2018 High School Commencement Speech

[Speech Writing / Ghost Writing]

In 2018, the principal of a local High School hired me to ghost-write his commencement speech. I pitched three different ideas. Here’s what he ultimately chose.

Good evening everyone, and welcome to our 2018 Commencement Ceremony! 

A special welcome to Superintendent __________, the Board of Education, all of our faculty and staff, parents, families, friends, and most of all, to our distinguished graduating class. 

Are you excited? You should be. You’ve worked hard to get here. 

***

In collaboration with the community, the _____ Central School District pursues what we call “a tradition of excellence” in personal and academic achievement. 

Graduates, you have maintained this pursuit with style and dignity. 

The British author William Thackeray once said, “Next to excellence is the appreciation of it.” 

And I want you to know I appreciate all of you. It’s been a privilege to stand beside you during your time here. 

***

It’s hard to believe this is my fifth year up at this podium. 

My fifth year as your principal. 

When I started, you guys were in eighth grade. I don’t know about you, but for me, that feels like yesterday. 

It’s been a true pleasure for me to share this journey with you, and watch you grow into the strong, young adults you are today. 

Reflecting on the last five years, I am reminded of a parable called the “The Chinese Bamboo Tree.” 

This was originally told by Leslie Calvin Brown, a motivational speaker, author, radio DJ, TV host, and Ohio State Representative. 

It goes like this:

In the Far East, they have a tree known as the Chinese Bamboo Tree. It is said that this tree begins as a hard nut, about the size of a walnut. 

The nut has to be planted in soil, then watered and fertilized every day for the better part of five years before it finally breaks through the ground. 

While most trees grow steadily over a period of years, the Chinese Bamboo Tree shows no signs of outward growth in the first four years. 

Then, during the fifth year, something remarkable happens. 

The tree begins to grow at an astonishing rate. 

In fact, in a period of just five weeks, the Chinese Bamboo Tree can grow up to 90 feet. 

So the question is this:      

Does the Chinese Bamboo Tree really grow 90 feet in just five short weeks? Or, is it growing all along underground, developing a stable base, a sturdy root system strong enough to support its outward growth in the fifth year and beyond? 

The answer is obvious — it takes five years. Five years of watering and fertilizing everyday to make it happen.

It is my belief that throughout the last five years, we’ve been working together – all of us in this room tonight – to build a foundation. And that foundation is solid. 

I know you will go out into the world and find success, no matter the route you choose to take. I couldn’t be more proud and honored to have been your principal for the past five years. 

And although I am moving into a new position within the _____ school system, we are very fortunate to have found someone who I believe will carry on the tradition of excellence I spoke about earlier. _______ __________ is not only highly qualified, but extremely dedicated to being an educator. And I’m proud to pass the torch to him tonight. 

So, without further ado, congratulations to the class of 2018. And best wishes from all of us!