The following is the text of the speech given at graduation exercises on June 4, 2016
Today is graduation day. The day where we forego the oversized polos and baggy pants in favor of oversized robes and square hats. I?m honored to stand before you today, but it somewhat pains me to make this speech for two reasons: One, I am a terrible public speaker, and two, I almost can?t accept the reality that we?ve made it this far. {{more:[Full Story]}}
hopefully we make you proud ?
I?d like to thank all of the families here tonight. It is with your continual support that we continue to pursue our dreams, and hopefully we make you proud. I?d like to give a special shout out to my parents. Despite crushing their hopes of having a doctor in the family, they have continued to love me and trust in my decisions. Also, a shout out to my sister, Quyen, who gives me great advice and listens to my endless rants on politics and human rights.
school is more than grades ?
Next, I?d like to thank the hardworking staff of KHS, especially the ones who go above and beyond what is required of them. The foundation to achieve success has been laid when you have teachers like Mrs. Cook, who teach that school is more than grades; Maestra Stephens, who push us forward with positivity; Mr. Aleman, who heavily involves himself in student activities; or Ms. Bowens, who managed to conquer cancer while helping students conquer Biology. I could go on about many other great teachers, but that would take all night.
Lastly, I?d like to thank you all ? the students ? for making my high school years ones that I can happily look back on. Whether it was the times of sadness or times of laughter, the friendships forged here have made every moment unforgettable.
When I began writing this speech, I was (no pun intended) speechless. It?s difficult to put into words how meaningful the lessons, bonds, and experiences we?ve gained in high school are. I tried not to write something too dull or generic. After all, you don?t need me to tell you that you?re bright or talented, but in case you needed reassurance, you are!
students who glow in the darkness ?
I wasn?t sure what advice I could give you, so I thought a stroll through memory lane would be appropriate. Do you remember our homecoming hallway from sophomore year? It was haunting to say the least. How about the time we got hyped for our Pacman themed hallway junior year? only to get 3rd place. Or when our senior pep rally was? lit. Our high school experience appears to be nothing more than a compilation of muddled events. And I?m going to be honest. It?s been far from ideal, but if I could go back and change anything, I wouldn?t. It?s true, nothing ever seems to go as planned, but Kennedale?s Class of 2016 has the kind of students who glow in the darkness.
We?re a rare graduating class ?
I?ve heard people say it before: we?re the class that gets screwed over. We?re the class that doesn?t accomplish much. We?re not a special class. I completely disagree with that. We?re a rare graduating class. Think about this: if we supposedly haven?t accomplished anything, then that means that we?re still overcoming obstacles and still yet to accomplish our greatest feats. I don?t know of a single person in this class who is content with mediocrity, nor do I know anyone who gives up easily in the face of adversity. The people of this class own their failures and work hard to improve themselves, so it is with certainty that I conclude the following: We will not be the graduating class who peaked in high school. Some say that your high school years are the best four years of your life, and for some that may be true, but the people of this class are the kind that make every moment count. The kind that makes sure each year is better than the previous one.
the strength and unity between us ?
Some people falter when things don?t go as planned, but what I admire about the class of 2016 is the strength and unity between us. Even though we aren?t all close to each other, I don?t think I could imagine a graduating class as supportive as you all. It takes a special kind of maturity to have the backs of your classmates, even the ones you don?t get along with, and to know that we genuinely care about each other. A person is more than their accomplishments, and the quality of people in this class shines brighter than anyone gives credit for.
As I bring this speech to a close, I?d like to share a quote from someone special. A teacher, a mentor, and a friend to many, Jeffrey Samms once said, ?It?s not what you?ve been through that matters, it?s what you overcome that does.?
No matter how you choose to approach life, no matter what your goals are, know that there will always be people there to support you.
last four years have been a rollercoaster ?
These last four years have been a rollercoaster ? wild, unpredictable, and thrilling to say the least. To say that time flies is an understatement. The best way to bring this speech to a close is with a timeless clich?. You are all capable of greatness, and no matter where you are now or what circumstances you are in, you have the ability to control your life and steer it in the direction you want.
So congratulations, Class of 2016! You?ve overcome a lot to reach this point, and I can?t wait to see what successes the future has in store for you.
Minh-son Khac Nguyen is the son of My Ngyyen and Kim Pham. He plans to study public health or biology with the goal of becoming a pharmacist.
