Senior High School Graduation 2021 - Valedictory Address | Gabrielle George D. Cendaña

Summary

In this heartfelt valedictorian speech, the speaker reflects on the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the graduating class's final year of high school. Despite missing out on traditional milestones, the students adapted to virtual learning and found new ways to connect. The speaker urges the class of 2021 to embrace life's uncertainties, pursue their dreams fearlessly, and cherish the people and experiences that matter most, acknowledging the importance of love, compassion, and gratitude in navigating life's journey.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker reflects on the unusual academic year shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the disruption of traditional school activities and the shift to online learning.
• 🌟 The speaker acknowledges the resilience and adaptability of the graduating class, highlighting their successful navigation through a challenging year to earn their diplomas.
• 🎓 The importance of celebrating achievements is underscored, as the speaker encourages the graduates to enjoy the culmination of their efforts despite the circumstances.
• 💡 The script introduces a quote from a novel that resonates with the current times, suggesting that life's brevity should inspire us to enjoy its pleasures and live fully.
• 🕊️ The speaker calls for fearlessness in pursuing dreams and success, urging graduates to take advantage of opportunities for growth and to stand against injustice.
• 🤝 The value of love and selflessness is emphasized, with the speaker advocating for compassion and kindness in a world in need of these qualities.
• 🙏 The speaker expresses gratitude to the school's administration, teachers, and staff for their support and inspiration throughout the academic journey.
• 🏫 The bonds formed with classmates and the shared experiences during high school are celebrated, recognizing the camaraderie developed even in an online setting.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The script highlights the role of family, especially parents, as unwavering supporters and witnesses to the graduates' ups and downs.
• 🙌 The speaker thanks their own family and friends for their support, setting an example of acknowledging the importance of personal support systems.
• 🌟 The speech concludes with a reminder to carry the values learned and the experiences shared as the graduates move on to the next chapter of their lives.

Q & A

What book was the speaker initially obsessed with before the COVID-19 pandemic?

The speaker was initially obsessed with a book entitled 'House of Earth and Blood'.

What quote from the book stood out to the speaker during rereading?

The quote that stood out to the speaker was 'Remember that you will die so enjoy each pleasure the world has to offer'.

How did the speaker describe the academic year that was disrupted by the pandemic?

The speaker described the academic year as unlike anything they've ever experienced before, with usual activities and interactions thrown into disarray by the global outbreak.

What were some of the 'lasts' the speaker mentioned that were missed due to the pandemic?

The speaker mentioned missing out on their last prom, last intramurals, last movie marathons using the school's TVs, last trip to the canteen, and their last day together in a real-life classroom setup.

What new experiences did the speaker and their peers have during the pandemic?

The speaker and their peers experienced their first virtual meeting, first online hangouts with friends, and had to juggle college applications, online tests, and videotaped performance tasks with household chores and other responsibilities.

What lesson did the speaker learn from the pandemic regarding life's brevity?

The speaker learned that life is too short to dwell on the 'what ifs' and 'should have beens', and that death is an inevitable truth that makes every moment precious.

What advice does the speaker have for fellow graduates regarding the pursuit of success and happiness?

The speaker encourages fellow graduates to be fearless in the pursuit of what they define as success and happiness, to take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow, and to be selfless in love.

How did the speaker express gratitude to the school administrators and teachers?

The speaker thanked the administrators and teachers for providing the tools and resources needed to succeed, for inspiring greatness and goodness within them, and for their love, efforts, and sacrifices that transcended the barriers of distance and technology.

What did the speaker say about the importance of expressing gratitude to the important people in one's life?

The speaker emphasized the importance of not letting distance hinder the expression of gratitude to the important people in one's life, as life is too short to not spend with the people you love and who love you.

What message did the speaker convey to the graduates about the future and overcoming fear?

The speaker conveyed that it's okay to feel scared, lost, and confused about the future, but to work passionately, dream fearlessly, live meaningfully, and love selflessly to avoid any regrets.

How did the speaker conclude their speech and what did they wish for the graduates?

The speaker concluded by congratulating the graduates and wishing them good luck, encouraging them to keep their stars shining brightly and to carry the experiences and values learned as they continue their journey in life.