5-Minute Valedictory Address

To our honorable guest speaker, __________; to our university president, __________; to our
university administrative officials; to our college dean, __________; to our campus principal,
__________; distinguished guests, faculty and staff, dear parents, fellow graduates, friends, ladies
and gentlemen, good afternoon.

Ralph Marston once said, “Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.” In all of my 6 years here in
the __________ University, I came to believe that excellence is not an immediate result that you
can achieve easily. Rather, excellence is about having a positive attitude, a willingness to work
hard, a pride in your own work and a desire to do your best. It is being able to accept mistakes and
learning from them.

Seeing you all makes me reminisce about the memories we shared throughout these years. Who
could ever forget the failures and disappointments we encountered along the way, the shenanigans
during classes worth remembering, the ridiculous adventures that brought wrinkles to our teachers
and the loves lost and found. However, the world is beckoning us, and as much as we would like
to stay in the safety and comfort of our alma mater, we must now begin another journey in our life.

Being the valedictorian, it was certainly not easy, but despite this, I learned that nothing is more
fulfilling than the fact that I have defied all odds to become what I am today. I may have
intelligence, but I am driven more by my passion, and this means so much more to me than all the
awards I received. We must all remember that awards are momentary and of little significance,
and what you are as a person is a better mark in life.

During my whole stay at the __________ High School, I learned many different values from many
people and situations.

First, to all our teachers who unselfishly went beyond the call of duty to share their time, talent
and knowledge with us. Thank you for bearing with our childish antics and behaviors. Also, to my
friends who are also my tormentors, thank you for allowing me to be the prettiest and kindest
achiever. All kidding aside, I salute you all for your achievements. I am so proud and happy to say
that we made it, and we are all in the honor roll! To my parents and siblings, I would not have
been able to face these challenges if it were not for your support and love. Even though we cannot
be a complete family today, I am very grateful for your continuous faith in me. Most importantly,
I would like to give glory to the Almighty Creator who deserves the most praise and thanksgiving.
I could not have accomplished all of these without Your guidance, blessings and love for me. I
will continue to dedicate my achievements to You and only You.

Now, I would like to challenge you all to push yourselves harder and always aim higher because
in doing so, you will be successful. Congratulations to us who almost did not survive high school
but survived anyway!