sample valedictory speech for preschool

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Preschool Graduation Speech Ideas

It's the moment many teachers dread: Coming up with a preschool graduation speech .... (queue in horror film music here).

Fears of being unprepared and stammering fill our heads, anxiety may set in and many think,

"I am NOT a public speaker! I HATE public speaking! I am a preschool teacher! I LOVE teaching preschool!"

Take a breath.... really! Remember your 'Why'...why you are planning preschool graduation ideas in the first place: It is to celebrate the children and their year!

Giving a preschool graduation speech is also an opportunity to publicly thank your families for sharing and entrusting their child(ren) with you.

In addition, it is an opportunity to thank staff such as the director, co-teachers, support staff and volunteers.

As you are thinking of what to say, who to acknowledge and how long to take remember this one, important factor: This is not a keynote speech for college! Let's say it again: It is a preschool graduation speech!

This is preschool! Yes, your students may be going off to kindergarten or moving up to Prek, but, it is still preschool! BE YOURSELF !

That, after all, is why parents entrusted the children in your program's care to begin with!

Don't put pressure on yourself to be "formal"...instead.... put pressure on yourself to be "you"! Or, in the words of Dr. Seuss:

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

There....feel better? This is a fun day and your preschool graduation speech ideas should keep that fact in mind! :)

Well, one more fact to keep in mind. Because this is Preschool Graduation, that means the preschoolers are sitting there......waiting.......excited......nervous......poking their friend beside them!

And, they are.... brace yourself.... I KNOW you've worked all year on this.......but......get ready........

They are NOT LISTENING TO YOU when you give your speech!

Phew, there, I've said it! So, this speech is not for them--even if you address the children in this preschool graduation speech (And no, I don't mean saying something like "And this year we have ALL learned to LISTEN WHEN SOMEONE ELSE IS TALKING, haven't we Cheryl?")

What I mean is that while you are presenting your speech they sometimes hear.... well, here is my point when it comes to preschoolers and speeches:

You KNOW that is what they are hearing! When you are giving your preschool graduation speech, be sure to have 1 or 2 adults sitting with the children to redirect them during this time! That's all I'm saying!

There are many types of preschool graduation speeches. You might give an actual speech, read a story or show a DVD of the children!

As I said earlier, remember to just be you!

Here are a few ideas for speeches.

Feel free to use these and modify as you need to for your own program!

A "Welcoming" Preschool Graduation Speech Idea

Preschool graduation speech idea #1 traditional speech.

written by me, Miss Cheryl, at Preschool Plan It

This is the typical speech or welcoming speech I give. It includes a thank you and accolades to staff and introduces the stars: The Preschoolers!

"Hi everyone! Thank you so much for coming! We are SO excited about today, aren't we boys and girls??!!!

Today is a very special day. Today we celebrate YOUR children's life and times in preschool!

It's hard for many of you to believe that the time has come for child or children.... your babies, are beginning kindergarten isn't it?

When your children first started preschool-there was much separation anxiety. The beginning of a new school year is like that for children...and for parents!

The beginning of the school year was a time of building trust with the children......and with you. It was a time of building relationships together and creating a team with one shared goal: Providing your children with what they needed to develop and grow as preschoolers.

That trust was built, relationships and teams create. We moved through the year--as a team--growing and learning and building a foundation your children will bring with them to Kindergarten.

And now, it is very hard for US to believe your children are leaving us! You have entrusted the most important thing in your lives to us--your child. We can't tell you how much we appreciate that trust!

We thank you for sharing your children with us. We thank you for allowing us to be part of your family during this time.

And now, it is the end of the year. It is time for your children to move on and, Guess what? It is us.... the teachers...who have separation anxiety. We will miss your children more than you know. But, we smile through the goodbye tears because we are so grateful to have been part of their lives and your family during this time.

And, I want to thank the teachers today. Thank you for your dedication to the children and their families. Thank you for your thoughtful planning and time invested in the lives of each and every one of these children! There was a poem written by Forest Witcraft that talks about teachers and it definitely applies to the teachers, support staff and volunteers here today:

One hundred years from now

It won't matter

What kind of car I drove

What kind of house I lived in

How much money I had in the bank

Nor what my cloths looked like

The world may be a little better

Because, I was important

In the life of a child.

And you were. You were important to each and every one of these children. Thank you.

And now, the children are very excited to get this party started, right? Okay, let's hand over the program to the children!"

Here is when your children might sing their songs or do their play they have been practicing!

Preschool Graduation Speech Idea #2 Laugh and Be All You Can Be

Here is another you can use and modify to meet your program's needs. It is from StudyMode

"We are here today for "ABC Preschool's Graduation Ceremony. This is a momentous occasion in the lives of all the children.

It is also a time to recognize the outstanding work of the staff here and the parents of the students.

Just looking around, the happy smiling faces says so much about the environment here at ABC Preschool. Our children have learned so much. The school places great value on community, learning and fun.

I am proud of the way the children love coming here to school and look forward to what they learn. Seeing the big smiles on their faces in the morning is fantastic. They have learned to love learning and that skill will help them so much as they progress with their education.

Life is not just about learning to read and write. They are important, but just as important is love and friendship.

This school places great emphasis on being part of the community. This is a lifelong skill which will help all of us flourish.

It may seem slightly old-fashioned, but a sense of community to me is very important to the future of our nation and our children.

So, thank you to the other teachers here, the love you have for the children shines through in their results. Thank you to all the parents who have willingly given their time volunteering here, and who have raised such wonderful children!

Looking ahead, our children are very well-equipped to take on the next part of their educational lives. They have strong foundations and we feel very confident that we have given the children a great start in life. They have learned many priceless lessons.

So, children: Take on challenges, be loving, love learning, be part of the community, laugh and be all you can be.

Thank you."

Preschool Graduation Speech Idea #3: We Give You Child Back Now

This preschool graduation speech is called We Give Your Child Back Now (author unknown)

Dear Parents,

We give you back your child, the same child you confidently entrusted to our care last fall. We give him back pounds heavier, inches taller, months wiser, more responsible, and more mature then he was then.

Although she would have attained her growth despite us, it has been our pleasure and privilege to watch her personality unfold day by day and marvel at this splendid miracle of development.

I give him back reluctantly, for having spent nine months together in the narrow confines of a crowded classroom, we have grown close, have become a part of each other, and we shall always retain a little of each other.

We have lived, loved, laughed, played, studied, learned, and enriched our lives together this year. I wish it could go on indefinitely, but give him back we must. Take care of him, for he is precious.

Remember that we shall always be interested in your child and his destiny, wherever he goes, whatever he does, whoever he becomes. His joys and sorrows we will always be happy to share.

Preschool Graduation Speech Idea #4: Read a Story INSTEAD of A Preschool Graduation Speech!

Yes! Have the children gather on the floor in front of you, like a final Circle Time or Story Time! Wear a microphone so the families can hear it as well.

A perennial favorite, Dr. Seuss’s wonderfully wise graduation speech is the perfect send-off for children starting out in the world, be they nursery school, high school, or college grads!

From soaring to high heights and seeing great sights to being left in a Lurch on a prickle-ly perch, Dr. Seuss addresses life’s ups and downs with his trademark humorous verse and illustrations, while encouraging readers to find the success that lies within.

In a starred review, Booklist notes: “Seuss’s message is simple but never sappy: life may be a ‘Great Balancing Act,’ but through it all ‘There’s fun to be done.’”

Preschool Graduation Speech Idea #5: Growing Up

For a few weeks before graduation, talk with your preschoolers about one of their favorite things or memories about preschool! Write them down.

Examples:

Cheryl remembers the day we brought snow inside to play with.
Joey remembers being Superman with John and how they saved the dolls from the bad guy.
Give each youngster an opportunity to share one fond memory of this school year and one hope for the coming year. Be sure to write down one of your own as well!

Preschool Graduation Speech #6: Moving On

Here's another story instead of a speech idea! Again, w ear a microphone so the families can hear it as well.

In this adorable story, the young crab is growing up. It outgrows its home (shell) and moves into another one. After reading the story, tell the children and families, the children have much in common with the crab:

They are also growing up! They are moving on.... into a new phase of school--kindergarten (or Prek), though we will remember the fun we had in preschool!

At this point, use the information you gathered over the past few weeks about each child's favorite memory of preschool! Have each child stand up and share their favorite memory or you can share it for them!

Preschool Graduation Speech Idea #7: Our Year in Review: A DVD Viewing

In lieu of a long preschool graduation speech, show a DVD montauge of the children's year.

This was a hit every single year! It was started by my mentor, Miss Peggy and I continued the tradition!

Give a short speech, thanking the parents and staff and then show the DVD in lieu of your speech!

Say something like:

"Welcome to your children's preschool graduation ceremony! We thank you so much for sharing your children with us and entrusting them to us. They have learned and grown so much during this time!

The children have a few surprises for you! They want to ___________ (sing a few songs, fingerplays, act out a play---fill in the blank for your program details). But first, we have a surprise for you!

Rather than tell you what your children have done all year, we want to show you and reminisce with you! Enjoy!"

Invite the children to come sit down near the front so they can see also!

Play the DVD!

Creating the DVD in lieu of a preschool graduation speech for the above idea:

This takes some time but is WORTH it! If you begin saving digital pictures of the children at the beginning of the year, the process is quicker! If you are putting it together later in the year, it will just take more time to go through your photos!

Here are the steps. (numbered)

1. Choose 1 photo of each child where JUST THAT CHILD is in the photo. Use your software (I use Microsoft Paint or PowerPoint) to place their first name on the photo.

2. Choose 4-5 more pictures of EACH child. Have 3-4 of these photos showing the child participating in a small or large group activity. Have 1-2 more individual photos of that child (perhaps of them reading a book, painting, playing outside, etc.).

3. Upload the photos into a DVD maker program. There is probably one on your computer that you didn't even know about! ;) I use Windows Live Movie Maker.

4. Be sure the individual children's photos are the first ones in the program!

5. Create an introduction frame in the program such as "ABC Preschool Class of 20XX".

6. Choose 2 songs to play as background and upload them.

We have used 1 song that is sure to make the parents weep.... yes, that IS our goal! And one song that was a favorite in the classroom this year.

Children and adults alike laugh and giggle and LOVE this DVD.

If you are able, make copies for each family as a gift!

I recently had two different parents message me on the Preschool Plan It Facebook page (be sure to head over and like that page, by the way!), to tell me they just watched their preschool DVD and were thinking of us (and these children graduated preschool 5 years ago)!

Preschool Graduation Speech Idea #8: Speeches from the Preschoolers!

Preschool Graduation Speeches by...... The Preschoolers? Why not?!

I have heard of some programs scheduling time for speeches from their preschoolers. This can be difficult it is a huge, public "TELL" portion of a Show and Tell. It can be nerve-wracking for them. But, it can also be fun if brief and a fun question!

You just never know what they will say! Once idea would be to ask the children what they want to be when they grow up! Don't wait until graduation day to spring this question on them! Give them time to think about it. Ask it a few times in the weeks before graduation.

Here is an example of one that was found on YouTube (not my program) that I think is so adorable!

Ending Your Preschool Graduation Speech

At the end of the program you might give another, VERY BRIEF, closing speech. Keep it more like an announcement at this point! The children are excited and want to be with their families now!

"This concludes our Preschool Graduation Ceremony! Please, please join us for refreshments and hugs in the _________ (list the place). Thank you again for sharing your children with us!

I hope you enjoyed these preschool graduation speech ideas and they have helped you get started on your decision for preschool graduation day! Do you have one or more speech or speech related idea you'd like to share?

More Preschool Graduation Ideas

Here are several more of my pages and articles to help you plan your Preschool Graduation that you might find helpful!

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Preschool graduation speech.

8 comments:

Great use of Satire. I enjoyed reading your post, and I have a son that is moving on to kindergarten next year. It was so weird to talk about his 'testing accommodations' in his IEP meeting for KINDERGARTEN! I don't want to homeschool, but it might be our best option to keep creativity and natural learning alive. Thanks again for the post.

Powerful! It makes me so sad. Fostering curiosity should be the focus no matter what age or grade.

Fantastic, beautiful letter. As a pre-service teacher, this reminds me again of what I want my classroom to be and how I want to teach. This makes me more determined to provide a fun, open and engaging classroom for my students to grow in.

This was sad and funny at the same time. I have been teaching elementary school for the last twenty years. It is hard to see the trend that what is tested is what is taught, period. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one with a wider vision. Thank you.

Very true . . . and sad. This is why I moved from doing therapy with public school students to running an authentic Montessori school. Love of learning - learning HOW to learn - is fostered every single day at out school. I see it in my own children and in the other students. Why can't this way of learning be accessible to every child in elementary and middle school??? Oh, right. Because we have all that testing to teach to as dictated by . . . ???

As an elementary school principal of a Pre-k to 3rd grade school, I appreciate the wisdom of the 'speech'. We want children to have a love of learning. Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA - currently known as No Child Left Behind) must be done to remove the high stakes testing if we have any chance of preserving that natural curiosity and creativity.

I agree that student's creativity is being put to the side as they enter elementary, junior, and high school. It is very unfortunate because learning should be fun, not just about grades and testing. This rigid form of schooling will cause a lot of students to lose some interest in school. Creativity is a must as some students need to be challenged this way. The good news is that Kindergarten and the early elementary grades use creativity sometimes. The bad news is that creativity gets removed from students' education as they progress through the grades. Thank goodness for teachers who really think outside of the box because like you said, no matter what is required of testing, these teachers will still incorporate creativity in the classroom.

