valedictorian speeches
Example of a Valedictorian Speech
If you have graduated as the class valedictorian and want to make a speech, read this article that will give you tips on how to write one, as well an example of a valedictorian speech.
In the simplest of terms, a valedictorian speech is the term used to describe the speech given by the student who has the highest rank in a class that is graduating. Since the name accorded to the student is valedictorian, the name is thus derived. These speeches are in some way, the other form of a farewell speech, and therefore it is important that the speaker imbues the monologue with emotions, memories, and events that everyone, especially your classmates can identify with. The aim is to motivate your fellow students and to say farewell to people you have spent a good part of your life with. The article below contains an example of a valedictorian speech.
Points to Remember while Writing
There are many ideas that you can use while writing speeches as the valedictorian of your batch. As mentioned before, remember that they are generally an embodiment of your experience at the school or college that you have been a part of. Write from your heart, and there is no way that you will go wrong.
- Introduction: Depending on our preference, you can start your speech with a quote or even an anecdote, or you can simply decide to start by thanking the audience present. The tone of your introduction will decide the tone for the rest of your session. So, if you want to write something funny, then your introduction should be humorous as well.
- Body: The main body should be full of anecdotes, stories, things that brought you and your classmates together, and events from your school life that have been most memorable. Recount accomplishments, and talk about what you are doing in the future.
- Conclusion: Your conclusion, just like your introduction needs to have a powerful impact, and should leave an impression on your audience. End with a quote that is motivating and inspiring. A conclusion should leave your listeners with something to think about.
| First of all, on behalf of the entire batch of 2013, I would like to thank you for joining us, the class of 2013 of the George Washington Prep School at our graduation ceremony. Our parents, teachers, friends, and family have all played a huge role by guiding us, every step of the way, and taught us the importance of having patience as we take our first steps into the big bad world of consumerism and corporate slavery. Today, I feel surety and a feeling of being unsure in equal measure as I stand before you, pretty much the same emotions I felt when I first transferred here five years ago. If my classmates remember (and I am sure they do), there was not anything much I had to do to stand out like a sore thumb. After all, I joined school in the middle of the academic year. But I went out of my way to display my individuality. I do not know, if then, I would have been as accepting of someone like me, as my classmates were. They made life so simple for me; I never felt the pangs of having to adapt to a new school. Of course, detention from Ms. Harper helped. Spending time rearranging books in the library is a great way to make friends. Try it out sometime. But jokes apart, today I leave this place a much more confident person as compared to who I was. And in some way or the other, it can be traced back to my first few days at George Washington Prep School. Many of my classmates have secured admissions to the top universities in the country. Some have chosen an honorable and patriotic path of joining the forces. Whatever lies in our destiny, we all know that in some way or the other, without this institution, we would have never been able to make the decisions we have made. We would be fooling ourselves if we believed otherwise. There is a lot that could be said in gratitude, but all I can say right now is, Thank you. Before I leave this stage so that my classmate Regina Taylor can talk to you, I would like to say one thing to my classmates. As you tread the path of life, remember the lines from Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen), which most of us first heard in Mr. Engwill's class. "Don't waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind ... the race is long, and in the end, it's only with yourself." |