Summary

This sample graduation speech speaks of the importance of the day and expresses hopes for the
future. Such a speech may be given by a Grauate or Student.
Sample
Has it ever occurred to you that Graduation day is a bit like looking into a kaleidoscope? Its full of
pictures jumbled together all of which together make up your life. There are the images of your
growing years with your family and friends. Then there are the pictures of your student activities, the
classmates you met and, finally, the wonderful excitement of today your graduation day. The
pictures of your future are very vague because, of course, none of us knows what the future holds.
Today we have the good feel factor that comes from knowing that we have done our best. We have
achieved and qualified. We didnt do it alone of course. All along the way we had the wonderful
support of our families and the encouragement and help of our tutors. Its likely that some of us took
this for granted as only our due. Today, though, as mature and newly qualified adults, we recognise
that without that back-up we could not have succeeded. So today I know my fellow students would
like to join me in saying how much we appreciate all those who have helped make this day possible.
Included in that are our fellow students. They pored over the textbooks with us, drank innumerable
cups of coffee with us and exchanged views with us. That is probably what has given us the most
important education of all. After all when we enter the working world we will be working with all sorts
of people from varying backgrounds and our experience here will tell us this is a good thing, that the
world is full of wonderful people with different ideas and talents.
From now on we will be taking our talents and beliefs with us wherever we go .If we have learned
anything it is that we have to be adaptable. ready to take chances and go different routes. The day
of a job for life is almost gone. These days we have to be ready to update our knowledge, add to our
skills and be ready to cope with change.
Thats the challenge before us and it is one that we will all meet in our different ways. Some of us will
want to stay at home, others to travel the four corners of the earth. Some will like to work alone while
others will want to work in a partnership. Whatever we do our wherever we go we wont forget today.
Hopefully in years to come we will meet up with our friends again at a college re-union. That is, of
course something we have to organise so I am sure you will understand that we will have to go out
on the town tonight to make our plans.
Finally, I would like to wish my fellow graduates, fellow graduates now that has a nice ring to it
doesnt it? I would like to wish them health and happiness in the future and the satisfaction of
knowing that whatever they do they will do it well. After all they are graduates of (Name of college)
and that is just another name for the college of excellence.
Today we are throwing our caps in the air
Getting ready to go different ways
To tackle the world head on my friends
And to start on the very first phase
Of adult life with all it implies
No more running home to mum
But making her proud of the lives we lead
And showing our dads were not dumb.
So today as we sit in this great big hall
Wed like to give our thanks to you all
For being there when we needed you
Now its our turn to show what we do
I dont know how or why or when
But goodbye my friends until we meet again


















Valedictory Speech of Rene Mark Steven Masias (High School Class
2012)



To our honorable guest speaker, Governor Grace Padaka; our Chief Executive Mentor, Dr.
Genevieve Ledesma Tan; School President, Dr. Marl V. Ferenal; Vice President for Academic
and Research, Ms Marjorie Guttierez Tangog; Principal for Basic Education, Ms. Marie Vic F.
Suarez; members of the management, distinguished guests, faculty and staff, our dear
parents, fellow graduates, friends, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.


According to Ralph Marston, Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude. No man ever
reached to excellence in any one art or profession without having passed through the slow
and painful process of study and preparation (Horace). If you are going to achieve
excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an
exception; it is a prevailing attitude (Collin Powell). Excellence should be exhibited in
everything that we do. Excellence is an attitude, an unconscious desire to accomplish things
excellently that would make us not meet the expectations but surpass it.


Today, I have mixed feelings of delight and sorrow. Delighted because I can see how happy
my fellow graduates are. After the seemingly endless homework, quizzes, long tests and
stress, we managed to survive without any casualties. Seeing each of my batch mates
faces somehow gives me a little flashback of the many different memories with every one of
you. I know we have all shared amazing memories with each other, cried on each others
shoulders or handkerchiefs, laughed till that Pepsi spilled through our noses, and even
argued like crazy but still, I see that the bonds between us will never break and that this
will be something we will always have. I also see eyes slowly tearing up, which makes me
feel sad because we must say our temporary goodbyes. We have grown up together and
have come to know each other as siblings. But just like in most families, one way or
another, siblings must say their goodbye eventually.