It saddens me that this is so true!

Crafting an Unforgettable Valedictory Speech: A Guide and Samples

Hello there, future valedictorian! If you're on the hunt for a fantastic sample valedictory speech and helpful analysis to guide you in crafting your own, you're in the right place. Your valedictory address is an important moment to inspire, entertain, and make a memorable mark on your graduation day. Let's help you rise to the occasion with confidence and style.

Sample Skeleton Valedictory Speech

Speech Analysis

Extended Sample Valedictory Address

Let's begin by looking at a complete skeleton of a sample valedictory speech.

[Introduction]

"Good morning/afternoon/evening everyone. Distinguished guests, faculty, friends, family, and my fellow graduates, thank you for being here to celebrate this remarkable day.

Four years ago, we walked into this institution, eyes wide with anticipation, hearts brimming with hopes. Today, we step out, our minds enriched, our spirits ignited, and our hearts full of memories.

Our journey hasn't been easy. It was filled with long nights of study, intense debates, exhilarating victories, and humbling losses. It's been a rollercoaster ride that tested our resolve but also shaped us into the individuals we are today.

[Acknowledgment]

Looking back, I am filled with gratitude. To our teachers, thank you for sharing your wisdom, guiding us through the maze of knowledge. You've transformed us from caterpillars into butterflies, ready to take flight.

To our parents, your unwavering support has been our rock. In times of success and in times of failure, you've been there. Your love and sacrifices have propelled us forward.

To my fellow graduates, we did it. Together, we've conquered mountains. And while today is an ending, it's also a beginning. It's a launching pad, sending us towards the next grand chapter of our lives.

[Reflection]

As we venture forward, let's carry with us the lessons learned. Let's remember the value of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of standing up for what we believe in. Above all, let's continue to value the friendships we've formed, and the community we've built.

[Inspiration]

Let us face our future, not with fear but with confidence, armed with the knowledge that we are capable, prepared, and ready to make our mark on the world.

[Conclusion]

And finally, remember that success is not the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.

Class of [Year], it's been an honor. Thank you."

Valedictory Speech Analysis

Now, let's break this down to help you in crafting your own valedictory address.

Opening: The speech starts with a greeting and appreciation, setting a positive and welcoming tone. A great speech is as much about the audience as it is about you, so it's essential to acknowledge them.
Reflection: Next, the speaker reflects on their shared journey, highlighting the trials and triumphs, the growth, and transformation. This helps the audience to connect with the speaker and adds a personal touch.
Gratitude: Showing gratitude is crucial. This part acknowledges the teachers, parents, and peers' roles in their journey, making them feel appreciated and valued.
Encouragement and Inspiration: This part speaks directly to the graduates, inspiring them for the future. It encourages them to apply their learned lessons, face the future with confidence, and to remember the importance of happiness in their journey to success.
Closing: Finally, the speaker wraps up with an optimistic conclusion, leaving a lasting impression. This part is your final chance to inspire and should be as memorable as your opening.

Remember, your valedictory speech is a reflection of you and your experience, so make it personal. A typical valedictory speech usually lasts between 5 to 10 minutes. This translates to roughly 750 to 1500 words, depending on your speaking speed. However, it's not the length that matters, but the content. It's important to stay concise and keep your audience engaged throughout your speech. Focus on delivering a meaningful, impactful, and inspiring message rather than filling up time.

The sample valedictory speech provided above serves as a concise, broad-strokes example designed to offer guidance on the general structure and key components of a typical valedictory address. In practice, you would likely expand upon each section, including more personal anecdotes, shared memories, specific instances of growth and learning, and detailed acknowledgments of influential people.

These details can significantly lengthen the speech while providing a more personalized, engaging experience for the listeners. The sample serves as a starting point, a skeleton that you can flesh out with your unique experiences and perspective to craft a heartfelt and inspiring valedictory address.

Remember, the key to an excellent valedictory speech is to ensure that it's authentically you. Don't feel constrained by word counts or time limits. Instead, focus on articulating your thoughts and feelings in a manner that resonates with your classmates, teachers, and everyone in attendance.

The following is an extended sample valedictory speech that provides an example of a complete 5-10 minute address.

"Good evening, esteemed Principal, distinguished faculty, honored guests, devoted families, and my fellow graduates. It is a moment of tremendous pride and a deeply humbling experience to stand before you as the valedictorian of this accomplished and spirited Marshall High School Class of 2023. As we gather here today, clad in our caps and gowns, holding a whirlwind of emotions within us - excitement, nostalgia, anxiety, and hope, I am moved by the collective strength and unity we represent.

Before I journey down the memory lane, allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude to the stalwarts of our academic life. Our teachers, who have been the beacon of knowledge, guiding us through the tempestuous sea of equations, literary works, scientific principles, and historical events. They have tirelessly and patiently nurtured our minds, celebrated our victories, and encouraged us to rise from our failures. To our families, the constant source of love, support, and inspiration - you held us when we stumbled, cheered for us in our triumphs, and most importantly, believed in us when we doubted ourselves. And last but not least, to my fellow students, who turned into friends and friends who became a family - your companionship has enriched this journey beyond measure.

Our voyage through the halls of Marshall High School has been a tapestry of varied experiences - a vibrant mosaic of moments that transformed us from wide-eyed freshmen to young adults ready to carve out our own paths. Together, we braved daunting examinations, grappled with challenging assignments, and basked in the euphoria of our collective accomplishments.

Do you recall the thunderous applause when our soccer and basketball teams clinched city and state championships? Or the stirring excitement that filled us during the centennial celebration, marking a hundred years of our beloved school's glorious legacy? What about the intense, adrenaline-fueled moments leading up to the national robotics competition victory, where our hours of toil and teamwork bore fruit? These milestones have not only defined us as individuals but fortified our unity, creating a unique blend of memories that will forever echo in the corridors of Marshall.

Renowned poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou wisely remarked, 'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' This profound wisdom resonates deeply with our journey at Marshall. Here, we haven't merely been equipped with academic prowess. We have been molded into empathetic, responsible citizens, who understand the ripple effect of kindness and compassion.

From brainstorming innovative solutions for a cleaner environment to establishing tutoring programs for underprivileged students, we strived to extend our learning beyond the classrooms. We realized that while personal success is rewarding, collective growth is truly fulfilling. So, we rolled up our sleeves and got our hands dirty - cleaning parks, initiating recycling drives, and raising funds for the local homeless shelter. And in the process, we discovered that the real essence of education is not just in mastering theorems or formulae but in uplifting those around us.

As we stand on the cusp of a new chapter in our lives, let us carry forth the indomitable spirit of Marshall - the spirit that encourages innovation, nurtures diversity, and champions resilience. We step into a world rife with challenges, but fortified by our experiences and values, we are prepared to navigate it. As we spread our wings to embrace the future, let's remember that we are not just graduates, we are the torchbearers of change, endowed with the ability to make a difference in the world.

To the mighty Class of 2023, we have arrived at this significant milestone through our relentless hard work, shared experiences, and indomitable spirit. We are leaving behind a part of our lives that has shaped us, nurtured us, and prepared us for the journey ahead. We are not just graduates with a high school diploma; we are young men and women ready to use our knowledge and skills to leave an indelible mark on the world.

Let's not forget, though, that this is not an end, but a new beginning. We are stepping out of our comfort zones, ready to chart unknown territories, driven by curiosity and fortified by our learnings. In this world of relentless change and countless opportunities, let us continue to be lifelong learners, innovators, leaders, and above all, compassionate human beings.

So, my fellow graduates, as we bid adieu to our beloved Marshall High School, let's not say goodbye. Instead, let's thank it for being our second home, our sanctuary of learning, and a nurturing ground for our dreams. Let's cherish the unforgettable memories, friendships, and invaluable lessons it has bestowed upon us.

Congratulations, Class of 2023! We've traversed a remarkable journey together, and today, we stand victorious, ready to forge ahead. As we flip the page to a new chapter, let's write a future filled with curiosity, kindness, resilience, and success. Here's to us, here's to our journey, and here's to the exciting adventures that await us.

We did it, and we did it together!"

The extended speech now conveys a valedictory message with detail and emotion, helping to create a deep connection with the audience. This valedictory speech illustrates the power of narrative, emotion, and the personal touch in making a speech truly memorable. It goes beyond the standard formula to offer a personal and poignant view of the graduates' shared experience, making it a suitable model for those seeking to craft a meaningful and impactful valedictory address.

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Messes Can Always Be Cleaned Up — A Preschool Graduation Commencement Address

A preschool child sitting in front of a chalkboard full of question marks looking at a book through ...

Graduates, we gather today to celebrate your years of hard work and dedication. It was a long road that got you here, to this moment, and no, you cannot hit one another with your hats.

Graduation means you’ve made it through preschool, and in just a couple months, you’ll be real kindergartners. You’ll face many challenges, perhaps some setbacks. You’ll need resilience and grit to succeed in elementary school, but you’ve all got what it takes.

Some of the biggest lessons you’ll learn in school will be in the cafeteria and on the playground, not in your classrooms. I’m not talking about things like don’t buy lunch on sloppy joe day, or that when it’s sunny outside the handles on the monkey bars get really hot, although those are obviously important things to know. What I mean is that you’ll learn a lot from other children, and if they’re lucky, they’ll learn from you too.

On the first day of school, find the kid who’s sitting by himself in the lunchroom. Look for the little girl who’s crying for her mom in the mornings. See the student who’s standing alone on the playground while the other kids play zombies vs. werewolves. Be their friend. Sit down next to them, tell them it’s going to be okay, then reach out your hand and ask them if they want to play with you. Tell your friends to do the same thing.

You’ll need to stand up for people. If you see someone being mean, stop them. Tell them we don’t treat each other that way because it’s way more fun when we can all play and be friends. The world needs people who stop others from being mean. You can be those people! Make that your job right now. You are the ones who make everyone be nice.

Always remember that the coolest kids are the ones who are different. How neat is it that no one looks alike, sounds alike, or even thinks alike? If another boy or girl is interested in something you think is a little weird, or maybe even kind of scary, be brave and ask them about it. Get excited with them. Make sure you always take the time to learn about new things and people with different lives than yours. It’s actually really fun to be friends with people who aren’t exactly like us.

You can be different too. You don’t have to wear the same clothes, eat the same foods, or enjoy the same movies, TV shows, or characters as everybody else. We all get to like our own stuff. Even better? We can all look however we want. Check it out: We’ve got a body and a life, and we can do so many fun things with them. We can be whatever we want!

Be a helper. The world needs helpers right now, and it doesn’t matter that you’re only 5 or 6. Children can help too. You guys matter, and you can make a difference. If someone falls and skins their knee, go over and make sure they’re okay. When a friend can’t carry his heavy backpack, go over and give a hand. Wipe down the board for your teacher. If another child is sad, ask her if she needs a hug, and share a toy or a book. Tell her you care about her. Doing stuff like that is a much bigger deal than making it to the third-grade reading group way ahead of schedule — trust me.

You don’t have to decide what you want to be when you grow up right now. Don’t worry about that. Grownups will ask you what you want to be all the time, but that’s because they can’t think of anything else to say to children. You shouldn’t be thinking about a job you might have in 16 years. Your work right now is to play. It’s to explore and build things and take things apart just so you can see exactly how they’re put together. Mess with things. Make up stories and act them out. Have adventures.

When you are a grownup, you might have to wear a uniform or a suit. You might have to cut your hair a certain way, or you might not be able to get away with wearing a tiara on an everyday basis. Wear silly costumes now. Play dress up. Put on wacky leggings with light-up shoes and a top covered in glitter. Top the whole thing off with a unicorn horn and a rainbow crown. It’s okay to dress as wild as you want . Have fun with that.

Guess what else you should have fun with? Creating. You don’t have to make a brown horse if you think it would be cooler in sparkle aqua. Make all kinds of things — real life things that we can hold and touch and turn upside down. Get out the glue, the stapler, the scissors (ask your parents first), and go to town. Build stuff.

You’re going to learn to read and to write. You’ll do math problems and learn about Colonial times. Some of you may take a little longer to get it than others, but that doesn’t matter. In just a few years, your brains will be filled with facts. You’ll learn all sorts of new skills. It’s going to happen, so think of school as an adventure you get to go on every day, and try not to be too hard on yourselves.

We grownups don’t expect you to be perfect. If you mess up, or make a mistake, or even get into a little trouble, understand that is how you’ll learn and keep learning. You know how if you make a big mess, if you work together you can always get it all cleaned up? Well, life is like that too. Messes can always be cleaned up. Most of the time you’ll get another turn. If you don’t get the part you wanted in the class play, be super happy for the student who did, and know that your time will come too. We all get disappointed, and we all get a chance to shine.

Good luck, graduating preschoolers! We are so very proud of each and every one of you.

