The day of graduation is a day of anticipation. Seniors look forward to hearing their name as they walk across the stage, as well as hearing the speeches given by the top members of their class.
This year, there will be three speeches given by students. Three, out of a class of almost 700.
And while these three individuals have very important things to say, what about the rest of us?
That is the motivation behind the AP English 12 end of the year project, where all students had to write a valedictorian speech.
AP English 12 teacher Kimberly Oltmanns explained that “[the students] have a lot of good things to say. That was our overall concept because regardless of GPA, [everyone has] something to say about [their] high school years and should have an opportunity to do so.”
This project has given students the opportunity to open up to their classmates, to express how they feel. Many students have shared memories, as well as reflected on their last four years at Perry. According to Oltmans, classes have literally laughed and cried together as speeches are given.
What started as a project is ending as just another meaningful memory to add to senior year.