Being able to talk to all of you and share my thoughts is really a great privilege. I worked
hard and probably a bit harder than some of you for many reasons. One of these is
because I want to show the school that allowing me to study here in Southville as
a scholar was not a waste. I wanted them to know that I can be a model student
and one does not have to have so much money to be able to achieve success. I am
a scholar because my dad works here so I try my best to act properly and perform well to
flaunt to everyone the product of loving, caring and disciplining hands.


I remember the saying We cannot direct the winds but we can adjust the sails. I
experienced this last year when Nathan Alarcon and I participated in the JAPI FedEx
competition. We had 15 days till the dead line. We had a load of work to do in school and
we had the option to just give up. We did not as we were taught not to easily give up. We
collaborated and in exactly 15 days, we were able to create a business plan that was able to
make it to the finals. My fellow graduates, this proves that what we will be in the future
will depend on what we do with our lives today. We may depend on many other
people like our parents and teachers but at the end of the day, the one who would
adjust the sails would be us. Doing bad things may hurt your loved ones but they
would haunt you even more. Likewise, doing great things and knowing that you worked
very hard for them makes an achievement even sweeter because you know those are the
fruits of your labor. I feel very fulfilled because I know I worked hard for this and I always
aimed for excellence. Getting here was a bumpy ride but thanks to all the lessons, the
guidance, the knowledge and the joy that everyone shared with me combined with the
values I have learned to develop, I was able to reach where I am now.


When I was elected vice president of the student council last year, I had fun experiences
because of the people I met. The council works together and sees to it that things are
accomplished, not just accomplished but accomplished beautifully. We had so many
problems along the way and sometimes we need to be creative in finding solutions. My
fellow graduates, dont let the solutions come to you, go and find it. Having a high
position was even tougher because I had to show everyone that I am a role model. This was
not hard to do since I was raised in an environment that taught me good values and
manners.


I learned many different values from many people and situations. At the earliest
part of my stay here in Southville, I remember so well a well defined voice that was so full
of enthusiasm and joy, it influenced me to be enthusiastic in everything I do. She was there
to guide me during my early years and for that, I thank teacher Avic. Thank you for showing
me that I shouldnt only do what I have to do but also inject enthusiasm to make it even
more worthwhile.


To my grade school teachers namely: Ms. Gladys Mintu, Ms. Lani Cachapero, Ms. Mylene
Botalon, Ms. Jan Gutierez, and Ms Chiqui Reyes, thank you for always believing that I could
do better, and for still looking out for me even when I was already in high school. You are
all so approachable and always willing to give me pieces of advice that helped me become
more responsible and open to new things. I learned that opening up to new ideas and new
experiences intensify the knowledge that I gain in the classroom and for that I thank you
very much.

To our former English teacher who gave us mental exercises every session to help develop
our intellect and gave us difficult challenges to show how much we are capable of, thank
you Ms.Risa Pangilinan. Though you are not here, in behalf of the whole class of Integrity
and Compassion, thank you for showing us that to be able to excel, one must learn to
challenge ones capabilities to experience growth. To Sir Erwin Ragadio, who shows so
much kindness that you cannot help but give back even more love. Thank you, for showing
us that we are a set of unique students who have different areas of specialty. Thank you
also for giving me the opportunity to join the JAPI FedEx business plan competition because
along with your mentoring, I was able to learn a lot there.

To Mr. Ian Tapuro, thank you for honing my skills in math during MTAP reviews. They really
helped a lot especially in the math section of the entrance examinations that I took in the
different universities. To Ms. Violi Alducente, thank you for the love and care you showed to
our class and more thank yous for the great help you extended in my pass research.
Despite the long hours of typing unexpected mistakes during the experiment, we were able
to develop an outstanding research paper. To Ms. Icka Santos, thank you for the laughs and
for making me and the other members of the student council a set of great student leaders,
As my current sponsor, thank you for allowing me to bother you when I needed your advice,
and most of all, for believing that despite my wrong turns and de tours, I can still be a great
student leader.

