1. Valedictorian Speech
It is the completion of a 720 day jail sentence. Or it is the opportunity to have
learned 720 days of priceless knowledge. It is all of those late nights you spent studying
for that AP exam. Or it is all of those late nights you spent on Candy Crush instead of
studying for that AP exam. I am sure everyone here has played a level of the sweetest
game on the planet at least once, and if not: you’re missing out! It is a symbol of our
dedication and hard work. Or it is simply that document that helps our parents sleep at
night, because they have hope we just might make something of ourselves. Regardless
of how you have spent these past four years of your high school career, today marks a
new day with the key to a new future. Congratulations Class of 2014 on earning and
receiving your high school diploma.
It would be nearly impossible for me to do justice in trying to summarize the
countless memories we all treasure in our hearts today, but I would argue that some of
the most pleasurable memories are those of our beloved teachers. For instance, I
remember being in the late Mr. Lavine’s World History Class where a typical day consisted
of playing inspirational Rhianna music, getting hit with a football for falling asleep during
his lectures, and exalting his precious blue wall with the painting of the world map. Being
his last string of world history classes, I am sure he would be so incredibly proud of us
today.
I am also personally going to miss the Tech-Ed department, where Mr. Morrow
draws his famous isometric sketch on the clock and sings the “zoom zoom pan” song,
while Mr. Marshall powerpoints our POE class to death. With high energy, never-ending
enthusiasm and boundless creativity, Mr. Morrow never ceases to speak his mind and

2. although the truth may seem harsh, he always “means it in the nicest possible way.” As
Mr. Morrow is famous for giving out unique nicknames, it was only fitting that our beloved
classmate Nate Walter was crowned Tech Dog for his passion for computer technology
and collecting keyboards. Nate had a great sense of humor as he would attempt to
convince me and anyone else that “gullible” was written on the ceiling. I most vividly
remember making the mistake of giving him my number only to find my phone paralyzed
as I received about fifty identical messages in five second intervals.
Speaking of humor, everyone who had the pleasure of taking a physics class with
Mr. Blount will surely miss his corny jokes as much as I will. One example is: Doctor says,
I’ve got good news and bad news. Patient says, let’s hear the good news first. Doctor
says, the lab called and said you’ve got 24 hours to live. Then what’s the bad news? They
called yesterday.
In a society where social media is the primary form of communication, it was a
challenge to find a relatable topic for this speech. Nonetheless, I was playing this addictive
app, Candy Crush, to pass the time as I tried to brainstorm some interesting ideas…and
then it dawned on me: Life is very similar to Candy Crush Saga. While this game has
objectives of blasting jelly and collecting ingredients, we all have goals and dreams in our
lives. Never be satisfied with where you currently stand in life. Level up! Find what you
love to do and strive to improve and better yourself to achieve the impossible.
As you may know, there are infinite combinations that can be made in this app
between the six candy creations and, likewise, we stand here today with infinite possible
directions to pursue in our lives. Be yourself because everybody else is already taken.
Embrace your individuality. That is the special ingredient that sets you apart from the rest

3. of the world. Take the path less traveled as you venture out into the unknown and in doing
so you will have many opportunities and memories to share when we reunite as a class
in the years to come. Just as you must combat the self-replicating chocolate squares and
timed bombs, we have all had to and will continue to overcome the many obstacles in our
lives. Success lies within the framework of failure and determination. We cannot always
do it alone. The striking striped and exploding wrapped candy boosters represent the
loved ones who have inspired and helped us all along the way to make this graduation
possible.
No words could ever describe my gratitude for those who have supported me these
four years. I would like to thank my parents, Jeff and Tammy Coose, for always being
there for me. Mom, you are the most crazy, creative person I know: thank you for all of
the embarrassing telepathic moments we have had together where we always seem to
think and even say the exact same thing. I guess great minds think alike.
I would also like to extend my appreciation to my lovely grandparents. Grandma,
thank you for all of those bible studies: it is through your guidance that I can even hope
to develop as strong of a character and faith in the Lord as you have. Grandpa, you have
been like a father and inspiration to me in so many ways. Almost losing you this past May
has made me realize how precious life really is and I want to thank you from the bottom
of my heart for all that you have done for me. Above all, I could not have accomplished
anything without God’s unconditional love and grace for He is the anchor of my soul. Lord,
I give you all of the glory and I am eternally in debt to you for blessing me with such a
great family, friends, and life.

4. This is the finale of our childhood. It is the commencement of a new chapter of our
lives. It is a time of certainty and reassurance. It is a time of mystery of the unwritten
future. It is when we must leave the nest, spread our wings and fly. It is the time to cry as
we say goodbye. It is the time to celebrate as we graduate. Congratulations Class of 2014
and may the odds be ever in your favor!