This article was originally published on June 9, 2017

Giving a Preschool Graduation Speech: Tips for Speaking to Parents & Preschoolers on Graduation Day

Rebecca Mayglothling
Categories : Preschool teaching strategies, advice & tips
Tags : Early education information for teachers, parents & caregivers

Preparing Your Speech

Talking to preschoolers is simple in the classroom, where students understand the schedule and are prepared for instruction. Speaking on graduation day, however, is trickier due to the fact that the students are out of their normal element. Many of them will be excited and antsy. Asking the class to sit still through the full ceremony may be asking too much from children ages three to five. The most important aspects of delivering a speech to a preschool class are the length of the speech, the use of humor in the speech and the specific content of the speech. Prepare the speech at least a week ahead of time; more time is better. Recruit coworkers and other preschool teachers to listen to your speech and help with editing.

What If You’re Nervous?

Being nervous is natural. While you are with the children all day, you are not with the parents all day. On graduation day, the parents will be in attendance. While you will be comfortable addressing your class, you may be completely uncomfortable doing it in front of the parents. Take deep breaths before getting in front of the crowd and count backwards from ten slowly. This activity relaxes your muscles and slows the adrenaline which is already rushing through a nervous body. When you are in front of the crowd, remember you are addressing your class, so look at your class. Avoid looking at the crowd behind your class. The speech is for the same crowd you address on a daily basis, so remember this and address them.

The length of the speech is the most important part of the speech. While three to four year olds are beginning to gain a longer attention span, they are still young and will probably be excited on this special day. Asking them to pay attention may be akin to asking them to sit still for more than ten minutes - it may not happen as planned. Therefore, attempt to keep the speech under ten minutes and allow the children to move quickly to the next event. Delivering a speech quickly to preschool students allows them to pay attention to the speech while maintaining the ability to sit still for the duration of the ceremony.

Add Some Humor

Humor is an icebreaker and speech mover for every age group. Adults love humor; kids will love it too. Talk about jokes from the classroom or a funny incident in the classroom. Keep the kids laughing and you will keep their attention as well. Jokes and humor keep the speech light during a time which may otherwise be emotional. Depending on the type of teacher you are and the type of classroom you run, the humor in the speech will vary. Make it unique and make it your own but certainly use humor to make your beloved class smile and remain engaged during the speech.

Content is the Key!

Make the content personal. Talk to the class as a whole and review some fun times from the past year. Were there any field trips? Talk about the fun time had by the class. Were there special visitors? Talk about how the class responded to the visitor. Review favorite lessons or activities where the students seemed to have more fun than usual. A speech delivered to a preschool class from the teacher is allowed to be personal, as the speaker is directly addressing a specific group. Deliver good tidings toward the end of the speech, but keep the main topic of the speech reflective, as children at this age understand what has happened better than what will happen.

Including the Rest of the Crowd

The rest of the crowd will be listening to your speech; however, any stories or jokes you share with your class can be explained to the rest of the audience after the speeches are over, during the socialization after the ceremony. Don’t feel the need to explain every section of your speech to the rest of the audience. Your audience is your class. Keep this in mind when writing your speech and address the class as if it were just another day in preschool. At the same time, don’t include any content which may offend parents or make others wonder what the heck happened in your classroom!

Light Hearted Speeches

Graduation day at preschool should be joyous and fun, so any speeches addressed to the children will need to be kept light and energetic. It is obvious that you, as the teacher, are experiencing mixed emotions, but you are also the backbone of the children and the classroom. Keep up this role through graduation day and keep the mood happy for the children. Be sure to hug each child and say goodbye, but save the tears for later.

Photo Reference: RF

Author’s Own Experience

Your Guide To Writing The Perfect Valedictorian Speech (With Sample Speech)

Hrideep barot.

Speech Writing

So, you have managed to achieve the feat that’s probably the dream of most high school students: you’re the valedictorian.

Congratulations, that is amazing.

You definitely deserve a pat on your back–maybe multiple ones.

But, while this sounds like the perfect time to sit back and relax, it’s probably not. You still have one big task left to complete: delivering your valedictorian speech.

But don’t worry.

You managed to seize the highest marks in your class. Compared to that, delivering this speech should be a piece of cake. And even if it’s not–if you’re someone more comfortable with books than speaking in front of other people–don’t worry. We’ve got you.

For delivering a memorable Valedictorian speech, keep in mind a few things like incorporating humor and storytelling, having a theme, getting other students’ insight & keeping your most important point for the end of your speech.

We’ve delved into them deeper in the following sections.

Tips To Keep In Mind While Writing Your Valedictorian Speech

1. Talk About Things You’ve Learnt Outside The Classroom

While classroom learning is something that’s common to most of the students in the audience–that is, all of you probably learned the same coursework–what’s different is the stuff that you learned OUTSIDE the classroom.

Talk about your personal experiences. The valuable lessons that seemingly trivial incidents taught you, what you remember the most from time spent with friends, etc. Teach them something they haven’t learned before; something that doesn’t involve an unwieldy textbook.

2. Make Sure To Incorporate Humor

Don’t just step up on the stage and start talking about a bunch of motivational stuff. If you truly wish to motivate your peers and make them remember you, then you need to incorporate humor in your speech.

That’s because humor is a universal way to connect with people & make good memories with them. Think about all the good moments in your life, and chances are, you’ll realize you were smiling in more than one of them.

For Example: “Your families are extremely proud of you. You can’t imagine the sense of relief they are experiencing. This would be a most opportune time to ask for money.”

We can also use the Paraprosdokian technique to make our speeches funny. It’s a simple technique which means narrating a story and having a surprise twist at the end. Want to know how some of our most beloved celebrities go about using this technique (and how you can too)? Check out this (entertaining) video we made:

3. Tell Stories

Stories are another excellent way of connecting with your peers. Especially if it’s a popular story that most people recognize or was maybe quite the rage at a time in your school–chances are, at a time like this, repeating it will work to evoke fonder memories and emotions in your audience.

So, make sure to use stories in your speech.

For Example: Have you ever been the new kid in school? Well, I have…

We’ve created an entire video on how your can go about narrating great stories. The narrative structures and techniques discussed here will help you craft a compelling and engaging narrative:

4. Have A Theme

Themes are a great way to enhance the impact of your speech. That’s because they are a common point that your entire speech is organized towards anything that you say in your speech can inevitably be traced back to it.

Pick a theme that can inspire your audience. For example:

Why the best years of our life are not behind us
What high-school didn’t prepare you for
Why it’s okay to fail
Why not being the top of class is not a big deal
Why the small picture is more important than the big picture

5. Talk To Other Students

Your valedictorian speech is not just a cornerstone in your own high-school life, but also a testament to the life and experiences of the other students in the audience. So, why not include them in the writing of your speech?

I’m not asking you to get another student to write your speech for you. Rather, what I’m suggesting is talking to other students, and getting insight into their own thoughts, experiences & emotions.

You can use them or the common themes you hear to structure your speech, and even include a couple of incidents or other things into your speech. This will greatly increase the impact that you make.

Check our article 11 Engaging Ways To Interact With The Audience to make your speech a wholesome and interactive experience for the audience.

6. Keep It Short & Simple

Remember that your speech is a part of a larger ceremony that’s taking place and that most people in the audience are unlikely to pay attention to an hour-long speech.

So, make sure that your speech is short and simple. Stick to the main points. A general guideline would be to have your speech be anything between 5-15 minutes. You can confirm if you have a time limit with the principal.

7. Keep Your Most Important Point For The End

How you end your speech is just as important as the way you begin it. That’s because while your beginning will determine whether people pay attention to your speech–or doze off–the ending will determine the takeaway that people return with.

Your speech should be organized in such a way that it leads up to the final point that you make, which should be your most important point.

This is going to be the line that people will most likely remember for a long time, the main takeaway from your speech. It can be a quote, the summary of a story or memory that you’ve spoken before, a few words of wisdom, or even a quote.

For more inspiration on how to end your speech, check out our article on 50 Speech Closing Lines (& How To Create Your Own) l The Ultimate Guide

How To Start Your Valedictorian Speech

1. Start With An Anecdote

As I mentioned before, stories and anecdotes are a must in any speech. And what better way to include them in your speech than have them right at the beginning?

Stories will work to hook your audience right from the beginning and make it more likely that they will stick with you till the end.

For Example: In Grade 11, one of my friends started the fire alarm…

2. Use A Prop

Props are another great way to start off your speech. They are eye-catching, and if used correctly, can create an entire story for your audience. So you’re hitting two birds with one stone!

However, before using props, one thing to keep in mind is to make sure that they’re relevant to the topic at hand. Don’t just use a prop for the sake of using one.

Examples of props:

Your high-school yearbook
A photograph
A memoir from a popular school incident
Your graduation cap
Memorable food from cafeteria

3. Make Them Imagine

Another great way to start off your speech is to make your audience imagine a scenario. By evoking the power of imagination, you will pique your audience’s mind and make it more likely that they will pay attention to you.

You can make them imagine many scenarios. You could get them to picture the future, or even make them recall a particular incident from the past.

For Example: Imagine you’re sitting in the classroom…

4. Sing A Song

This is a different–and somewhat unconventional–way to start off your speech. Was there a song or piece of lyrics that were really popular back in high school? Maybe something that was viral with a lot of students.

Well, now would be a great time to make them remember it. Not only will this evoke fond memories, but it might also make them join in with you, thus taking the interaction to another level.

5. Tell A Joke

Another great way to start off your speech is by telling a joke. As I mentioned, humor is an essential element for any speech or presentation. It can spice up a boring speech, and make a more difficult point easy to remember.

Start off your speech with a joke. This can be done in the form of a normal punchline format, or you could mix up different elements by telling a funny story or using your prop as a joke.

For Example: I was good at math, once they decided to mix the alphabet into it.

For more information on how to open your speech, check out our article on 50 Speech Opening Lines (& How To Create Your Own) l The Ultimate Guide.

How Long Should The Speech Be?

As mentioned above, you need to remember that you’re not giving an isolated speech. Neither is the speech the only important component of the entire event.

Rather, your speech is part of a bigger ceremony that is going to be likely many times longer than it.

So, it’s important to make sure that you don’t dawdle on for too long. Not only will this make most of the students in the audience more impatient, but longer speeches generally tend to be less intirguing and harder to retain.

That’s why it’s important to keep your speech short. Preferably somewhere between 5-15 minutes.

This will give you ample time to cover your most important details, while also making sure that your fellow students and teachers don’t doze off from boredom.

Sample Valedictorian Speech

You’re probably wondering why I’m smiling like an idiot right now–and why I have been the entire way on the stage. Well, that’s because as I prepare to deliver my final speech on this stage, I can’t stop thinking about my first time up here. When I first came to high-school, I was a shy kid whose worst fear was speaking in front of a big crowd of people. That’s because I have always been very imaginative, you see. But instead of using my imagination for writing stories as I now do, I used to use it to imagine the worst possible stories and scenarios in my head. And so when I somehow let my English teacher convince me to take part in a debate competition during my freshman year, most of my energy was focused on all the things that could go wrong during my speech rather than the speech itself. You know, like, me stumbling and falling on my face as I climbed all those big steps to the stage. Or me forgetting my speech in the middle. Or me bursting into tears from all the nerves and pressure–which is exactly what happened. Yep, ALL OF IT. Not only did I fall falt on my face the moment I stepped on the stage, but I also proceeded to tick off the other two items on the list–all within the span of two minutes. I was so embarrased that I swore to my mother I would NEVER in my life take another step inside this high-school. My mom indulged me for one day, and then sent me packing straight to school counselor’s office the next day. You’re probably wondering why I’m recounting what was probably the most embarrasing moment of my life on the best moment of my life. Well, that’s because, while at that moment it certainly felt that way, now I know that I’m not alone. Over the course of these four years, every single one of you has probably felt at least once as embarrased as I felt on that day. This speech is for all of you who’ve ever felt so humiliated that they felt like crawling under a giant rock and never showing your face to the other people sitting around you again. And yet, WE DID IT. The fact that we’re sitting in this room today is proof that we did. Despite the embarrasement or fear or regret or failure, we showed up. Maybe we didn’t show up right away, but we did pick ourselves up and got things together eventually. And in the end, that’s what matters: not when you get yourself together, but the fact that you do. As most of us in this room know from experience, being a senior is not all fun and games. Applying to a bunch of colleges, juggling classes and assignments, making sure your grades don’t slip, trying to squeeze in as many last-time high-school experiences as you can in the little time you can find between all them…well, it’s not easy. And yet we made it–all of us did. Graduation marks the close of a big chapter in our lives. It has been a chapter filled with tears and laughter, pranks and solutions, good memories and bad memories, of last-minute studying for exams taking place the next day, running behind the school bus in a seemingly impossible attempt to catch it, of attempts to stifle laughter in the middle of exams, and much much more… I can say with confidence that none of us sitting in this room today are the same person that we were on the day your story began. And all of us have witnessed each other bloom in this journey. And this is not the end–today, the doors to a new journey have been opened to us. And as we prepare to take our first step in this new journey, I’d like to thank each and every single one of the people who have helped us pass the previous one. I would like to thank our principal, all of our teachers and staff, our parents, and each and every single one of you sitting in this room today. Thank you. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been a small part of our journey or a big one, it doesn’t matter whether you’ve been in every single chapter of this book or only a paragraph–it wouldn’t have been the same without you. And I would like you to thank yourself as well. Thank yourself for having the courage to stand up after you fall, and to have the strength to show up day after day. Thank yourself for showing up despite the terrible food–if you can call it that–served in the cafeteria every single day. Give yourself a pat on the back. You deserve it.

