Graduation Speech

This year I am a senior, and something I've always wanted to do is speak at graduation. I suppose this comes partly from the fact that I want to do something totally unique from my sisters. So without further adieu, here is my graduation speech....

Superheroes in ‘10

            One of the most difficult things I have done in my thirteen years of public school education is come up with an introduction for this speech. Thank goodness that’s over!

Let’s go back to elementary school, where we all sat around, criss-cross applesauce, and said what we wanted to be when we “grew up.” There were your doctors, your firemen, princesses, teachers, and then that one comic book-obsessed kid that wanted more than anything to be Spiderman when he grew up. Of course he wouldn’t ever actually be Spiderman, (PAUSE) sorry. But I have realized as I have grown up that we are much more like superheroes than we may think. Superheroes are determined, focused, brave, charismatic, dedicated, and willing to do what others cannot.

Like superheroes our determined character has made us both notorious and admirable. Green shirts anyone? We have raised funds for worthy causes, as well as awareness of disabled people. Our class has cheered our gator pride hoarse at champion-ship winning games, and was enchanted by the talents of our music and drama departments. The pride we have in our class has been infectious.

            But it is important to remember that we did not get to where we are by ourselves. Our success is due largely to our wonderful (LOOK AT THEM) teachers, administrators, coaches, and directors who have shown us what commitment and dedication truly means in their four-year effort to get us right here. And thanks also to Mrs. Thiergart, our class sponsor. You deserve a major vacation. And who can forget our roots? Our parents have forgiven our terrible twos and awkward pre-teen phases and finally our crazy hormonal teenage years. If not for anything else, our moms and dads deserve a round of applause.

            It’s been a good run, but thank goodness we’re done. And that rhymes! So speaking of poetry….Dr. Seuss, the superhero of all rhymes, penned, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.” Ultimately it is your life, and your accomplishments or lack there-of can be traced back to only one person, yourself so remember, “you are the guy who’ll decide where to go.” So go somewhere great!

For years we’ve talked about this day. Get ready, because that stage of all talk is over. Can you believe it? I can’t count how many times I have heard classmates complain of that terrible disease, senioritis or how May 28th seems forever away. Finally the day we’ve been both dreading and longing for has arrived. We’re here, in our graduation caps and gowns, ready to get those empty diploma folders because, as superheroes know, sometimes praise is pending.

            You’re about to go out into a world where everyone is something, so be what you want to be, not what you have to settle for. I think that if Superman was giving this speech he would tell us to not let the world kryptonite us, that it is so important to never ever give up.

Of course, pursuing your goals is a risky business. Every person possesses the ability to walk away and leave their potential unused, and most do. Why else do you think you see only one superhero per city? It’s tough work, never giving up, but superheroes don’t and I expect nothing less from us.

Our abilities and potential make us powerful, but, as Spiderman says, “with great power comes great responsibility.” Test your limits, and like Superman, rise to the occasion because as soon as you do, your dream of becoming a superhero is no longer a dream, but a reality.

Everyday ask yourself; How far can I go? What records can I break? One person very familiar with record-breaking is Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games and supporter of each individual’s quest their inner superhero. He said, “the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.” Be the best you can be, whatever you are doing. Make your goals worthy endeavors and fight for their fulfillment. Be the Reservoir Rs, all fifty million of them. Remember 2010, superheroes are all different from each other. Spiderman spins webs, Superman is strong, Elastagirl is elasticy. Our differences make us strong and capable of accomplishment.

I know that every single person in this class is ready to put on their superhero suit, and I am so excited to see what we will do with our limitless abilities. Final advice; be smart, be kind, be brave, and be ready, ‘cause 2010, we’re a go.