Don’t read the Dr. Seuss book from start to finish and then sit down as the val did in one of my older kids’ graduation ceremonies. I think he’s in med school now or maybe even done with med school now so all’s well and he will probably never have to address an audience again in his life, But the entire gymnasium of people were in shock and i couldn’t look his father in the eye.
Well, if you’re going to go that route, don’t read THAT Seuss book. That’s played out, and “If I Ran The Circus” is a much better book in any event. Poor old Sneelock.
ETA: This is also an acceptable use of Seuss in a public setting.
[Jesse Jackson reads “Green Eggs and Ham”](http://www.hulu.com/watch/279052)
It doesn’t really matter what you say. Everyone’s going to forget it in a day anyway.
Sincerity, appreciation, humility and a positive outlook for the future.
Our daughter was her classes Valedictorian last year. She spoke from her heart and was very inclusive of her entire class.
It is a very proud moment for a parent, enjoy it!
Ah…but our small city newspaper prints the speeches in their entirety. The whole community will be sitting down with the paper and a highlighter on Monday afternoon for a full critique.
Thanks for the comments so far. I will come back when I have a little more time to address everyone’s input.
Yikes! Having your speech printed and knowing your whole town will be reading it does pile some pressure on. Are you able to go back and read previous years’ speeches online from that newspaper?
I was a Sal and all I can say is that I’m glad there was no YouTube back then. I hadn’t yet learned to speak at a slower pace and I’m sure half the class had no idea what I actually said.
They may not remember WHAT was said, but most will remember how you made them feel. As a parent, I still remember my oldest son’s graduation like it was yesterday. The Val gave the most eloquent speech, weaving several poignant themes together with such maturity and passion. I recall being envious of all these fresh faced young people, hearing these words and knowing that the world really was theirs for the taking. Now these fresh faced youngsters are college grads, some almost done with grad/med school, and they are truly doing these amazing and wonderful things! Fast forward to today, and we are about to sit through our last high school graduation. Kleenex and dark sunglasses are at the ready. I’m fully expecting this time to be even more emotional as it is the end of a very loved chapter in my life. I’m ready to move ahead, but I foresee much reminiscing about the good old days in my future.