Valedictorian Speech Examples

1. the king’s academy class of 2019.

Takeaway: This speech is a great example of how you can structure your entire valedictorian speech around a central theme to make it more memorable and intriguing. You can use it to select & organize your own speech.

2. La Plata High School Class of 2015

Takeaway: This speech is a great example of how you can effectively incorporate humor into your own speech. Use it to structure the flow of humor in your speech and to understand how to use humor without making it seem too forced.

3. West Hall High School Class Of 2010

Takeaway: This is an excellent speech to figure out how you can creatively use props in your own speech to make it a more interactive, visually appealing & memorable experience for your audience.

To conclude, writing a memorable Valedictorian speech isn’t as daunting of a task as it sounds. For delivering a memorable Valedictorian speech, keep in mind a few things like incorporating humor and storytelling, having a theme, getting other students’ insight & keeping your most important point for the end of your speech.

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How to Host a Memorable Preschool Graduation

brightwheel

Preschool graduation is an essential milestone in a child's life. Graduating from preschool means a child is one step closer to starting kindergarten, which is a significant accomplishment. It's also a time for families to celebrate how far their child has come.

Preschool graduations give children a chance to show off the skills they have learned in the past year. Families get the opportunity to experience first-hand what their children have achieved throughout their time at preschool.

Preschool graduation is a special day and there are a lot of things to consider when planning this event. This guide offers a few ideas to help make the day memorable.

three preschool aged children wearing blue graduation caps and gowns holding rolled, white diplomas

Celebrating milestones: Preschool graduation

What is the significance of a preschool graduation .

A preschool graduation ceremony marks the end of an important phase in preschoolers’ development and the beginning of a new and exciting chapter.

Celebrating children’s developmental milestones : A preschool graduation ceremony is a celebration, as it signifies children's ability to learn, grow, and take on more responsibility. It also shows that children are meeting developmental milestones. This is an essential step in children's lives that they should be proud of, and it is a time worth celebrating.

Honoring the children and families for their time at your center : Preschool graduations are a chance to celebrate the children, families, and teachers who have worked together to make children’s learning and time at your center successful.

Celebrating what teachers and families have accomplished in partnership with each other : Preschool graduations are also times to acknowledge the strong home-to-school connection that teachers and families have achieved. It is also an opportunity for families to consider how they can continue supporting their children's educational goals after they move on from preschool.

Components of a preschool graduation ceremony

Here are some of the components of a preschool graduation ceremony.

Speeches: The preschool administrator or director generally congratulates children on their hard work and dedication to the school. They can talk about what their children have learned in the past year and how it has helped them grow. They may also talk about what the future holds for them and give advice to families.
Receiving diplomas: The presentation of a preschool diploma is usually simple, with each child receiving a certificate from the school. The school may also present children with other mementos that symbolize their success. Families also sometimes bring gifts for their children, accompanied by a photo session.

Special school traditions: Special school traditions vary from school to school; this can be anything from a special song or dance performance to a more formal procession. Regardless of the specifics, these traditions should be fun and memorable ways to mark the occasion.

Invite children and families to join the planning committee

Involving families and children in the planning process builds community and gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility for the event's success.

Ask parents for ideas about choosing a venue, selecting a date and time, and event-planning recommendations. They can also assist with decorating the space and preparing refreshments.

Children can take part in choosing the music and decorations as well as help set up and clean up after the event. Children will cherish their preschool graduation for years to come, especially since they took part in planning the event.

Preschool graduation ideas

To help organize your event, consider choosing a preschool graduation theme with relevant activities that showcase what children have learned in the past year. Once you settle on a particular theme, incorporate it into every aspect of the event to make it fun and memorable for children. Here are ten ideas to consider for your preschool graduation ceremony.

1. Under the sea

This is a great way to bring the beauty of the ocean and its many creatures to the event. Here are some ideas to help bring this theme to life:

Decorate the graduation venue with blue and green streamers, balloons, and other under-the-sea-themed decorations
Give out seashells or other under-the-sea-themed favors to the graduates

2. Out of this world

This theme is a great way to inspire children to reach for the stars and celebrate their stellar achievements. Some ideas for decorating this theme include:

Hanging planets and stars from the ceiling
Setting up a rocket ship as a backdrop
Making space-themed crafts such as aliens, UFOs, and telescopes

3. Exploring the future

This theme is all about showing a future full of possibilities. Some popular activities include:

Having the children wear costumes inspired by their favorite futuristic movie or TV show
Playing games that reflect what life will be like in the future
Using virtual reality to “transport” your children to a different world for their big day

4. Growing garden

Just like a blooming plant, the growing garden theme represents the growth and development of the children over the past year. It can also be a reminder of the importance of learning and growing. Here are a few tips on how to prepare for this theme:

Choose a location that has plenty of green space, such as a neighborhood park
Decorate the space with flowers and plants
Use garden-themed props such as watering cans, baskets, and flower pots

5. Alphabet theme

An alphabet theme is a great way to incorporate learning into the festivities and will put your children’s letter knowledge on display.

Decorate your venue with alphabet letter balloons
Sing songs that teach the alphabet, such as The Alphabet Song
Create awards for each child that correspond to a letter of the alphabet. For example, the "A" award could be for being an amazing artist, the "B" award could be for being a brave helper, and so on
You can also serve alphabet-themed food like alphabet soup

6. Reading books

A book-themed graduation ceremony is a great way to encourage a love for reading. Consider one book that your children have read the past year and use it as a base for your decor.

For example, children can dress up as their favorite book characters, and the ceremony can end with everyone reading aloud from their favorite book. Additionally, you can end the ceremony with a book-themed graduation song, such as The Reading Song or The More We Read Together.

7. Road trip

A road trip-themed graduation ceremony is a great way to celebrate the end of preschool and the beginning of summer vacation. The decor can be based on popular travel destinations, and the graduate program can include activities related to road trips. Alternatively, the ceremony could have a special "road trip" down the graduation aisle, with children riding in toy cars or buses.

8. Rainbow theme

What better way to celebrate than with a rainbow-themed graduation party? Imagine a sea of little graduates in their caps and gowns, each adorned with ribbons of different colors of the rainbow. Create this theme with plenty of colorful balloons, streamers, and tablecloths. And, of course, no graduation party would be complete without a delicious cake, so be sure to include a rainbow cake in your plans!

9. Nature theme

Use animal prints, greenery, and rustic props like tree stumps and wooden signs for a nature-inspired theme. You can set up a mini zoo with stuffed animals or animal masks, or you can organize a nature walk with the children to explore the local flora and fauna. You can also have a storytelling session with animal-themed books.

10. Circus-themed ceremony

For this theme, you can organize games, such as a ring toss, beanbag toss, or balloon darts, to keep the children entertained. You can also set up a photo booth with circus-themed props such as clown noses, mustaches, and hats so children can take photos with their friends and family. This would be a great way to celebrate the children's accomplishments and send them to kindergarten with a bang.

Sample preschool graduation program

The preschool graduation ceremony should be held at a convenient time and place for all the families involved. Be sure to keep it simple, brief, and fun. The following sample program can help you plan your preschool graduation ceremony and activities, but feel free to make any adjustments necessary to suit the needs of your school's culture.

8:00 am: Processional by the graduating class. The preschool staff will begin the ceremony by leading the children's procession, with each child escorted by a family member.

8:05 am: Welcome speech. Once everyone is seated, the preschool director will welcome children and guests.

8:10 am: Performance. Usually the preschool class will be prepared to sing a short song or perform a simple dance.

8:15 am: Presentation of diplomas. After the performance, it’s time for children to receive their diplomas, presented by the preschool staff. Families can also come up on stage for a photo session.

8:45 am: Final speech. To wrap things up, the preschool director will thank families for their support throughout the year and end on an inspirational note.

8:50 am: Reception. End the day with a small reception with refreshments.

Preschool graduation checklist

Here are some items to include on your preschool graduation checklist:

Decorations
Graduation gowns
Graduation caps
Diplomas
Invitations
Refreshments
Cameras and video cameras
Gifts for children (optional)

Bottom line

Graduating from preschool is a significant milestone for children and their families. It marks the end of an essential phase of their lives and the beginning of a new one. When children graduate from preschool, they have their first taste of real achievement and are proud of what they’ve accomplished. With creativity and preparation, you can pull off a preschool graduation ceremony that both children and families will appreciate and remember forever.

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Kindergarten Graduation Speech - Well Done To One And All

A kindergarten graduation speech marks an amazing and special milestone!

You're looking out over a sea of faces in your audience - proud mums, dads, grandparents, family and friends - and indeed they have every right to be proud.

There is something special about a kindergarten graduation ceremony - innocence retained, journeys begun and dreams waiting to be achieved.

A graduation speech needs to pay tribute to each and every child - all so special in their own way.

We hope our free sample speech will get your creative thought processes going and we have no doubt that you'll add a bit, maybe delete a bit - either way - you are going to say it just right!

Good Afternoon Ladies, Gentlemen and of course, most importantly, the girls and boys who are graduating from kindergarten today - this is indeed a very special day!

I am very aware that today is about the children and as such, my speech is largely aimed at the special young people sitting on stage today. Don't they look fantastic? I think they deserves a round of applause before we even begin! Today is all about you girls and boys. I know it is difficult to sit still for a long time - so I promise that I'll try and keep my speech as short as possible.

Stacia Tauscher said, "We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today."

As parents and teachers we do put a lot of time and energy into preparing our children for their futures. And rightly so. We do indeed need to equip our children with life-long skills to prepare them for adulthood. It is our collective responsibility as we guide and mold the leaders of tomorrow - for it is on them that the future will have to depend.

Today, as we pay tribute to the young ladies and gentlemen of tomorrow, we know that they have started their remarkable journey towards achieving this goal. This year has seen them grow and develop exponentially. They have learned so much. They have remained eager and enthusiastic and they have grown in so many ways. Our thanks and appreciation to all the teachers and the parents for the fantastic role that you have all played to facilitate this process.

Now, girls and boys...I need to tell you how very proud we are of you today.

You are all incredibly special people today, right now, as you sit here in front of us. You have all worked very hard to learn more every day, you have played hard, you have made new friends and you have all tried to be a good friend too. Well done and congratulations to each and everyone of you - you can feel very proud of all you have done this year.

Our young children will move into a new year - a year with new challenges to deal with. As they move into their respective tomorrows so bright with goals already achieved and more dreams still to aspire to, we say to them...

Enjoy being four today with all your heart and soul... and worry less about preparing to be five.

Hold onto your uncanny gift of finding everything in nothing, of not only seeing seven wonders in the world - but several thousand.

"Work hard and play straight" and may you stay...in your spirit and soul...

Forever young!

In your kindergarten graduation speech pay tribute to our children - "they are the message that we send to future that we will not see" - John W. Whitehead

Return from Kindergarten Graduation Speech to Words of Wisdom Free Graduation Speeches and Words of Wisdom that Inspire

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

Graduation Speech [20 Examples + Template]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Being selected as a commencement speaker is a great recognition, but the responsibility can be intimidating. How do you know what kind of message will hit home for the graduates at this point in their lives? How do you make your message stand out from other words of wisdom that the graduating class has heard before?

Fortunately, there are many incredible graduation speeches from which you can pull information. We’ve gathered 15 of the best graduation speech examples here to make your research and brainstorming process easier. A little studying can give you ideas for the perfect graduation speech topic and help you write your speech efficiently.

In this article:

Graduation Speech Examples

Graduation speech template.

Take note of the flow and structure of the examples, and let them guide you in creating your own graduation speech outline. Remember to practice your speech and memorize the bulk of it so you’re able to deliver with confidence. With a strong theme and plenty of practice, you’re sure to gain the audience’s attention and leave them inspired.

Here are 15 free graduation speech examples to gain inspiration from. If you like a style or message of a sample speech, use it as a model to create your own original version.

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1. Funny Valedictorian Speech

This valedictorian entertains the audience of his high school graduation speech with subtle, kind-hearted jokes that reflect the graduating class and the school faculty. The graduation speaker has a sentimental theme to his speech, but his light humor ensures that the presentation is both meaningful and memorable.

“You see, this is not goodbye. This is see you in two to 10 years when I’m significantly smarter, wealthier, funnier, and more handsome than I am right now.”

2. College Graduation Speech Example: Conan O’Brien at Dartmouth College

You don’t have to be a famous comedian to deliver a funny graduation speech, but let Conan O’Brien’s speech at Dartmouth College serve as a good model to create your own. Intertwining life advice and great jokes, O’Brien inspires graduates to get past failure and pave their own paths.

“Today I tell you that whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment, you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality.”

3. Preschool Graduation Speech

This preschool graduation speech is a great example for teachers who need to give a commencement address. A speech for a preschool or kindergarten graduation is different, in that the speaker is mostly communicating to the parents of the graduates. This preschool teacher delivers a meaningful speech that explains the joy in her job, while touching on the humorous things the students have said over the months.

“Tomorrow I give you back your child, the same child you entrusted in my care last fall, except now I give them back to you pounds heavier, inches taller… I give them back to you a little smarter, a little more mature, and a little more responsible than they were 10 months ago.”

4. David Foster Wallace Kenyon College Commencement Speech

In what is recognized as one of the best graduation speeches of all time, David Foster Wallace affirms to a class of liberal arts students that their education taught them how to think and how to be self-aware.

