but how well it can be delivered and how well it resonates with the audience.

— Mr. Revard

For the writer, there is a plethora of subjects to talk about for the senior speech, ranging from light-hearted topics to more personal and deep subjects. Further, this graduation requirement is quite possibly the most important assignment students here at SSES will ever receive, as it is an experience unlike any other as a Saint Stephen’s student. 

Filling out college applications and taking the SAT is one thing, but putting yourself on stage in front of hundreds of students and faculty members within the upper school is unlike any other experience you will have here at Saint Stephen’s. This opportunity is special: it is something a student will be proud of forever, as it will allow them to grow their self-confidence and self-identity, and ultimately into themselves as individuals. 

The senior speech is an opportunity for the oldest Falcons to talk about anything. They can reveal something that makes them vulnerable, such as a “secret” or something they hold close to their hearts. It may be a time to share something that has been weighing them down, or something that they might want to share with the people they know. 

Sometimes, no one knows what goes on in one’s daily life, and so this opportunity is a chance to reveal a deeper level of oneself, and reveal what truly makes you, you, and what has truly impacted you and brought you to this moment in time. 

As an upperclassman, junior Carly Lansberg has listened to hundreds of these speeches ranging in subject. Based on previous knowledge, she said, “I like hearing about their [seniors’] struggles and what they have overcome, I feel like I can get to know them better.” 

When you open yourself up and allow yourself to be vulnerable in your senior speech, you are revealing a deeper level of yourself to the people around you. This is important and impactful to not only your personal growth, but the audience’s. 

Over time, audience members in all grade levels have given their opinions on the senior speech. The question that remains is whether one’s senior speech must be personal and vulnerable in order to be impactful?

It appears that the student body wants to hear about struggles and secrets. They want to know what you have overcome in life and how, and want to be given advice that will help them through their own hardships. 

Freshman Luke Sevin shared his experience as an audience member from the pews, saying, “I had only heard about the senior speech this year, and it is something I have begun to look forward to.” 

This time in chapel is an important time for students to put themselves in the seniors’ shoes, and prepare themselves for their own future. Seniors have important knowledge to share, and these speeches, if done with passion, have the power to impact people. 

When it comes down to it, seniors have lived their high school lives and have experiences that every freshman, sophomore, and junior have not yet experienced. They are people you can look up to, and learn from. Use this time in chapel to take their words into true consideration and act on them. If you listen closely, they have the power to touch your heart.

Related Stories

Who will save the senior speech? (Editorial)

Evanthia is a third-year Creative Director on The Gauntlet. She is a senior here at Saint Stephen's and likes drawing, playing Genshin Impact, and hanging...

The paradoxical reality of graduating high school: am I ready?

Chris Valcarcel selected as new football head coach

Senior Jake Clulow earns Eagle Scout status after a long journey

How to take the road less traveled

To be or to become?

There has never been a better time to take Chinese at SSES

The Journey of Coach Lenny Paoletti

A farewell to Mr. Holt

The journey of Mr. Peter Kraft

The abundance of A’s: Grade inflation is weakening the once-coveted grade

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• student life

My School Life Speech for Students and Children

My school life speech.

Memories have been the part and parcel of my life, much like everyone else. We remember the good days which have gone by and the bad ones as well. One of the good memories in life is definitely of their school life. In fact, it is considered to be the best phase of their lives by many. A student knows the importance of school life and they consider it the golden period of their life. And why should it not be? It is the first truly impactful thing in one’s life and the importance of it can never be disproved. Read my school life speech here.

A Learning Experience

My school life was surely a learning experience. The confidence and motivation it gave me, I couldn’t get anywhere else. Most importantly, it is the place where I recognized my uniqueness and individuality. My school life is no less than a treasure for me which gave me invaluable joys in life.

It is where I started by learning the alphabet and can now solve equations using the same. The warm welcome I received when I first started my school is something I will never forget. It is what also defines why my school life is so important to me.

My school life helped me learn about the things which were first mysterious to me. For instance, I got answers to many questions that were always at the back of my mind. It helped me gain knowledge and excel in studies. It is through my school life that I realized I have the talent of being a painter.

The things I have learned over the course of my school life will always stay with me forever. In fact, had it not been for my school life, I would’ve missed out on so many things. The knowledge, experience and memories, I owe it all to my incredible school life.

Get the Huge list of 100+ Speech Topics here

An Unforgettable Journey

It has indeed been an unforgettable journey which will remain in my heart forever. My school life was filled with lots of excitement and love. It made me understand the value of time and became a wonderful chapter in my life.

It is definitely the period where I found myself and learned a great deal about myself. My school life helped me learn dedication and self-actualization. My teachers motivated me and pushed me to achieve my best which is a big part of what I am today.

Most importantly, I earned friends here. Friends who will remain so for my entire lifetime. One of the greatest blessings of my school life has indeed been my friends. They were the ones who made this journey unforgettable and easy.

They helped me when I was down and elevated me when I was up. Moreover, they gave me strength and the courage to try out new things. My most memorable moments have been the ones spent with my friends. Other than that, I will remember the times we spent in the school canteen during recess. Each day was magical in my school life.

As we all know that the first and last day of our school life is the most memorable days. I entered my school weeping and even while leaving, I have the same tears in my eyes. The difference being the former was for not wanting to go and the latter is for not wanting to leave. They joys my school life has given are surely countless and will remain to be the best days of my life.

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Personal Reflection About Senior High School Journey

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