Unlike past graduating classes, the class of 2025 will not have a Valedictorian speech. Instead, continuing a tradition started three years ago, the chance to give a speech is open to all seniors through the Senior Reflections Speech Writing Competition.
“The competition offers students the chance to pause, look back on their high school journey, and find meaning in the experiences that shaped them,” English teacher Shea Perry said. “It’s more than just a speech — it’s a chance to represent the heart of the graduating class.”
Submissions, due on May 9, are expected to be inspiring, creative and representative of the senior class. The speech must be two to three minutes long or about 300 to 400 words.
Speeches are reviewed by a committee of faculty members anonymously. The committee will select the winning speech and — if needed — a separate student to read the speech at graduation.
“My advice for writers is to be original. Think about how you write the speech, not simply about content,” Perry said.
Participating seniors are to submit their speeches to Shea Perry via email ([email protected]). The winner, announced May 16, will collaborate with the committee to revise and strengthen the final speech before graduation on June 17.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to stand before their class, their families and their teachers — and say something inspiring,” Perry said.