“The only thing that’s capital-T True is that you get to decide how you’re gonna try to see it. This, I submit, is the freedom of a real education, of learning how to be well-adjusted. You get to consciously decide what has meaning and what doesn’t. You get to decide what to worship.”

5. Middle School Graduation Speech

A class president delivers a heartwarming message in a storytelling format at his middle school graduation ceremony.

“Once upon a time, three long years ago, a journey began. We were obedient little munchkins, climbing up stairs meant for giants, carrying heavy backpacks filled with every sort of colored pencil existing on this earth.”

6. University of Wisconsin-Madison Commencement Speech 2017

Steven Levitan, creator of the award-winning show “Modern Family,” was the commencement speaker at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for the graduating class of 2017. This is a good example to follow if you’re an alum of the college you’re presenting to.

“It’s hard to believe I graduated here 33 years ago. I still have the official university photo of me receiving my diploma wearing only shorts under my cap and gown and holding a big bottle of champagne, as if to say, ‘Hey world, lower your expectations.'”

7. Mark Zuckerberg’s Harvard University Commencement Speech

Successful people are often chosen as commencement speakers for university graduation ceremonies. See how the CEO and founder of Facebook is able to portray humility in relating to the 2017 graduating class at Harvard University.

“I’m honored to be with you today because, let’s face it, you accomplished something I never could. If I get through this speech, it’ll be the first time I actually finish something at Harvard. Class of 2017, congratulations!”

8. Al Roker’s Commencement Speech at Champlain College

Upon receiving his doctorate degree of humane letters, the “Today Show” weather anchor delivered an inspirational speech to the graduating class. Roker speaks to the class’s generation and relates his graduation speech topic back to his own upbringing.

“Be in the moment. Stop living through your screen. Experience it now.”

9. Steve Jobs’ Commencement Speech at Stanford University

The Apple CEO’s commencement speech at 2005 to the graduating class at Stanford University is one of the classics. Jobs tells stories about his own experiences with dropping out of college, being fired from Apple, and being diagnosed with cancer.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of the other opinion drown out your own inner voice. And, most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”

10. Elementary School Graduation Speech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVOQVsbkmbM

This fifth-grade class speaker relates her teacher’s message to a lesson from her grandfather as her opening hook .

“To survive the fifth grade is not barely making it through. Instead, to survive means to perform with distinction.

11. Ellen Degeneres Commencement Speech at Tulane University

The famous talk show host and comedian Ellen Degeneres’s commencement speech at Tulane University is a great example of how a guest speaker can identify with her audience.

“It was so important for me to lose everything because I found what the most important thing is. The most important thing is to be true to yourself.”

12. University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address

Rear Admiral William H. McRaven aims to inspire his audience right from the beginning. The rear admiral encourages the graduating class to change the world, relating everyday life struggles to those of the people in the military.

“If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”

13. Matthew McConaughey Commencement Speech

Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey drew from his own personal story to deliver an inspirational commencement speech at the University of Houston. McConaughey gives the graduating class 13 life lessons, including to define success for yourself and find joy in your work.

“Prioritize who you are and who you want to be. Don’t spend time with anything that antagonizes your character.”

14. Commencement Address by Jim Carrey

In his commencement address at Maharishi University of Management, actor Jim Carrey tells an emotional personal story. Carrey uses emotion to encourage the graduating class to walk their own path and never settle in life.

“Your need for acceptance can make you invisible in this world. Don’t let anything stand in the way of the light that shines through this form. Risk being seen in all of your glory.”

15. Stephen Colbert’s Commencement Speech at Wake Forest University

The famous comedian delivers a witty and funny graduation speech, offering students practical advice for the real world.

“And if there’s one thing you need even more, it’s your own set of standards. It may seem counterintuitive now, but once you leave here, you may miss being graded on all your work. Because when you’re out of school, there are no objective criteria for achievement anymore.”

16. Inspiring Graduation Speech

In this remarkable graduation speech, the class valedictorian makes a political statement by publicly revealing her status as an undocumented immigrant. The speech starts out with jokes, but turns into a moving performance that’s as powerful as it is fun to watch.

“To each and every single one of you, I say thank you. You taught me that it’s okay to be different and that there will always be people willing to overlook those differences and accept you for being yourself.”

17. Funny Graduation Speech

This class-elected graduation speaker has the perfect delivery of well-crafted jokes and one-liners throughout her speech. She keeps the whole class laughing and never misses a beat.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to pursuing an additional 4-year education – which I can’t afford.”

18. Moving Graduation Speech

This college graduation speech educates listeners about women’s education through the eyes of the speaker, who encountered resistance to seeking an education just because she was a woman. It’s nearly impossible to listen to this speech without feeling moved to take action.

“I couldn’t have imagined attending college, simply because we weren’t allowed to. My sisters weren’t allowed to; the girls before me weren’t allowed to.”

19. Funny Graduation Speech

This graduation speech by the senior class president is humorous and engaging. The class president reminisces with plenty of jokes in a speech full of fun memories and just the right amount of inspiration.

“I know we can all agree that this class is resilient. We survived an earthquake, two blackouts, and Ebola.”

20. Short Graduation Speech

Graduation ceremonies can be long, but the speeches don’t have to be. This short graduation speech uses an “ABCs of life” format to pack a lot of power into a short amount of time. The class president gets wild applause from the audience for his quick but clever speech.

“We must Q – quit quitting, and R – run the race with patience.”

Thank teachers and your parents or other family members for their support, encouragement, help, aid or personal assistance during your years of studying.
Praise accomplishments and achievements of the class.
Reflect upon the past years, what has changed and is interesting enough to share with all?
Mention funny and exciting events, you can opt for funny oneliners or even small innocent jokes, poems or quotations from famous people if you like.
Motivate your fellow students and teachers and professors to look to the bright future:
I continue with the 10 most wanted and popular graduation speech topics:
Give advice, but avoid boring cliches that are totally not surprising.
Entertain by telling humorous anecdotes and vivid stories. Offer an account of an interesting or humorous incident.
Express the feelings of the class. But do not go over the top.
Say farewell to all attendees. This acknowledgment at parting is the warming-up for the next and final step
Wish the graduates of your class all the best and thank them for listening.

Don’t forget to:

Thank the parents and family. Have your class honor them with applause. Not only have they made sure you showed up to school, there’s a host of other responsibilities that parents have sacrificed to accomplish for you. Now is your moment to focus on them for a minute or so.

Thank the teachers and administrators. Each teacher or professor works many long hours that you don’t see in the classroom, and many have poured their hearts and lives into teaching. Take this moment to make it worth it for them.

Use some of my vote of thanks example expressions to feed you imagination for topics for graduation speech a little bit.

Make the address personal. When you decide to make your graduation speech personal, you will experience much bigger success. It will also be more fun to write and deliver a talk that brings high school or college to a close with recognition of the small things in education life. The memories you will run across looking through yearbooks and talking about with friends will be priceless for you as well.

Calm the nerves. It is very intimidating to address hundreds of people in the audience while delivering a graduation speech. Many of us have fear of public speaking. Before you proceed, do this test. And practice the tips.

Consider including:

STORIES Include stories about your school. These high school graduation speech topics can be about teachers and funny things that have happened over the year.

EVENTS Include motivational or moving events that may have happened – perhaps volunteer opportunities that have changed the students’ perspective. Make sure that any major events that have happened are recognized.

Sports and music events that have been important to the school need to be recognized, even if it happened in one of the prior years of your class and not the graduating year.

CLASS EXPERIENCE Bring the class experience alive for those attending the graduation. Grandparents and parents, as well as siblings, have heard the names from school.

Bring the people to the campus life that they have heard about.

DECEASED If a fellow student or teacher has died, mention that person. Make it not a funeral obituary eulogy but recognize them for the family who might be present.

PROJECTS Mention any projects that the school has undertaken; if you have been involved in a community garden or other volunteer organization give credit for the impact it has made.

Pet Peeve Speech Topics

Commemorative Speech

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Crafting a Memorable Valedictorian Speech: 5 Tips and Ideas

The Speaker Lab
February 16, 2024

Standing at the podium to deliver a valedictorian speech marks a pinnacle moment for high school graduates. While it’s an honor that speaks volumes about dedication and academic prowess, it also carries the weight of expectation.

This guide will walk you through creating a memorable valedictory address. You’ll learn how to reflect on collective milestones and incorporate those unique stories that bind your class together. We’ll explore themes like overcoming adversity and extracting life lessons from your high school years—all designed to leave everyone feeling inspired as they part ways.

Understanding the Valedictorian Speech

In academia, traditions run deep and none stands out quite like delivering that commencement speech amidst fellow graduates. The valedictorian speech is more than just a final farewell to high school. It’s a beacon of inspiration for every graduate sitting in their cap and gown. When you’re tasked with delivering this pivotal speech, remember: You’re not just speaking as an individual; you represent your entire graduating class.

Achieving this honor means you’ve scaled heights academically within your school community. But let’s face it—being top dog isn’t just about having bragging rights at family gatherings or making grandma proud. It signifies commitment beyond individual success—it speaks volumes about what one can achieve with determination.

You’re no ordinary student. As a result, you are now tasked with crafting words that will echo long after tassels have been turned at graduation ceremonies.

Significance in Academic Tradition

In academic tradition, there’s something almost sacred about commencement speeches. After all, they mark both an ending and a beginning. The best ones capture the essence of shared journeys through stories from freshman year fumbles to senior year triumphs—and everything in between.

In addition to recounting these stories of growth and camaraderie, a great valedictorian speech recounts lessons learned inside classrooms and on sports fields alike. As we at The Speaker Lab know, these narratives can shape powerful messages .

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Crafting Your Valedictorian Speech

To strike the right chord with listeners takes careful consideration—you want each word to resonate authentically without falling into cliché traps often heard at graduations. To get you started, here are some ideas on what you might include in your graduation speech . In addition, consider these examples from The New York Times .

Reflecting on Collective Experiences and Aspirations

Weave common threads throughout your narrative—think back row shenanigans or early morning bus stop meetup. Memories like these will draw laughter and nods from classmates who’ve lived these moments too.

You can even reflect on how you’ve tackled challenges like the global pandemic and how you’ve navigated changes like online classes. Events like these have impacted you and your classmates profoundly and they’re worth reflecting on.

Beyond merely recounting achievements, your words should also echo the aspirations and spirit of your high school class. This moment serves as both reflection on what has been accomplished and anticipation for all that lies ahead, uniting everyone under common hope as they prepare to part ways into diverse futures.

Incorporating Personal Faith

Talking about personal faith can be powerful but it’s key to respect everyone’s beliefs. For those from Christian backgrounds, mentioning how God has influenced your journey might resonate deeply. It’s about balancing personal truth with inclusivity—giving thanks without assuming uniformity among fellow graduates.

Universal Values for Collective Inspiration

When delivering your valedictorian speech, try incorporating values that you and your classmates share. This could include anything from teamwork to cooperation, hard work, or perseverance. Brainstorm values that mean something to you personally and then choose themes from that list that will resonate with your classmates as well.

Highlighting Collective or Personal Accomplishments

We all know high school wasn’t just a walk in the park. Think back to freshman year, when everything was new and challenging. You had to navigate not only math class but also social dynamics and personal growth spurts.

This is where your valedictorian speech can shine by highlighting your collective accomplishments. Emphasize how you learned how to work together, transforming trials into triumphs. The moments spent tackling group projects or cheering each other on during sports events show more than your ability to overcome adversity—they showcase your school’s spirit of unity.

Alternatively (or perhaps in addition), highlight personal growth, and the ways you saw yourself and others improve, whether academically or as a person. Whichever approach you take, speaking on the triumphs of high school gives you and your classmates the chance to appreciate the challenges you overcame. By adapting, innovating, and pushing past comfort zones, you and your classmates made it to the finish line: graduation day.

Personal Touches in Your Speech

Your personal growth is another treasure trove for material. Maybe there was an “aha” moment with Mr. Smith, the math teacher who turned numbers into life lessons. Or perhaps Ms. Wilson’s U.S. history class pushed you out of your comfort zone more than once. These individual stories add a personal touch to your speech while granting recognition to teachers who made a positive impact on your high school career.

And don’t forget your fellow students. If you’ve attended your high school for awhile, chances are you’ve made some close friends. Go ahead and give a shoutout to those that made a difference in your life. As valedictorian, you want your words to resonate—to leave everyone feeling seen, understood, celebrated even as they prepare to part ways beyond high school graduation.

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FAQs on Valedictorian Speeches

What should i say in my valedictorian speech.

Highlight shared triumphs, express gratitude, and inspire your peers to embrace future challenges with optimism.

What is a valedictory speech example?

An effective valedictory speech might start by recalling a common freshman challenge and end on hopeful notes about the journey ahead.

How do you make a valedictorian speech unique?

Weave in personal stories that echo the class’s spirit. Use humor wisely and leave them pondering fresh ideas or perspectives.

What is the main purpose of a valedictorian speech?

To celebrate achievements, acknowledge collective growth, and rally classmates for upcoming adventures beyond high school halls.

Delivering a valedictorian speech is an art. It’s your story, your graduating class’s journey, everyone’s milestone. Remember the key takeaways: weave together personal triumphs with shared moments that defined you all.

Reflect on the lessons learned beyond textbooks—those are what will shape you moving forward. Embrace adversity since it taught you resilience and brought out collective strength you never knew you had.

