To our honorable guest speaker, members of the management, distinguished guests, faculty and

staff, our dear parents, fellow graduates, friends, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
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 other’s 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, don’t 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 shouldn’t only do what I have to
do but also inject enthusiasm to make it even more worthwhile.
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 I’m 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 you’re 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, “Don’t 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!

My fellow graduates. Over the last four years here at [Insert name of high school.], we
have learned a lot.
And all of this knowledge will no doubt be valuable as we go forward in life. But I think
that the most important thing that we have learned over the last four years is having
patience.

Over the next few minutes, I’d like to talk about what we’ve learned, the people we have
to thank, and the people we have to remember. [Notice that you’re setting up a little
three-part structure, letting your listeners know where the speech is going.]

I told you that the most important thing that we learned was [Restate the theme.].

Let me give you just a couple of examples of what I’m talking about. [Give three or four
quick and fun examples that bring in as many of your classmates’ names as possible.
People love hearing their names. One of the examples might sound like this. “In ninth
grade with our first pizza drive, we raised a lot of money for homecoming. It was a true
team success. John Smith was our pizza baker. Cindy Jones showed us how to track and
spend the money. Fred Williams played a critical role in getting people to turn out for
the event with his creative posters. And Garth taught us that indeed one person can eat
three entire pies in one sitting.” Give one longer example that is personal. For example,
you might tell about how one of your teachers took an interest in your writing and
encouraged you to submit your stories for publication. Be sure to tell about how you
thought the story was really stupid but your teacher disagreed. Be sure to thank the
teacher by calling her out from the audience, asking her to stand and asking the
audience to give her a round of applause. Finish the story by telling how this teacher
taught you that “Nothing we accomplish is done alone. Rather, we need each other for
support and coaching.”]

Next, I’d like to take a moment on behalf of myself and my fellow graduates to thank
the people that have brought us here.

[Pick five or six people to thank. But don’t just give their names. Tell why you’re grateful
to them. And in telling why, give anecdotal context. For example, “I’d like to thank my
mother Wendy Johnson, who taught me that if I want to make it to the bus stop on
time, I can’t spend 20 minutes checking Facebook.” Or “I’d like to thank my Math
teacher, Ms. Jackson, who drilled into my head “Getting the right answer isn’t
everything. How you get there is important. So show me your stinking work!”]

Finally, I’d like to take a moment to remember our classmates and teachers who are not
with us today.

[Here is where you mention anyone in your school community that died during your
years in school. Once again, don’t just give their names. Give their names and then give
a personal remembrance. “We all miss our friend Jenny Wilson. She was a wonderful
sister and daughter, a great friend, and the best cheerleader on the squad. We also miss
our teacher Mr. Carson. Mr. Carson didn’t allow us to show up late in his class. And we
loved him for his humor. No one went through his class unchanged for the better.”]

So now we’re high school graduates. And soon we’re going to be signing each others’
yearbooks and saying goodbye. There will be hugs and tears. We’ll do our best to stay in
touch. But we’ll be living our lives and doing our best.

As a final thought going forward, I’d like to leave you with a quote from [Insert name of
someone you’d like to quote. The best people to quote are people that you’ve
personally learned from, like your parents or grandparents. For example, “My
grandfather told me that ‘A high school education is a great thing just as long as you’re
willing to learn something after you graduate’.”]

He said, [Insert final quote.]

Thank you all.

today is a day to be thankful and to be inspired.

Body of the valedictorian speech

First, we have much to be thankful for. Here at Peterson School we have received a great education
thanks to our fine administration and teachers. We are prepared to move on and to take on whatever
challenges come next in our lives.

Fellow graduates, I want you to know what a great gift it is to be as prepared as we are, because not all
schools offer such an advantage. Here we have had a high degree of academic excellence and whether
you intend to continue your education or not, you will benefit from what you learned here.

We can also be thankful for our families. These past four years have presented us with a lot of ups and
downs and it is good to know that we had our families in our corner, supporting us along the way.
Thanks Mom and Dad. I would not be here today without you.
Finally, we can be thankful for each other. The friendships that we have made here will last a lifetime. In
the same way we have supported each other and helped each other succeed in these years at Peterson,
I hope we will continue to provide support and encouragement for each other in future endeavors.

Now, what can we be inspired by today?

Personally, I am inspired by our classmate Alan Rockford who has overcome so much adversity to be
here graduating today. Alan, you have been tenacious and have had such a great attitude in the face of
so many setbacks. Whenever I get a little down about something that didn't turn out just the way I
wanted it to, I remember some of the talks we have had and it gives me the perspective I need. Thank
you for that, congratulations, and all the best!

I'm also inspired by Bill Thomas and Tony Marcos who are leaving later this week for Marine boot camp.
Billy and Tony, I honor you for making the choice to serve our country and I feel proud to know you.
Please take care of yourselves and keep in touch.

Conclusion of the valedictorian speech

Often on graduation day we look outside for heroes but I see them right here among us. I have seen in
my years at Peterson that we don't have to look far for inspiration and that we each have the potential
to make an inspiring contribution to others, by being true to our values and committing ourselves to
lofty goals.

When you leave here today, celebrate what you have accomplished, but look forward with an eye
toward how you, too, can be the inspiration for others.

Congratulations Class of 2015!

Today is a turning point in each of our lives. We have spent the past years wandering the halls of this
great school and now we are ready to go on.

We have learned, laughed, loved, gotten into trouble, and most of all matured together. But today
doesn't just concern reminiscing about the past; it's also about looking forward into our future.

Life is a series of passageways, and we are leaving one and moving on to the next. When we reach that
daunting place next year that has been our destination for three years now, we will start over.

We will meet new people, make new friends, and learn new things. We will grow older, more
responsible, and independent. Then, the cycle begins again in college, and after that, we are left to
traverse the unmapped expanse that is our future.
Hereafter our lives will hold many surprises for us, but I'm sure that we will approach challenges with
the same boldness and equanimity with which we tackle problems currently. The unknown of our future
may seem frightening now, looming over us like a dark thundercloud, but we might find that it is just a
light, spring rain that brings the tidings of a rainbow.

As I look over the many faces I behold today, perceptions of individuals are washed away. I no longer
see people as they were; I see them as they will be. So, rather than a young boy, failing all his classes, I
see the next Einstein, making revolutionary discoveries. I know that this amphitheater holds the next
decade’s great business leaders, doctors, politicians, scientists, and stars, and that all of these graduates
will contribute to the fabric of the future in some way.

So when looking at the bright horizon that is my future, I am happy. For although my life will contain
sadness and heartbreak, it will also hold joy, love, and success. And I know my classmates' will too. So
don't look back, and regret, my friends, look forward, and smile.