To our class adviser, Ms. Melanie Mendoza, thank you for being a teacher, a friend, and a
mother to all of us. Thank you for bearing with us and caring for us like we are your own
children. To all the other teachers who were part of my and all the other graduates journey
in Southville, thank you very much. As the saying goes, A good teacher explains, a
superior teacher demonstrates and a great teacher inspires. You truly inspired all
of us.

Also, I would like to thank all my Titas, the parents of my close friends, who allowed me to
enter their homes when we have activities that end late at night most especially to Tita Beth
Rapisura, who was always my fan. Thank you for always being so supportive.

To my closest friends and batch mates, thank you for making the sacrifices worthwhile, for
making every school day a party, for sharing your lunch with me, for talking nonstop about
the Vampire Diaries, for being supportive, for caring, and for the love.

Now, to those who I owe the greatest thanks of all, mom, dad, grandma and my brother,
you were always there for me when I felt like I wanted to give up. You always have a way
to put a smile on my face and you instill lessons in my head that continuously develop me
into a fine young man. Thank you for supporting me morally and financially and most of all,
thank you for bringing me into this world. Lastly, to the One above all of us, thank you for
all the blessings you have given me and everyone else.


Of all the values that I learned and will continue to learn, I find independence as the most
important. I first learned this lesson when I was in second grade. I was taught how to
commute alone from Southville Elizalde campus to our home in Bacoor, Cavite. I always felt
scared but in time I got used to it. My parents really did their best to make me an
independent kid. Another example of this was when my dad would ask me to study. At first
he would force me to study but as time went on, without me even noticing it, I was already
studying on my own. I learned to develop an initiative to study. From then on, I have been
independently studying and that is all thanks to my parents.


Independence is one of the most important values to have in order to become a
good decision maker and being a good decision maker helps one become a good
leader and person. We cannot just have fun all the time but at the same time, we cannot
just study all the time. I think that if my life was a short story, my mom would be the
cheerful character because it was her who would push me to go out, socialize, make friends,
have fun and enjoy, while my dad would be the serious character. It was him who reminds
me to focus on my studies and give as much effort in studying as when Im playing. What I
am trying to say is that we should find a balance. Balancing fun and work creates an
even better individual and I suggest that everyone should learn to do this.


Lastly, enjoying something that you do makes achieving things
effortless.Sometimes it pays not to worry so much about where you ranked but rather
think about the joy you get with what you do. I know that everyone feels extremely happy
and our parents are proud that we are able to secure a diploma after all these years. Always
aim for excellence. Even if you enjoy what youre doing, the hardships will still be present. I
know a lot who strive hard for success and a lot as well who, unfortunately, just settle for
mediocrity. Now, I would like to challenge you to push yourselves harder and
always aim higher because in doing so, you will be successful.


My fellow graduates always remember this famous quote by David Frost, Dont aim for
success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.


Thank you all, good luck and congratulations!












One of the Best Valedictorian Speeches
May 24, 2013 By Dr. Dan-o Leave a Comment
Hola Todos!
Well its that time of the yeargraduation time. Perhaps you just walked in the Izod
Center a few days back. Perhaps you will be walking in a cap and gown in a year or
two. Perhaps you walked a few years ago and are reflecting back on that day vis--vis your
current career trajectory. No matter what, graduation provides us with one of those
lockdown moments in time on your life journey. In other words, you will always be able
to easily frame your past in terms of pre or post-college.
While sitting in the crowd this week, I had the pleasure of listening to Bradley Childs
deliver the valedictorian address to the Seton Hall University Class of 2013. I was one of
Bradleys 38 plus professors (he was in two of my classes) during his time at Seton Hall and
to have aperfect 4.0 for 8 semesters straight is a special accomplishment.
So I guess it should not have surprised me much when Bradley nailed his address to the
students. First, the pace, tone, verbal inflections but most important, consistent eye contact
(did he memorize it?) was impressive. Second, and even more impressive was the
content. I have talked about storytelling a number of times here on DigNuggetville and
Bradley employed multiple storytelling-like phrases such as our book would be written on
our own terms.
Bradley was kind enough to share his speech with me so I could share with you
today. Think of it as a Super Topic Talk! But more importantly, use this address to reflect
back on where you were (or will be) on your life journey.
Bradley the floor is yours

