What would You want to hear in a HS Valedictorian speech?

**.C.** · 05-26-2011 11:06 PM

What would mean the most to you? & for those who either have done this or have ideas on how to do it, how would you effectively sum up the high school experience of a large and diverse group of people? What would be your theme or takeaway message be?
Any input is much appreciated!

Thanks & all the best,
C

**WildChild** · 05-26-2011 11:14 PM

Are you giving such a speech?
What things stand out most in your mind about your HS experience?
Looking back, I graduated over 35 years ago, what made the biggest impact was people. There were teachers who were exceptional, other students who made a difference and a few idiots who created situations that didn't need to be.
We build on what we learn even if we may not remember all the specifics, but we hold in our hearts those who showed insight, caring and made an effort to reach out to us. They stay with us forever.

**.C.** · 05-27-2011 06:20 AM

Hi, thank you for your response, I think thats a really valuable point that its those who cared and made the extra effort that we remember. And yes I will be giving this speech.
Thanks

**pretzel** · 05-27-2011 06:44 AM

I think your OP gave you all the clues of what you should talk about. It was a long time since I gave mine, but I still think the message is the same. You talk about how diverse the student population was. Remember also that with each and every one of them, the dreams they have are just as diverse as the individual person is. Each and every one of us has a path to take. Some of them will converge, some won't. But each dream and path is unique and important and should be embraced with the same passion. You should strive to help each other on their journey and be there as friends and confidants.

**ItsASecret** · 05-27-2011 09:56 AM

Honestly do not make it dry. I am 22, I went to two high school grads my own and my sister's. Mine was dry cut, extremely scripted, just dull, not a single joke and a total bore. My sister's on the other hand had some humor and the Valedictorian was more peppy in her speech. Honestly the high school kids do not care about the school part, the parents do. Give the parents the rant about how special the experience was, how much you grew as a person, how much school meant towards furthering your goals and the possibility for all other students to pursue their dreams, all the typical things. And for the kids, give them a joke or lighten it up somehow. Make a comment about something funny that everyone knows about a teacher, as long as the teacher also knows this particular thing so it is not rude and uncalled for.