We’re nearing the time for college and university graduations and a bit after that, high school graduations. I’ve been asked to speak at a high school graduation in a few months and so I’m giving some thought to what I’ll say.
What’s the best commencement or graduation speech you’ve ever heard? Do you remember what was said at your graduation(s)?
It seems to me that these can be memorable for good reasons (thoughtful, funny) or one main bad reason (too long). At my doctoral graduation, the university gave three honorary doctorates, the speeches for which each lasted 30 minutes!
What would you say if you had to speak to high school or college graduates?
Faith Improvised 
Josh
I got to give a speech at my high school graduation in 2009. I wrote a poem and entitled it “A Valediction.”
http://joshuapsteele.com/2009/06/06/a-valediction/
timgombis
Very nice, Josh! That’s huge–creativity and an economy of words.
dadion
I played at my high school graduation in my junior year there and the student body president gave a speech in the form of a break up letter to the school itself. it was funny and thoughtful.
Josh
That’s brilliant!
timgombis
Nice, D.–I’m sure it was memorable!
Adam Oliver
I wish you would post on graduation books. Our church traditionally gives both high school and college graduates a book (different for each). I would be interested to hear thoughts or suggestions on that front.
Carl
At my son’s high school graduation, Dr. Dan Taylor’s witty speech was entitled “You Are Going to Die!”
timgombis
Wow, great title! I was thinking of something along the line of Edwards — “Think often of your death!”