Valedictorian Address to the Seton Hall University Class of 2013 by Bradley Childs
1,359 days of wondering, wondering if we would make it to this day. Today marks the culmination of
our 1,359 day journey we are the graduating class of 2013. Fellow graduates, join me in welcoming
our esteemed guests: Archbishop Myers, Dr. Arkes, Father Ker, members of the Board of Trustees,
members of the Board of Regents, President Esteban, Senior Associate Provost Guetti, members of
the Executive Cabinet, deans, faculty, families, and friends.
Graduation is one of those awkward times in our lives when we are torn between the joy of our
memories and the excitement of our future. Should we look back on what were the greatest four years
of our lives times filled with joy from the boisterous sounds of that first spring day out on the
green, the aroma of chicken finger day in the cafeteria, the resounding ring of the University bells, or
the calmness of the chapel? Or instead should we focus on the next stage in this journey called life?
Weve been impatiently waiting for this day for four years and now, we just want to hit pause. We
want to slow it down, and enjoy the last fleeting moments. Our lives will be forever altered after we
toss our caps into the air.
We entered the loving confines of our beloved Seton Hall University four years ago as an unwritten
book eager to fill the pages. It seems like just yesterday we were lugging our countless bags into
Boland. It seems like just yesterday we had orientation and had the pleasure of doing uncomfortable
icebreakers together. We walked onto campus for the first time as students in the fall of 2009 with a
gloomy world around us stricken by a global recession.
As the months passed we grew, and we learned to not allow external circumstances to define us.
Thats right, my colleagues, our book would be written on our own terms. The friends we sit with
today became additions to our family and are undoubtedly some of the main characters in our book of
life. We grew up together in South Orange, and at times in Hoboken and New York City. Our
campus provided us not only with a place to learn, but a true home. We were fortunate to experience
what the phrase emblazoned on that acceptance letter we received truly means we learned what a
home for the mind, heart, and spirit meant in its full reality.
The diploma that we receive represents success and achievement. But we must remember more the
journey that accompanied this achievement both the heartache and happiness. The diploma itself is
gently tucked away in the appendix of our book, while the journey to attain it fills pages.
We are now set to begin the next chapter in our book. Our book will veer off from the outline we
created, for therein lies the beauty of our journey. Seton Hall has instilled in us a tremendous fire, a
passion for life, and a desire to make the world in which we live better.
We owe it to each other, our family, our professors, our University, our country, and our God to
pursue our wildest dreams. Our professors and classmates have pushed us to the brink for four years.
As graduates of Seton Hall University, we can do anything. In the words of the great Henry Ford:
Whether you think you can or think you cant, youre right. So, class of 2013, let us commit
ourselves to the belief that we can accomplish anything. With this belief, our book is destined to be a
bestseller.
We came onto campus 4 years ago with different backgrounds and different life experiences. We leave
this campus 1,359 days later as a collective unit we are the class of 2013. No matter the school we
come from whether Nursing or Theology, Business or Education, Diplomacy or Arts & Sciences
we are all members of this one University community. Let us put aside the joy of our memories and
the excitement of our future for the time being. For as Mother Teresa said: be happy in the moment,
thats enough. At this moment, we are in absolute bliss. We are all Seton Hall University Pirates
and it does not get any better than that. God Bless. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Pray for Us.