Best HS Graduation Speech Ever! Weber High Graduation 2015

Summary

In a humorous and reflective graduation speech, the speaker, Chase, recalls the memorable moments from high school, from awkward sophomore years to overcoming senioritis. With witty references to pop culture and social media, he highlights the challenges faced by the class, like the threat of global crises and endless exams. Chase encourages the graduates to pursue greatness, not for fame or wealth, but through meaningful relationships and kindness. He emphasizes that true legacies are built on personal connections and leaving others with more happiness and hope. The speech ends with heartfelt congratulations and well-wishes for the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker expresses discomfort with traditional public speaking tips like imagining the audience naked, preferring a more casual approach.
• 😀 Hashtags and pop-culture references are used to connect with the younger generation, like #you'rewelcome and #sorrynotsorry.
• 😀 The speaker introduces themselves as Chase, a classmate from high school, and congratulates everyone on their achievements.
• 😀 The speech highlights the many challenges faced by the graduating class, such as global crises and personal obstacles, but emphasizes the triumph of graduating.
• 😀 The speaker humorously recalls the awkward and uncertain early years at Weber High, referencing memes, viral trends, and pop culture from their time as students.
• 😀 Despite the humor, the speaker acknowledges the growth and resilience of the class, noting their ability to overcome challenges like AP exams and senioritis.
• 😀 A nod to the school's lack of windows is made as a recurring joke, showcasing a sense of humor and the shared experience of the students.
• 😀 The speaker celebrates the achievements of the class, including fundraising efforts and participation in school events, while maintaining a playful tone.
• 😀 A reference to William Shakespeare and Channing Tatum is made to emphasize the importance of achieving greatness, whether through personal effort or unexpected opportunities.
• 😀 The message emphasizes that greatness is not defined by fame or money, but by the positive impact one leaves on others, especially through kindness and relationships.
• 😀 The speaker concludes with an emotional farewell, wishing the best for the future of the graduating class and emphasizing the importance of leaving a legacy.

Q & A

What is the significance of the speaker's reference to imagining the audience naked?

The speaker humorously addresses the common advice given to public speakers to imagine the audience naked to reduce nervousness. They express their discomfort, implying that this method doesn't help them feel less anxious, but instead emphasizes their unease during the speech.

Why does the speaker use hashtags like #you'rewelcome and #splendid?

The speaker incorporates modern pop-culture references, such as hashtags, to connect with the audience, especially with the 'social media generation' they are addressing. It adds a lighthearted and relatable tone to the speech.

What is the speaker's attitude towards their high school experience?

The speaker reflects on their high school experience with a mix of humor and nostalgia, highlighting both the challenges and memorable moments. They acknowledge the difficulties (e.g., tests, Senioritis) while celebrating the achievements and friendships formed along the way.

How does the speaker use humor in the speech?

The speaker uses humor through jokes, self-deprecating comments, and pop-culture references. Examples include referencing 'Gangnam Style,' making fun of the school’s lack of windows, and poking fun at the 'YOLO' and 'cray-cray' trends.

What does the speaker mean by 'the average can achieve greatness'?

The speaker emphasizes that greatness is not reserved for extraordinary individuals alone. They suggest that anyone, even those considered 'average,' can achieve greatness through perseverance, kindness, and meaningful connections with others.

Why does the speaker mention social and political leaders in the speech?

The speaker mentions social and political leaders to inspire the graduates, highlighting that even influential people started out as 'average' individuals. The message is to encourage the audience to believe in their potential to make a difference.

What is the speaker's interpretation of 'leaving a legacy'?

According to the speaker, leaving a legacy isn't about fame or fortune, but about making a positive impact on the people you encounter. It's about spreading happiness, hope, and thoughtful actions that have lasting effects.

How does the speaker address the issue of senioritis?

The speaker humorously acknowledges 'Senioritis'—a term for the lack of motivation and energy many seniors feel toward the end of high school. They recognize it as a common experience, shared by many in the audience, yet also celebrate the fact that they have made it through.

What is the speaker's message about grades and popularity?

The speaker stresses that the things that will truly be remembered from high school are not grades, popularity, or social media likes, but the relationships formed and the kind of person each individual became during their time at school.

What quote does the speaker attribute to William Shakespeare and Channing Tatum, and why?

The speaker quotes 'Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them' to inspire the graduates. By attributing the quote to both Shakespeare and Channing Tatum, the speaker humorously bridges the classical and modern worlds, making the message feel more relatable.