Fare Thee Well

It's been my pleasure getting to know you; my life is better for it and I learned much I can move forward with for future classes. Thank you!

The Highly Inspirational and Deeply Motivational Graduation Speech, JMHS 2006
S = Sandy Nieland, E = Eric Decker

E: Four-score and seven years ago our forefathers

S: This was their finest hour.

E: A date which will live in infamy

S: "Ich bin ein Berliner"

E: Above all else, to thine own self be true.

S: Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.

E: Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.

S: I have a dream.

E: The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

S: "I'm the decider, and I decide what is best.

S: These are all lines from "great" speeches; if nothing else in our speech is deeply motivational or highly inspirational

you can still say you’ve heard some powerful quotations tonight.

E: In an increasingly diverse society, which at times can seem divided by race, class, color, and those with and without air conditioning, public education remains one of the central values of our shared community. One of the most vital roles of our government is to ensure your training, and extensive resources have been put forth to provide you with a quality education so that you can be successful. You are now at the close of that process.

S: We are gathered here today in one of the few remaining rites of passage in modern America. You have your driver’s license, your 18^th and 21^st birthdays, but today, at this formal ceremony, we celebrate the completion of your public schooling. We’ve been asked to represent the hundreds of teachers and staff who have worked with you through the years. On their behalf, we welcome you to the great beginning, your commencement.

E: Where will you go next? What will you do?

As speech teachers, it has been our joy (and challenge) to make you aware of one of the most powerful gifts you have - the freedom of speech.

Through our speech classes we have explored how to inform, persuade, entertain, introduce, and work together. It’s not just an exercise for us to torment you in creative and unusual ways, (What? Really?) but a message of eternal hope that all teachers offer to their students: here, take this and use it to change yourself and your world; be active, contribute your skills, and make it a better place.

S:Use your voice (you’re a great speaker) We must be the change we wish to see in the world (That’s Gandhi, right?)

This freedom, the freedom of speech, does not come without a price. It is a gift which we must continue to hold (humming "Battle Hymn") sacred and honor through our commitment and courage. From the core of our Constitution to the ballot box on election day, nothing is more patriotic than exercising our speaking rights. (That's pathos) So, you have the tools, what do you do next?

E: Use your voice to Express yourself creatively. The complexities of life are powerfully portrayed through the fine arts (that was alliteration). Some concepts can be more effectively expressed (eye contact, wink) on the stage, on canvas, or in song.

S: Use your voice to Express your personal views - vote, attend political forums, run for office. Most importantly, vocally and voraciously support public education, because that is what got you here today and will ultimately be responsible for anywhere we go as a society. Your success has been determined by far more than your standardized test results. The teachers, staff, and future students need your continued support.

E: Use your voice to Express yourself faithfully. As graduates, you are recognized as full members of the larger community. Part of that privilege entails looking beyond yourself. Are your actions motivated by ego, money, or status? If so, those are the wrong reasons. There is a higher calling. Seek out justice, serve your neighbor, let your love speak.

S: So today, you highly motivated and deeply inspired graduates, are surrounded by thousands of people who have worked and sacrificed for you to walk to this platform, receive your diplomas, and step to the other side, beginning your own journey.

E: We applaud you, and look forward your ham sandwiches.

S: We look forward to your leadership with great expectation.

BOTH: CONGRATULATIONS!