As graduation looms closer for the ADM class of 2024, three individuals may have more stress than the rest. On top of preparing to leave high school, they also must prepare a commencement speech to give in front of their classmates.
Seniors Eliana Dohlman, Sydney Kuhse and Tom Hook were chosen to represent ADM during commencement with speeches about the past, present, and future respectively. Kuhse was motivated by remembering what impact previous speakers had on her.
“I think it is really cool that we have the opportunity to have students speak in front of a crowd,” said Kuhse. “I’ve really enjoyed some of the previous speakers… [they] were inspiring.”
Tom Hook felt motivated not by the past students’ speeches, but by how he could affect the students of today.
“I wanted to have the opportunity to inspire my fellow students to provide hope for each and every one of the attendees of ADM,” he said.
Along with these students signing up for these speeches, there were more than these three that signed up to speak. Charity Miller, the ADM teacher in charge of picking the commencement speakers, hand-picked these three because she thought they would be the best to speak for the 2024 class.
“It shows that… people in the school see me as someone that can represent the school well and speak to our student body,” said Dohlman.
With this opportunity comes a lot of responsibility, and possibly a lot of stress for these speakers. One thing to help this stress, however, is ADM’s AP Language and Composition class, which all three students are enrolled in. One assignment given to the class was exactly what could help these three prepare; writing a commencement speech. While it is not the exact same as what will be spoken at graduation, with the assignment being longer than the official commencement speeches being given, it can provide a big aid in helping these students produce their best work.
“The actual commencement speech is significantly shorter than our assignment was,” Said Kuhse, “[My assignment] fits really well with the present topic so I will just pair it down to fit the time limit.”
Perhaps it’s the work they’ve already done in classes, or maybe they are too focused on the opportunity that this speech brings, but whatever the reason, stress isn’t the emotion that is most prominent in these speakers. It’s honor, courage, and it’s confidence. As the day gets closer, they aren’t feeling more anxious. Rather, they feel more prepared and ready to make the final remarks of their class.
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to make a final and lasting impact on these students who I’ve grown close to over the years,” said Hook.
