I wrote this speech to give at my graduation party at my house.Alyssa's Graduation Speech
First off I want thank God for getting me this far in life. Honestly without Him I wouldn’t be here today or even be alive at all. He’s brought me this far, and I know He has many more surprises and opportunities in store. The future, the possibilities, that’s what keeps me going.
Dad is at work today so he couldn’t be here to celebrate. However, Brent is here, and that’s almost like having him here. Brent really is just like our dad in many ways, he looks like him, he laughs loud like him, and he has his brains. If he hasn’t showed off his math skills to you I’m sure he wouldn’t mind demonstrating… thanks Brent for you help in MY math class. Yes, it’s kind of embarrassing my little brother helping me with my math but what else is family for? J Love you Daddy and Brent!
Mom, thank you, for just being you. Thanks for making today possible by running me around shopping and helping me with the food. I could spend a long time just expressing my gratitude; but this speech isn’t supposed to be a 30 minute speech so I can thank you personally later. When I’m older and can look back on it with more perspective I can really understand how to thank you. At least I’ve heard when you grow up and have your own family or move out you start to thank your parents more… so I guess you’ll have that to look forward to even though you’ll really miss me and my free babysitting and everything I offer to this family haha… but let’s not make this speech about me.
Mandy, she couldn’t be here today because as usual, she is she’s following in my footsteps. She's doing lifeguarding at Dorney Park like I did back when I was 16. I told her not to do it, because the people there are crazy, and stuff but that’s the real world I guess. Like a lot of other stuff I tell her what I think she should do and she does the opposite. Us two, we are opposites in a lot of ways so I guess that’s expected. Thanks for being lighthearted and usually cheerful. Thanks for helping me in my Spanish class and in Karate, both of which you are better than me. You’ve been a faithful friend and companion for the past 17 years. I’ll never forget playing barbie town, toy horses, bear town and all our fun memories that you love to tease me about. My first crush, my first job, my first boyfriend and breakup, you were there through it all and usually didn’t say “I told you so.” I don’t mind that you aren’t here today because you’ve been here enough. We have college life to share too, we’re gonna get sick of each other eventually. You’ve stolen my friends enough… not really stolen, but we’ve shared like everything since you were born… so please get your own friends and own interests in college. I think you’d steal the spotlight today if you were here because you truly are wonderful and I admire you. Thanks for all you do. J
Lanaya, I was already about 12 when you were born so of course you’re the baby of the family and I love you very much. When you were little I’d change you diapers, feed you, and basically be your mommy when mommy was busy. I love you very much and hope you don’t miss me too much as being your roommate. I might even miss the toys you leave on my bed and on the floor eventually… but maybe not.
Now that I’ve talked about my family I will talk about my friends…
Thanks Korah for being my first best friend when I moved here. We had so many fun sleepovers, adventures, secrets, campouts, the list goes on…
And Levi, Korah’s brother, thanks for being my friend too. I don’t think of you as just Korah’s brother now though, you’re up here with my besties. We now share common interest like music, photography, and our love for animals. You’ve really matured since I first met you when you were like in 6th grade. And thanks for being my first prom date for my last prom ever… I really didn’t want to go single again.
Thanks Gwyn and Eve for being here today and for being here the past year or so. My high-school experience would not be the same without you guys. Gwyn thanks for getting me out of my shell more and for all the fun sleepovers, and dances. You’re a hoot. Eve thanks for being funny and nice and caring. It’s amazing how we kind of have a three-some going here, since I kind of introduced you two somehow at that silly school test we had to do. It’s amazing how you find your best friends without even really trying. You guys are two of a kind and I’m really going to miss you. You are both amazing friends and I really hope we don’t lose touch. As I write this I hope I don’t tear up in front of everyone.
I have friends in Minnesota, California, Indiana, Virginia and more… Thanks for being there when I needed you most Curtis, Courtney, Sarah Crew, Andrea, Laura Wehr, and lots more. Some of you I’ve known since I was 9 years old, and some a shorter time but you’re all very important to me. I don’t see you very often but it means so much to know I can talk to you anytime I need to. Kelly, thanks for taking care of our dog Guy, and for helping me celebrate my 18th birthday and for being a good friend. Heather S, we’ve really bonded even though we only met like 6 months ago. Since my extended family doesn’t life close-by my church family is really like a big family. I don’t want anyone to feel left out, so please don’t feel bad if I don’t mention you. Mr. and Mrs. Dekle, the Werts, Heather and Justin, Mr. and Mrs. Stenhouse, Linda Lepage, and everyone else here today. Thanks for being a part of my life.
I’ve only lived in this area for maybe 6 years but they have been some of the most important years of my life and I feel I was meant to be right here. I will definitely have to come back often. We make memories everyday and some will last a lifetime. I hope we make some lasting memories today.
