Valedictory Speech

As I stand before you this morning, I feel extremely proud

for being the first among the graduates this school year. I am
deeply proud to God, to my parents, particularly to my teachers
who patiently and meticulously molded my mind and shaped my
personality into a well-rounded one. But beneath these feelings
of pride and gratitude lies the heavy responsibility to live up to
my country’s expectations.
As I look at the past, I can see the six difficult six years of
struggle- the downs and ups, the tears and joys which make up
studying, challenging and fulfilling. I am elated by that feeling
of fulfilment and success for finishing my elementary education
and obtaining the highest honors in my class. But that elation
ends as I ponder on the sad condition prevailing in our country
today.
I know that the government spends billions of pesos for
our education. I return, therefore, young people like us must get
involved in the noble task of nation building.
Are you not concerned about the problems of poverty,
unemployment, crime, population pressure, pollution,
calamities, worsening peace and other, drug addiction, and
moral breakdown in our society?
Young as I am, these problems that beset our country have
a tremendous impact upon my imagination and my conscience,
so tremendous that they give me no peace of mind. How can I
help solve our country’s problems? This question keeps
bothering me and sometimes renders me sleepless nights. But do
not lose hope; rather I am challenge.
Let us make it a point that in everything we do, we do our
best. And above the all let us not forget God in all our
endeavours so that he will guide us to the path of prosperity,
righteousness, honor and glory for our country.
I thank you…