What does it take for one student’s voice to represent an entire graduating class?

At NDA’s graduation there will be two speakers.

One student will give the welcome speech and the other will give the traditional speech that celebrates the graduating class . 

Seniors who give graduation speeches are expected to be in good standings with the school. 

“This opportunity is open to all students,” said Andrea Gilson, who is in charge of the selection process for the speeches. 

 To be a speaker you must attend the mandatory meeting and submit your speech on time. 

“Do not be afraid to put yourself out there,” said Gilson.

For the speech you should have a positive reflection and make it memorable so that it sticks with people long after. 

To be selected each speaker must sign up for a time slot to deliver their speech to a panel of judges. 

The panel is made up of teachers and other senior students who then select the speakers. 

Usually about five to ten students try out to be a speaker, but each year is different. 

“I recommend to all students auditioning that speeches are tied together with a common theme whether that be a metaphor, a repeated phrase or an allusion,” said Gilson.

Over the years this process has changed drastically, especially with Google Classroom.