Your valedictorian speech should be more than words—it’s a celebration, an inspiration, a final bow to high school life as you ignite excitement for what comes next. So go forth and conquer!

Last Updated: February 29, 2024

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Valedictorian Speech: How to Write a Valedictorian Speech

So you did it! You graduated at the top of your class. Now you have to write your Valedictorian Speech. However, since this is the first (and only) time you will ever do it, you may not know exactly how to write a valedictorian speech . You are not alone. Just about every Valedictorian or Salutatorian has gone through this. You work very hard to get to the top, and now you have five minutes to educate, entertain, and inspire your classmates. And, of course, the task is so much easier because your classmates are so accepting and non-judgmental. (Yeah, right!)

Well the outline below can show you step-by-step how to write a Valedictorian Speech (or Salutatorian Speech). This is the final part of our five part series on How to Design a Presentation . In the previous posts, we have covered how to persuade an audience , best practices for a commencement speech , and wedding toast tips . So, check out any of the other posts for additional details.

A Few Tips About How to Write a Valedictorian Speech

Before you get started with your speech, it is a good idea to Create a Theme for Your Graduation Speech . Take a look at the later half of the previous post about Graduation Speeches for ideas on possible themes. Basically, the theme is the overall point or inspiration of your speech. If you start with a good theme, all of your stories, jokes, and inspirational quotes will mesh well together.

Start with Some Humor

(This might work if you are really short or if your friends don’t really think of you as athletic.) I remember the first time that I saw an NBA game on TV. I was memorized. The players were so big, so talented, and so athletic, that I was just hooked. I remember, jumping off the couch and running to my dad and shouting, “Dad, when I grow up, I’m going to be an NBA star!” My dad just rolled his eyes and said, “Son, graduation is tomorrow night, why don’t you just work on your speech.”

(This one works well if a superhero movie was popular when you were a kid.) I remember the first time that I saw the Batman movie. He was so cool and so rich that he could spend his nights fighting crime. I knew then and there what I wanted to be when I grew up. I jumped off the couch and ran to my mom shouting, Mom, when I grow up, I’m going to be Batman.” My Mom looked me dead in the eye and said, “You graduate next week. Stop trying to get out of delivering that speech.”

Alternatively, just tell a funny story from your experience at school. These stories are easy to prepare, and they will help you reduce your nervousness when speaking. (Stories are easy because they add some humor and are easy to remember.)

A Fun Way to Create a Kind Of Nostalgia Feel is to Recount Things Seen in the Four Years

One of the fun things about High School is the life-long memories created in these years. If you want a little inspiration, download the old Billy Joel song, “We Didn’t Start the Fire.”

For example, you might say something like… “Since we walked into this school as freshmen, we have seen smartphone apps that help people recover from strokes. A millionaire TV star was elected president. Our baseball team won district for the first time in 22 years. Mr. Jones lost a lot more hair. (I think a lot of that was as a result of the stress that I put on him. I apologize sir.) Etc.

This type of recitation is unique to a Valedictorian or Salutatorian speech. Keep in mind that, although you are the person speaking, you are really a representation of the entire class. So, the more that you help the class relive the good times, the more that they will like your speech.

Add an Inspirational Quote Followed by a Story From Your School Experience

If you want to continue with a little more humor, you can quote a “lyrical poet” (pop star). Although by quoting a song, you can add some humor. However, if you pick a good lyric, you can make your presentation inspirational as well. For instance, if you say something like, “One of my favorite lyrical poets… Lorde, once said, ‘If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.'” Just make sure that the lyric is clean. (Remember, your grandma is in the audience.) Alternatively, you can pick a real inspirational quote or even a movie quote. (Just Google inspirational quote or inspirational movie quotes.) For a list of 30 song lyrics that you can choose from, visit this LifeHack article .

The most important part of this section of your speech, though is to tell a good story about your experience in school related to the quote. Although this article is about how to write a Valedictorian speech, remember that the speech is really about the entire class. So, a story that your classmates will relate to will work best. So, if you happen to use the Lorde quote, then just think about a big accomplishment of the class. Then, show how that accomplishment occurred because we dreamed big and the process was uncomfortable. So, if the baseball team won the district championship, use that. If the One-Act-Play team made it to State, then use that story. In fact, if you pick a good quote, you can use a series of some of the best accomplishments of the entire school as your evidence that the quote is true.

End With a Call to Action

If you used the Lorde quote about dreaming big earlier in the speech, then you might end with a similar quote from a famous person. You might say something like…

Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” So, class of [YEAR], go on to the next stage of your life with courage, and dream big enough so that is a little bit scary along the way!

There is No Magic in How to Write a Valedictorian Speech

Just remember that there is no magic pill that will help you create a great graduation speech. However, if you follow the steps above, the process should be easy and fun. If you use any of the tips, make sure to comment on the post or on our podcast. We’d love to hear how the process worked for you.

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Written Samples

3 valedictorian speech samples that will impress.

As the pinnacle of academic achievement in high school or college, the valedictorian speech is a momentous opportunity for top graduates to share reflections, inspirations, and aspirations with their peers, families, and educators.

A great valedictorian speech is more than a recitation of gratitude and accomplishments; it’s a heartfelt, inspiring narrative that weaves together personal stories with universal themes of hope, resilience, and ambition.

3 Sample Valedictorian Speeches

In this article, we provide three sample valedictorian speeches crafted to captivate and inspire audiences. Each speech includes fictional details to enhance relatability and depth.

Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, faculty, family, and my fellow graduates, today marks a pivotal moment in our lives. As we gather in the spirit of celebration and reflection, it is with immense pride and a deep sense of gratitude that I stand before you as the valedictorian of the class. Our journey to this moment has been filled with challenges and triumphs, moments of uncertainty, and periods of exhilarating discovery.

Introduction

When we embarked on this academic voyage, we were individuals from diverse backgrounds, holding a mosaic of aspirations. Today, we stand united, a testament to the enduring spirit of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Our time at this esteemed institution has been more than just an academic endeavor; it has been a crucible, shaping us into the individuals we are today. We have been guided by an exceptional faculty, supported by devoted families, and inspired by each other’s ambitions.

The Journey

Reflecting on our journey, it’s evident that each step was a building block, a series of lessons learned, friendships forged, and dreams nurtured. We have delved into complex theories, grappled with challenging concepts, and sought to understand the intricate workings of the world around us. We have been challenged to think critically, act compassionately, and lead ethically. Our education has been an intricate blend of intellectual rigor and character development, preparing us not just for the professional realm but for the broader challenges of life.

Overcoming Challenges

Our path was not always smooth; we encountered obstacles that tested our resolve and determination. There were late nights and early mornings, times of self-doubt, and moments when the end goal seemed distant. Yet, with each challenge, we grew stronger, more resilient. We learned the value of hard work, the importance of persistence, and the satisfaction of overcoming difficulties. These experiences have left an indelible mark, shaping us into adaptable, determined individuals ready to face the future with confidence.

Moments of Triumph

Amidst these challenges were moments of sheer joy and accomplishment. The late-night study sessions that culminated in understanding a complex concept, the successful projects and presentations, the community service initiatives, and the cultural festivals—each event added color and vibrancy to our collective experience. We cheered each other’s successes and provided support through setbacks, creating a community of learners who thrive together.

As we stand on the precipice of the future, it is crucial to acknowledge those who have made this journey possible. To our esteemed faculty, your wisdom and dedication have not only educated us but also inspired us to strive for greatness. You have been our mentors, guiding us with patience and passion. To our families, your unwavering support and sacrifices have been the backbone of our success. Your belief in our dreams has been a source of constant encouragement. And to my fellow graduates, your camaraderie, and spirit have made this journey an unforgettable experience.

As we look forward, the future is an unwritten script waiting for us to make our mark. We are equipped with knowledge, skills, and a sense of purpose. The world we are entering is complex and ever-changing, but we are ready. We are the innovators, thinkers, and leaders of tomorrow. Our education has not just prepared us for a career; it has prepared us to make meaningful contributions to society. We are poised to tackle the challenges of the future, to create, to innovate, and to lead with integrity.

Call to Action

As we embark on this next chapter, let us take forward the lessons we have learned and the friendships we have formed. Let us be bold in our aspirations, ethical in our approach, and compassionate in our interactions. The world needs bright minds and kind hearts—let us be both. Let us not shy away from challenges but embrace them as opportunities for growth. Let us remain lifelong learners, forever curious and forever driven to improve ourselves and the world around us.

In closing, I am reminded of the profound journey we have shared. It has been an honor to learn, grow, and evolve alongside each of you. As we scatter across the globe, pursuing our unique paths, let us carry forward the legacy of our alma mater with pride. Let us continue to support each other, celebrate each other’s successes, and uplift each other during times of need. Today, as we close this chapter and begin anew, let us step forward with hope, determination, and the unyielding spirit of a graduate ready to make a difference. Congratulations, Class of [Year]! Our adventure is just beginning.

Esteemed faculty, proud parents, devoted friends, and, most importantly, my fellow graduates, it is an honor to speak before you on this momentous day. We gather here, cloaked in our gowns and caps, not just as a formality, but as a symbol of our dedication, our achievements, and the journey that has brought us to this pivotal moment in our lives. This day is not just a personal triumph but a collective victory for all who have supported us through this journey.

As we stand at the precipice of the future, it is natural to reflect on the past. Our journey through [School Name] has been transformative, an epic saga filled with challenges, achievements, and a constant quest for knowledge. We entered as young hopefuls, eager and perhaps a bit anxious about the path ahead. Today, we emerge as graduates, ready to embark on new adventures, armed with the education and experiences that we have gained.

The Path We’ve Walked

Our time here has been marked by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and a drive to exceed expectations. We’ve spent countless hours in the library, participated in discussions that challenged our perspectives, and engaged in activities that pushed us beyond our comfort zones. Our education was never confined to the classroom; it spilled over into every aspect of our lives, teaching us about ourselves and the world we inhabit.

Celebrating Diversity and Unity

One of the most beautiful aspects of our journey has been the diversity of our class. We’ve learned from each other, blending our cultures, ideas, and dreams. We’ve created a vibrant tapestry that reflects not just who we are as individuals but also what we can accomplish together. Our differences have not divided us; instead, they have enriched our experience and given us a more profound understanding of the world.

Acknowledging Challenges and Resilience

Our path has not been devoid of obstacles. We’ve faced personal and academic challenges, moments of doubt and disappointment. Yet, here we stand, a testament to our resilience and determination. Each setback has taught us valuable lessons, forging our characters in the fires of perseverance. Our triumphs are all the sweeter for the hurdles we’ve overcome.

A Tribute to Our Pillars of Support

This journey would have been impossible without the unwavering support of those around us. To our esteemed professors, your wisdom and mentorship have illuminated our paths. You have not only been educators but also guides, challenging us to reach new heights. To our families and friends, your love and encouragement have been our anchor and our refuge. You celebrated our successes and stood by us through trials, believing in us even when we doubted ourselves.

Looking Forward

Today, as we stand ready to turn the page, we are not saying goodbye but rather stepping into a new chapter. The world awaits, ripe with challenges and opportunities. We are the architects of our destinies, equipped with a formidable arsenal of knowledge, skills, and experiences. Let us move forward with courage and optimism, ready to innovate, inspire, and contribute to a world that is ever-evolving.

As we embark on our next journey, let us pledge to carry the lessons we’ve learned into the future. Let us continue to be driven by curiosity, integrity, and a desire to contribute positively to our communities and beyond. Let us hold onto the friendships we’ve formed, the memories we’ve created, and the dreams we’ve nurtured.

In conclusion, my fellow graduates, today marks an end and a beginning. It is the end of our time at [School Name] but the beginning of a new, exciting phase of our lives. As we spread out across the globe, let us take pride in our achievements and face the future with confidence. We are the leaders, the innovators, and the dreamers of tomorrow. Congratulations to each one of you, and here’s to a future filled with promise and adventure. Well done, Class of [Year]!

Distinguished guests, beloved faculty, cherished family, friends, and my esteemed fellow graduates, as we assemble under the banner of accomplishment and anticipation, I am profoundly honored to address you as the valedictorian of this graduating class. Our collective journey has been an intricate blend of individual stories, each contributing to the beautiful mosaic that is our graduating class. Today is not just a culmination of academic rigor; it is a celebration of growth, resilience, and shared dreams.

We embarked on this academic journey as eager minds yearning to explore the vast landscape of knowledge and opportunity. We were driven by aspirations as diverse as our backgrounds, yet united by a common goal: to learn, to excel, and ultimately, to emerge as graduates ready to contribute to the world. Today, as we look back on the years that have shaped us, we also look forward with a sense of purpose and excitement.

Our Shared Odyssey

Our time at [School Name] has been an odyssey of transformation. We’ve navigated through courses that challenged our understanding, participated in discussions that sparked our curiosity, and undertaken projects that pushed our boundaries. Our education has been a holistic one, not just academically enriching but also personally transformative. We’ve laughed, debated, and sometimes even stumbled, but every step was a lesson leading us to this very day.

Embracing Our Differences

What makes our journey truly remarkable is the diversity we’ve embraced. Each of us brought unique perspectives and talents to the table, creating a rich and dynamic learning environment. We’ve learned the power of collaboration and the strength found in embracing our differences. Our varied backgrounds and viewpoints have not only enhanced our learning experience but have prepared us to be global citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.

