Many students submitted graduation speeches and presented them in front of five judges…here are the two lucky winners!  Congratulations to them both.

Winner: Rachel Worthington 

How do you feel about winning?

I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity.

Did you get nervous while presenting your speech? 

Of course I was a little nervous, but at this point they were either going to like the speech or not. I didn’t really think my delivery was going to be the deciding point. I just had to stand up there and read the speech the way I wrote it.

What was going through your head when you were presenting? 

I just kept thinking, “I hope they laugh. Was that a laugh? I don’t think they got the reference.”

How many others were there with you? 

I was alone when auditioning except for the five judges. I’m not exactly sure how many people submitted speeches or were chosen to audition.

Did you think you were going to win?

I definitely was not sure I would win, but I liked my speech and I was hoping the judges would too. I’m not surprised Tristan won. He’s a great speaker and always has something important to say.

Winner: Tristan Allen

How do you feel about winning?

I was happy and more than anything else excited to have the honor of addressing our class at graduation. I had told my mom that if there was a way I wanted to end my high school career, it would be by giving the graduation speech. Now, I’m thankful for that opportunity!

Did you get nervous while presenting your speech?

I always have nerves before presenting or performing, but they dissipate when I reach the podium or stage. When I first reached the podium, I was nervous. But, once I began on the speech, I just trusted in my speaking ability and forgot to worry!

What was going through your head when you were presenting?

As I was presenting, I kept thinking of the memories I had made throughout the past four years of my life. I remembered the good times and recalled the achievements I had attained.

How many others were there with you?

It was only one speaker at a time. So, I have the speech to the panel of judges alone in the room.

Did you think you were going to win?

There has always been a part of me that always wants to win at everything; I would not have auditioned if a part of me didn’t think I could win.

Good luck to all of the seniors graduating tonight!