Valedictorian

My graduating class sat next to the stage, pumped and ready for the ceremony to start. Everyone sat there conversing with one another. The main topic of the chatter was who might the mystery valedictorian be. I smiled to myself, knowing that they were all about to be surprised.

The opening ceremony started, and Mr. Cunningham took his place at the stage. He gave his commencement speech, and then moved on to introducing me. “This years valedictorian has shown what hard work and dedication is all about. Despite facing an unusual amount of stress from both her family and her peers, this student has shown what it takes to persevere and come out on top. She has already been accepted into a pristine university with a full ride scholarship, and I couldn’t be more proud of this student. I now introduce your Senior Class valedictorian. Ms. Sarah Lewiston.

The crowd gasped as I stood up. The echoes of my heels clacking on the ground were the only thing that anyone could hear as I took my place at the podium. I peered down at the crowd, looking at all their stunned faces before adjusting the mic to my level and beginning my speech.

“Thank you Mr. Cunningham. You know, before I get started, I just want to say one thing. Happy Birthday to me. Because today, I am not just graduating from this fine institution, but I am also celebrating my entrance into adulthood. To all the teachers and faculty that helped me to get here today, I just want to say thank you. I couldn’t have done it if it wasn’t for the accommodations and help that you have all given me to help me get here today.”

I picked up the piece of paper with my speech on it, and glanced at my notes before beginning. “They say that when we graduate, this day is for our parents. For some, that may be true. For others, it may be the opposite. Many of us have gotten here through hard work, sweat, and tears while also facing challenges that nobody else can see. Those challenges are what builds us. They make us stronger so that we can become the productive members of society that we are meant to be.”

I paused for a moment and made eye contact with the crowd. “We each have our own ideas of what being productive is going to look like. For some it might be a CEO, or a lawyer, or a doctor. Others might be looking for more simple trades. Like a mechanic or a teacher. Maybe some of you will simply become home makers while the people you love become the breadwinners. Whatever it may be, each and every one of you are special.

“Together, we all have a unique role that we will play in society. It doesn’t matter if those who surround you have picked on you, or did everything they could to tear you down.” I said, glaring directly at Kylee. “It doesn’t matter if those who are supposed to love you believe in you or not.” My gaze turned to my parents. “We all have the ability to take what we have learned and put it towards good. And that, my fellow students, is what I stand here to encourage you to do today.

“As you walk this stage, I want you to think about all the accomplishments you have made here as well as those that you will make in the future. Hold your head up high and be proud of yourself. Listen to the crowd as they clap and cheer for you. Today is your day and you deserve to live it up and celebrate!” I cried out, thrusting my right fist up in the air triumphantly. The crowd went wild, and people began to cheer.

For a moment, they forgot that I was Sarah the feigned bully. The air was filled with hoots and hollars as Mr. Cunningham handed me the very first diploma. In the stands, Kylee was yelling and screaming, but nobody heard her. For once, her tiny voice was weakened by the many. Powerless to stop what I had created. It felt so good!

I stepped off the stage, diploma in hand and rounded back behind the crowd, as we had been instructed. Instead of taking my assigned seat, however, I walked out of the school’s stadium. Nobody even noticed, as all eyes had been focused at the vice principal stepping up and taking his place to shake hands as they began to announce everyone else’s names.