Overcoming and Growing

Our path was not devoid of trials. We’ve all faced moments of doubt and adversity, academic challenges, and personal hurdles. Yet, each obstacle was an opportunity for growth. We’ve learned resilience, adaptability, and the undeniable power of persistence. These experiences have not weakened us; rather, they have fortified our resolve and equipped us with the grit necessary to face the complexities of life.

Heartfelt Gratitude

As we stand on the brink of a new beginning, it is essential to express our deepest gratitude. To our dedicated faculty, you have been our mentors and guides, challenging us to think critically and act compassionately. To our families and friends, your unwavering support and sacrifices have been the wind beneath our wings. Your belief in our potential has been a constant source of strength and motivation.

Vision for the Future

As we look to the horizon, the future is replete with possibilities. We are entering a world that is ever-evolving, filled with challenges but also opportunities for innovation and leadership. We are ready to apply our knowledge, embrace lifelong learning, and make a meaningful impact. Let us be agents of change, leaders in our fields, and compassionate citizens of the world.

Our Commitment

As we step into the future, let us carry the torch of [School Name] with honor and responsibility. Let us commit to using our education as a tool for positive change, to pursuing our passions with integrity, and to lifting others as we climb. Our journey does not end here; it evolves. We are the authors of the next chapter, ready to make our mark with confidence and grace.

Closing Reflections

In closing, my fellow graduates, let us savor this moment of achievement and joy. As we scatter in pursuit of our next adventures, let us hold onto the memories, friendships, and lessons that have shaped us. We are bound together by this shared chapter of our lives, and no matter where we go, we carry a piece of [School Name] with us. Congratulations, Class of [Year], for all that we have achieved and all that is yet to come. The world awaits, and we are ready!

Valedictorian Speech

You have been named valedictorian, congratulations! In writing your valedictorian speech, a speech outline is necessary. A speech outline will help you compose a well-organized valedictory speech. Speech outlines will help you identify the important details of your speech and put them in order. Simply put, speech outlines will be your guide from the beginning to the end of your speech composition.

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Sample Valedictorian Speech

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Class Valedictorian Speech

What Is a Valedictorian Speech?

A valedictorian speech is a message delivered by the class valedictorian near the end of the graduation ceremony. A good valedictorian speech is, usually, a meaningful farewell message intended to express the valedictorian’s thoughts and feelings throughout his/her four years in school. You may also see how to start a speech .

Here, a valedictorian usually retells memorable experiences the whole class shared together, insights, realizations, reflections, and of course, learned lessons. As you can observe in some valedictorian speech examples in PDF format found here, a valedictorian speech can be pretty lengthy and is of course, quite boring. You may want to take a look at speech examples for student examples if you’re having a hard time writing your valedictorian speech.

How to Start a Valedictorian Speech

Most great speeches are not created overnight. If you do not know where to begin, there are various speech templates and examples you may refer to. Now writing a valedictorian speech is an important responsibility that requires planning, creativity, and practice. Here are some steps to help you write a successful valedictorian speech:

Step 1: Brainstorming and Outlining

Begin by brainstorming ideas and organizing your thoughts into an outline. Consider your personal experiences, what you learned during your academic journey, and what you want to say to your peers and teachers. Write down all the key points that you want to include in your speech and organize them into a logical order. Read books and other graduation speeches , and look for inspiring quotes and anecdotes to include in your speech.

Step 2: Introduction

Start your speech with an introduction that captures your audience’s attention. Consider using a personal story or a quote that relates to the occasion. This will help you connect with your audience and set the tone for the rest of your speech.

Step 3: Thanking the Teachers and Staff

Acknowledge the hard work and dedication of your teachers and staff members. Express gratitude for their support and guidance throughout your academic journey. This is an opportunity to recognize the efforts of those who helped you achieve your academic goals.

Step 4: Reflections on the Academic Journey

Reflect on your academic journey and share your personal insights with your audience. Discuss your experiences and challenges, and how you overcame them. Share your growth and achievements, as well as any lessons you have learned along the way. This is an opportunity to inspire your peers and offers valuable advice.

Step 5: Encouragement and Inspiration

Offer words of encouragement and inspiration to your peers as they embark on their next chapter in life. Share your hopes for their future success and emphasize the importance of perseverance, hard work, and dedication. You can also offer advice on how to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Step 6: Conclusion

End your speech with a memorable conclusion that summarizes your key points and leaves a lasting impression on your audience. Consider using a call to action that encourages your peers to make a positive impact on the world. Here are samples of how to conclude a speech .

Step 7: Rehearsal

Practice your speech several times to ensure that you are comfortable with the content and delivery. This will help you build confidence and deliver your speech effectively.

What should I include in my valedictorian speech?

Your valedictorian speech should include a mix of personal reflections, advice and inspiration for your peers, and recognition of the hard work of your teachers and staff members. You should also consider using anecdotes, quotes, or other forms of storytelling to engage your audience and make your speech more memorable.

How long should a valedictorian speech be?

The length of a valedictorian speech can vary depending on the requirements of the school or the expectations of the audience. In general, a valedictorian speech should be no longer than 10 minutes to keep the audience engaged and attentive.

What are some tips for delivering a successful valedictorian speech?

To deliver a successful valedictorian speech, be confident and passionate about your message. Use body language and vocal variety to keep your audience engaged, and make eye contact with different sections of the audience to connect with them. Finally, practice your speech several times to ensure that you are comfortable with the content and delivery.

You’ve finished planning, now start writing. Remember, your valedictorian speech is an opportunity to reflect on your academic journey, inspire your peers, and leave a lasting impression. Check out some speech examples in doc format, and some presentation speech examples .

Valedictorian Speech Generator

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Writing a Valedictorian Speech that inspires your classmates

How to craft a memorable Valedictorian Speech for graduation

Valedictorian Speech Says Goodbye To School, Hello To The Future

The person in a graduation class with the highest GPA or record of achievement is known as the valedictorian. They typically make a speech at graduation that bids goodbye to classmates, thanks the schools and teacher on behalf of the class, and offers inspiration.

At high school graduations, the valedictorian , the person in the graduating class with the highest GPA or record of achievement, speaks for the class about their high school years and the exciting journey ahead.

This valedictorian speech should be positive and uplifting and have anecdotes of the journey through high school as well as thoughts on their future.

Table of Contents

How Is The Valedictorian Usually Selected?

An academic title, the valedictorian is the highest-ranked student among the students graduating. In addition to considering grade point averages, some high schools look at the types of classes taken to ensure the title goes to the most academically minded individual in that year’s graduating class.

Giving extra points toward the GPA to honors or Advanced Placement classes is called a weighted grade scale.

The person giving the valedicotiran speech is usually at the top of the class

What Is The Purpose Of A Valedictorian Speech?

The valedictorian speech serves a few purposes:

Builds excitement about what is yet to come for the graduates
Bids farewell to the graduating class
Reminisces about the high school journey
Thanks those who have helped the class get to where they are today

How Do You Introduce Yourself In A Valedictorian Speech?

As with any public speaking, it is best to introduce yourself early in the speech. Start with a greeting, such as “Welcome family members, friends, and my fellow graduates. My name is Pam Berg, and it is my honor as the valedictorian of our class to have this opportunity to share some thoughts and memories of our journey through high school together.”

What Do You Say (and Do) In A Valedictory Speech?

One thing to keep in mind as you plan what to say in your speech is that a valedictorian speech should be between five and ten minutes long. There are many essential aspects to good speech writing and delivery. Here are some tips:

Amusing Stories: While you should avoid telling jokes that may fall flat and fill space, do tell amusing stories from your graduating class. As valedictorian, you might use a story with a bit of self-deprecating humor to help the audience relate to you and loosen up from the start.
Make Eye Contact: If you are concerned about getting nervous and forgetting to keep eye contact , practice looking up periodically. A tip to help you remember is to put highlighter dots every so often throughout your typed speech.
Practice: Sometimes, you don’t want anyone to hear your speech until you give it, but you can still practice. You can either practice in front of a mirror or record yourself.
Remember Transitions: Remember to have transitions from one story to the next so your speech flows.
Shared Experiences: Stories should not be all about you and your group of friends. Focus on shared experiences.
Significant Events: Many times, a graduating class has experienced unique things together. On a graduation day that I distinctly remember, one of the speakers reminisced about how the entire class had the opportunity to see the Broadway musical Hamilton as sophomores. That is an excellent example of something to reminisce about. If your class has had a loss, it is okay to mention that person. Just try not to dwell too long on a sad event like the death of a classmate.
Smile: Everyone looks better with a smile on their face. Remember to smile!
Speak from the Heart: Just trusting your gut and speaking sincerely is always good advice.
Thank People : When you thank people think globally. You are not the only grad who is where you are due to family, friends, and staff.
Type the Speech: To make it easy to read off of your notes, it can be helpful to print your speech in a larger font than you would normally use.

What Is The Difference Between Valedictorian And Salutatorian Speech?

The salutatorian is the person with the second-highest grade point average in the school. It is customary for the salutatorian to give a welcoming speech. They speak to everyone at the graduation ceremony to give a welcome on behalf of the graduates. Both graduation speeches have important purposes and recognize the hard work done by both the “val” and “sal” throughout high school.

Although the salutatorian is less likely to tell stories about the high school journey, it is appropriate to share an inspirational quote and offer thanks to staff and fellow students.

What Should A Valedictorian Speech Not Do?

Alienate Anyone: Make sure that you don’t say anything to alienate portions of your audience. Everyone should feel important and represented.
Focus on Yourself: The high school valedictorian speech is not all about you (or your friend group).
Read off the Paper: While it is smart to have notes, remember you are giving a speech, not reading an essay. Eye contact is crucial.
Speak Negatively: Keep the message positive.

Valedictorian Speech Examples

Alexander Stone’s speech does a lovely job of balancing his personal anecdotes with advice for the class. Notice how he makes excellent eye contact, uses famous inspirational quotes, and keeps pulling in the audience with his words.

In this second video, a non-verbal autistic student Elizabeth Bonkers delivers the Rollins College commencement address.

A former English teacher and currently an elementary principal in a rural school, Pam has honed her speaking skills in the classroom and before professional groups. Pam enjoys sharing her insights about public speaking almost as much as she enjoys running, which she does daily.

How to Write a Valedictorian Speech

Last Updated: December 10, 2022 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,152,602 times.

Giving your valedictorian or graduation speech at the end of your time at high school is both an exciting and sometimes daunting task, and it is one that most speech givers relish. Its aim is to provide a persuasive, moving, and ultimately uplifting speech. You want to give your listeners a fond farewell to high school, and also inspire them to go out and achieve greatness. That's quite a task for a speech giver in just one address. You can do it, though, as long as you plan and prepare your address before you get up to speak.

Planning Your Speech

Steve Jobs at Stanford in 2005
J.K. Rowling at Harvard in 2008
David Foster Wallace at Kenyon in 2009

“Find and follow your passion”
“You do not need to be perfect”
“If you think and believe you can, you can”
“Try selflessness and give back”

Your outline should include multiple parts, sections, and subsections.

Note any themes or trends amongst the students. Find the most common and important ones, and stick with those.
Don't forget the smaller memories and lesser-known stories. Mentioning them during your speech will help make those people feel noticed.

If you aren’t sure how your speech will go, think about if you were listening to it. Is this the kind of speech you would like to hear at your graduation? [5] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source
If you’re not sure you would enjoy it, your fellow students probably won’t either.

Talk to your principal or teachers to get a sense of how much time you have. If they don’t have good guidelines, 5 to 10 minutes should be more than enough.
The average speaker reads about 120 words in a minute. That is a little less than 1 page of double-spaced,16-point font, which you’ll want because it is easier to read. [7] X Research source

Step 7 Put your most important message at the end.

Keep the message short, brief and to the point. This will make it easier to remember.
Your message does not have to be philosophical or mundane. It can be humorous.

Including Important Parts

One way to make this more accessible to the rest of the class is to finish this section by encouraging or reminding the other graduates to thank someone too.

One style of joke is the funny inspirational quote, like Will Rogers’s “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there,” or Ben Franklin’s “You will find the key to success under the alarm clock.” These clever lines can be a good start to a speech, introducing your big theme. [10] X Research source
Look for funny stories specific to your school. These can help personalize your speech, and reference things that most of the audience will recognize. You can make fun of school construction that was “building the future one closed hallway at a time.”
You only need to include a few jokes. This is a valedictorian speech, not an audition for your stand-up comedy career.
Remember to write them down and rehearse them just like the rest of your speech. You don’t stumble over the punchlines or forget how they go on the big day.
Keep it clean. Your audience will include teachers, parents, grandparents, and siblings, including your own, so make sure your jokes are appropriate for all.

Make sure you mention specific accomplishments. Look for sports championships, awards, charity events, anything that you or your classmates accomplished during your time in high school. The more examples you can include that don’t involve you, the better. You are celebrating your whole class’ accomplishments, not just your own.

As the valedictorian, you are probably going on to college after graduating. That may not be true for everyone in your class, so don’t forget to mention other possible avenues like getting a job or serving in the military.
If you aren’t sure what kinds of things your classmates are doing after graduation, that’s a great thing to ask when you talk to them.

