2025 IHS Valedictorian full speech

"Hi everyone I'm good evening I stand here today not only as your class 2025 valedictorian but hopefully also as a friend and supporter to many, I want to thank everybody that made it possible for us to be here tonight from parents and family members to our friends and faculty you have loved and guided us through our childhood and it has helped shaped us to the people we are today there have been many times in my life where I felt alone but we'll right in this beach trying to fit in all the people that I'm grateful for I realized that I've never truly been alone so many people have stood by me encouraged me and carried me the times I've fallen most importantly through all my heartaches and hardships I believe God has walked beside me in the same way I believe he walks with each and every one of us and will continue to as we leave behind our childhood to adulthood we are not alone tonight there are 100 of us crossing the stage tonight as we head to the military job or undecided you are a success tonight we are all receiving the same diploma not one better than the other this is a fresh start a new chapter and I am so incredibly proud of all of you I poured my time and effort into becoming valedictorian because I know I could do it and I believed it would help move me forward in life well it certainly has I wish there were titles and honors for being the kindest the most supportive the most loyal and all the other trades God calls for us for us in His image those characteristics may not come with honors or certificates but they build the type of Life and Legacy certificates but they build the kind of Life and Legacy that surely lasts sometimes we forget that success isn't only about grades or Awards but about the kind of person you choose to be I wish we could all be up here speaking because each of us have our own strengths and a story with sharing as we step into the world will begin to see more clearly that character how you treat others how you face challenges how you stay true to your morals and values is what defines real success I won't pretend it's not scary I'm scared right now life is scary growing up is scary leaving behind what's familiar saying goodbye to people we've seen every day for years stepping into the unknown it's all terrifying the times we don't always talk about that part because we focus on the excitement the plans and graduation itself but underneath all of that because uncertainty and that can be overwhelming it's okay to be afraid what matters is that we move forward anyway courage isn't about being Fearless it's about being scared and still taking a leap still taking the job and no matter how scared you might feel remember you're not the only one we're all stepping into something new and we're doing it together I would probably say that none of us have it all figured out even if we think we do I don't even have my license yet and I've never had a real job but we don't have to have it all figured out we just have to do our best and Trust in God in moments of uncertainty I encourage you to hold on to what is good hold on to kindness to compassion to integrity the world is chaotic and it won't be easy to stay true to who you are that's exactly why you have to the Bible tells us do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good as we go our separate ways I hope we all carry the same goal no matter where life takes you or what you do be good and you will prosper" -valedictorian Alyssa Flores

2025 IHS Salutatorian full speech

"good evening class of 2025 staff faculty family and friends my name is Caleb Galindo and it's both an honor and my privilege not only as your class president but also as your 2025 salutatorian to share a few words at this graduation ceremony before I do so however I like to take a moment to thank all the teachers and staff at this proud District both present and not presents you've all done so much to enhance our education in the past four years and your efforts aren't going unnoticed so we thank you with utmost gratitude for all the incomparable diligence that you are provided in your work and now with that being said I'd like to say seniors let's take a moment to reflect let's reflect on the journey we've all undergone these past 13 years and also on how much we've grown from the first time you stepped into your kindergarten classroom all the way until this very moments you've all proven to overcome many obstacles and for some you may have lived an easy life thus far however for many others you have gone through so many challenges which some of us may not be able to even comprehend it and in this journey of Life we've not only overcome a global pandemic but we simultaneously prevailed over the various personal challenges and whether it be the stress or anxiety some of you may have felt due to circumstances like health issues the loss of friends or even loss of loved ones I would like you all to take a moment to understand how proud you should be of yourself and of what you have encountered thus far all the memories you have made the relationships created and the Lessons Learned of all culminated to this very moments where you are being built to become the ever-growing individual you currently are and it's true when Ferris wheeler says that life moves pretty fast and if you don't stop once in awhile you can miss it at this moment life truly does seem surreal we are all about to go into the real world and take on the challenges of adulthood to some this may seem daunting however I would like to say that I truly believe with all my heart that there is a god-given light and each and every one of you and whether you have realized it or not you see we live in a chaotic unjust and broken world it's filled with so much fear corruption and evil and pain however although we may not necessarily be able to control the circumstances were placed in we are still able to dictate our attitudes towards it all seniors as you enter this new chapter of Life do not remain attached to your past we are human and you're not perfect people do not let your mistakes or circumstances determine who you are rather allow your past to provide lessons and these lessons they may develop your character and motivate the pursue of your own dreams and ambitions additionally accept and be grateful for your loved ones you see I know that some of these loved ones are able to be present today however as some may not be and some may have passed on just know that these people are proud of you they are currently looking upon you right now with utmost pride and excitement as you walk this stage as you go into this new chapter in life and pursue your own dreams and ambitions let their dreams and motivations continue to motivate you to keep going their legacy lives through you never at the faith they held in you die out and now as I stare out upon you all and as I look upon my own faith in Christ I have come to understand that everything I have will not be possible without God I would like to take a moment to thank him and to encourage you all to keep the Lord in your hearts and at the center of your lives no matter where you go in life let it be done with love and compassion all that you do and furthermore just never let go of Hope and Faith and furthermore I just like to say that we are truly truly lacking a lot of this love and compassion in the world right now it seems as if it's crazy and sometimes full of Chaos but you must understand that oftentimes it's life has caused people to already experience hell so why don't we give them a taste of Heaven while they're still with us on this Earth and while we're at it I just want to say that we love because he first loved us and I want you all to know that the God within you all is far far greater than the evil that is within this world with that being said class of 2025 congratulations I pray you all find success enjoying this life and I like to thank you all for this opportunity may God bless you all "-Salutatorian, Caleb Galindo