If you don’t have a specific funny story about you or your friends, consider talking about how you’ve changed over your time in high school. Think about how you felt when you started as a freshman, how you got lost in the large school, or couldn’t reach your locker. A personal story is also a good way to add a little self-deprecating humor, as long as you are comfortable telling a story where you don’t look brilliant or cool.

This means quotes too. One or two good quotes from famous people can be useful, as long as they relate directly to your main point. Remember that people want to hear you talk, not recite a list of famous lines.

Delivering Your Speech

If you can, recreate the setting as much as possible. Wear your cap and gown so you will be comfortable in them, and practice at the podium or where the graduation is, if possible. The more familiar you are with the setting, the more comfortable you will be in giving your speech.

Letting one or two tears out can be fine. You can always pass it off by blaming allergies, or make a joke about it being dusty in the room.

Sample Valedictorian Speeches

Expert Q&A

Remember that you were picked to be valedictorian for a reason. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, to speak as the representative of your graduating class, so give it your best. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
Bring a copy of your speech. While you may be able to memorize it, practicing in front of the mirror or your friends is a bit different than speaking at the actual graduation. Even if you think you know it all by heart, you’ll want the little reminder just in case. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0

Avoid doing distracting things while giving your speech. This means keeping your phone off, making sure you don’t have a noisy keychain or coins in your pocket, and not chewing gum while speaking. These will make it difficult for people to hear you, and won’t keep their attention on your words. Thanks Helpful 17 Not Helpful 2
Many high schools will review your speech before you give it to make sure you don’t touch on any controversial or inappropriate topics. It is not a good idea to submit one speech to the school, then give a completely different one as a way to get around this. Thanks Helpful 17 Not Helpful 6
Avoid plagiarism. This is your speech, not a chance to use someone else’s. Make sure your work is original to you and your school. With so many speeches available online, it can be tempting to just copy one for yourself, but remember that will make it easy for people to catch you as well. Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 7

↑ https://personalexcellence.co/blog/graduation-speeches/
↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/speeches/
↑ http://onlinespeechwriting.com/how-to-write-a-valedictorian-speech-an-effective-guide.html
↑ Lynn Kirkham. Public Speaking Coach. Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.
↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/audience/
↑ https://skillpath.com/blog/hate-public-speaking
↑ http://blog.oup.com/2015/05/how-to-write-graduation-speech/
↑ https://www.bigbencomedy.com/archives/what-do-you-do-when-nobody-laughs/
↑ https://routinelynomadic.com/funny-inspirational-quotes/
↑ https://www.hawaii.edu/mauispeech/html/practicing_speeches.html
↑ http://www.npr.org/2010/12/06/131734718/just-breathe-body-has-a-built-in-stress-reliever

About This Article

To write a valedictorian speech, start by deciding on your theme. Choose something inspiring, like “find and follow your passion,” “you don’t need to be perfect,” or “if you think and believe you can, you can.” Then, make an outline of the speech with a few major points and a couple of jokes throughout, and plan to make your most important point at the end. Remember to thank the people who have helped your class along the way, and take time to reflect on the past. For tips on handling speech anxiety and connecting with your audience, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Speechworks

Here’s a template for a valedictory speech.

You thought becoming the valedictorian of your high school class was tough? That’s nothing compared to giving a great valedictory speech. Spend just a few minutes on YouTube and you’ll see that most valedictory speeches are boring and, worse, embarrassing.

But there’s hope! You can give a great valedictory speech.

Great valedictory speeches follow a pattern. They offer a fond reflection on the high school years. They connect with audiences using anecdotes and lots of name-dropping. And they offer gratitude. With that in mind, the key to a great valedictory speech is to keep it simple, short (ten minutes is perfect), mention lots of people by name, tell stories, and practice it so much that you don’t have to read it. You want to deliver it like you’re having an animated chat with a close friend.

Here’s a template to pass along to the valedictorian in your life.

My fellow graduates. Over the last four years here at [Insert name of high school.], we have learned a lot. Mr. [Insert name of math teacher.] taught us how to [Insert a complicated sounding math thing.]. Ms. [Insert name of English teacher.] taught us [Insert interesting tidbit from a favorite piece of literature.]. And Mr. [Insert name of widely known funny, popular teacher.] taught us [Insert something odd that parents might be surprised to learn. For example maybe he taught you how to swear in Portuguese. Or maybe he taught you the best way to approach a girl at a dance. Make it funny but revealing about a beloved teacher.].

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 [Insert major theme. Keep the theme simple. Good themes include “How to build relationships and rely on each other,” “How to Work Together as a Community,” “How to respect each others differences,” and “How much we need each other to succeed.” Don’t worry if it’s corny. If it’s from the heart, go for it.].

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.

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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.

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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

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.

Sample Speech

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.

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A Valedictorian Giving A 2-3 Minute Speech Delivered In 30 Seconds

COMMENTS

Preschool Graduation Speech
This preschool graduation speech is called We Give Your Child Back Now (author unknown) Dear Parents, We give you back your child, the same child you confidently entrusted to our care last fall. We give him back pounds heavier, inches taller, months wiser, more responsible, and more mature then he was then.
Tips for Preschoolers on Writing a Graduation Speech
4. Let's Discuss! During our 2 nd hot chocolate date week after, we went into an in-depth discussion about the draft graduation speech.. Discuss—Thanking the people from school. As my daughter was worried about remembering and forgetting to address the long list of people whom she wanted to thank, we decided to "Thank all my Teachers for teaching me and my friends many things and all the ...
4 Tips To Write The Best Valedictorian Speech (With Samples!)
Step 2: Check for Themes. Once you've talked to others in your graduating class, look for any recurring themes. Write these down, and then think about world and school events that fit in with that theme. Tap into the nostalgia factor as you prepare to say goodbye to your school and classmates. Example Themes:
How to Write a Valedictorian Speech (Ideas, Tips, and Examples)
Theme: Community Opening: Good afternoon, esteemed faculty members, parents, families, friends, and fellow graduates.As the valedictorian, it's an honor to have you all at our graduation ceremony. My name is [Name]. Today marks the end of a chapter in our lives and the beginning of a new one.
Example of a Valedictorian Speech
In an excellent example of a valedictorian speech, the speaker gives thanks to faculty and administrators, celebrates and reflects on experiences with classmates, and inspires graduates to excel in the future. Afterward, the school officials hand out diplomas and send the students on to the next stage of life.
Stump The Teacher: Preschool Graduation Speech
Preschool Graduation Speech. Good afternoon friends, families, and graduates. Thank you so much for asking me to come and speak before you on this momentous of days in the lives of these five year olds. We come together today to recognize and honor our preschool graduates. Over the past two years they have come through these doors to play ...
Crafting an Unforgettable Valedictory Speech: A Guide and Sample
Extended Sample Valedictory Address. [Introduction] "Good evening, esteemed Principal, distinguished faculty, honored guests, devoted families, and my fellow graduates. It is a moment of tremendous pride and a deeply humbling experience to stand before you as the valedictorian of this accomplished and spirited Marshall High School Class of 2023.
Messes Can Always Be Cleaned Up
Messes Can Always Be Cleaned Up — A Preschool Graduation Commencement Address. by Victoria Fedden. Updated: May 5, 2021. Originally Published: June 8, 2017. ridvan_celik / iStock. Graduates, we gather today to celebrate your years of hard work and dedication. It was a long road that got you here, to this moment, and no, you cannot hit one ...
Giving a Preschool Graduation Speech: Tips for Speaking to Parents
Keep the kids laughing and you will keep their attention as well. Jokes and humor keep the speech light during a time which may otherwise be emotional. Depending on the type of teacher you are and the type of classroom you run, the humor in the speech will vary. Make it unique and make it your own but certainly use humor to make your beloved ...
Your Guide To Writing The Perfect Valedictorian Speech (With Sample Speech)
Tips To Keep In Mind While Writing Your Valedictorian Speech. 1. Talk About Things You've Learnt Outside The Classroom. While classroom learning is something that's common to most of the students in the audience-that is, all of you probably learned the same coursework-what's different is the stuff that you learned OUTSIDE the classroom.
How to Host a Memorable Preschool Graduation
The preschool staff will begin the ceremony by leading the children's procession, with each child escorted by a family member. 8:05 am: Welcome speech. Once everyone is seated, the preschool director will welcome children and guests. 8:10 am: Performance. Usually the preschool class will be prepared to sing a short song or perform a simple dance.
Kindergarten Graduation Speech
KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION SPEECH. Good Afternoon Ladies, Gentlemen and of course, most importantly, the girls and boys who are graduating from kindergarten today - this is indeed a very special day! I am very aware that today is about the children and as such, my speech is largely aimed at the special young people sitting on stage today.
Graduation Speech [20 Examples + Template]
My sisters weren't allowed to; the girls before me weren't allowed to.". 19. Funny Graduation Speech. This graduation speech by the senior class president is humorous and engaging. The class president reminisces with plenty of jokes in a speech full of fun memories and just the right amount of inspiration.
Crafting a Memorable Valedictorian Speech: 5 Tips and Ideas
When delivering your valedictorian speech, try incorporating values that you and your classmates share. This could include anything from teamwork to cooperation, hard work, or perseverance. Brainstorm values that mean something to you personally and then choose themes from that list that will resonate with your classmates as well.
Valedictorian Speech: How to Write a Valedictorian Speech
I apologize sir.) Etc. This type of recitation is unique to a Valedictorian or Salutatorian speech. Keep in mind that, although you are the person speaking, you are really a representation of the entire class. So, the more that you help the class relive the good times, the more that they will like your speech.
3 Valedictorian Speech Samples That Will Impress
Sample 1. Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, faculty, family, and my fellow graduates, today marks a pivotal moment in our lives. As we gather in the spirit of celebration and reflection, it is with immense pride and a deep sense of gratitude that I stand before you as the valedictorian of the class.
Valedictorian Speech Examples Tell Class Reach For The Stars
A valedictorian speech is a commencement speech given by the person with the highest grade point average (GPA) in the graduating class. It is worth noting that some schools have a weighted scale to ensure that students who have taken honors or advanced placement classes outscore students with an easier load of courses through their high school ...
12 Best Valedictorian Speech Examples
A valedictorian is a student who attains the achievement of the highest academic standing in their class. Valedictorians are honored because of their intellectual prowess, brilliant test results, and exceptional grades. They are the top achievers among their classmates. When a valedictorian is graduating from high school, he or she is expected to deliver a speech at the graduation ceremony ...
Valedictorian Speech
Step 1: Brainstorming and Outlining. Begin by brainstorming ideas and organizing your thoughts into an outline. Consider your personal experiences, what you learned during your academic journey, and what you want to say to your peers and teachers. Write down all the key points that you want to include in your speech and organize them into a ...
Valedictorian Speech: Goodbye To School, Hello To The Future
The person in a graduation class with the highest GPA or record of achievement is known as the valedictorian. They typically make a speech at graduation that bids goodbye to classmates, thanks the schools and teacher on behalf of the class, and offers inspiration. At high school graduations, the valedictorian, the person in the graduating class ...
How to Write a Valedictorian Speech (with Pictures)
6. Keep it short. Your speech is just one part of a larger ceremony, and people probably won't want to listen to you give a half-hour lecture on the nature of friendship and the universe. Keep your thoughts short and to the point. Plus, if you don't like giving speeches, keeping it short will make it go faster. [6]
Here's a Template for a Valedictory Speech
Here's a template to pass along to the valedictorian in your life. My fellow graduates. Over the last four years here at [Insert name of high school.], we have learned a lot. Mr. [Insert name of math teacher.] taught us how to [Insert a complicated sounding math thing.]. Ms. [Insert name of English teacher.] taught us [Insert interesting ...
Example of a Valedictorian Speech
Sample Speech. 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 ...

Preschoolers

Teacher Development

Preschool Graduation Speech Ideas

A "Welcoming" Preschool Graduation Speech Idea

Preschool Graduation Speech Idea #2 Laugh and Be All You Can Be

Preschool Graduation Speech Idea #3: We Give You Child Back Now

Preschool Graduation Speech Idea #4: Read a Story INSTEAD of A Preschool Graduation Speech!

Preschool Graduation Speech Idea #5: Growing Up

Preschool Graduation Speech #6: Moving On

Preschool Graduation Speech Idea #7: Our Year in Review: A DVD Viewing

Creating the DVD in lieu of a preschool graduation speech for the above idea:

Preschool Graduation Speech Idea #8: Speeches from the Preschoolers!

Ending Your Preschool Graduation Speech

More Preschool Graduation Ideas

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Crafting an Unforgettable Valedictory Speech: A Guide and Samples

Sample Skeleton Valedictory Speech

Extended Sample Valedictory Address

Valedictory Speech Analysis

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Tips To Keep In Mind While Writing Your Valedictorian Speech

1. Talk About Things You’ve Learnt Outside The Classroom

2. Make Sure To Incorporate Humor

3. Tell Stories

4. Have A Theme

5. Talk To Other Students

6. Keep It Short & Simple

7. Keep Your Most Important Point For The End

How To Start Your Valedictorian Speech

1. Start With An Anecdote

2. Use A Prop

3. Make Them Imagine

4. Sing A Song

5. Tell A Joke

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Sample Valedictorian Speech

Valedictorian Speech Examples

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How to Host a Memorable Preschool Graduation

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Preschool graduation ideas

1. Under the sea

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