8th Grade Graduation Speech

I would like to begin by thanking some people who have helped me achieve this goal and dream to become the Valedictorian. * I would like to first and foremost thank God, for it is through Him that all things are possible. * I would next like to thank my parents. You have been a major influence on my life. Thank you for all you have done for me in my life. Dad, you are my hero. I have always looked up to you and always will. Mom, you are my best friend. I love our talks and spending time together. * I would also like to recognize the rest of my family. Thank you for always supporting us in anything we do and never missing a moment that is important me. You are always there to watch no matter what we are doing. * To the present and former teachers: I want to thank you for planting seeds within me to prepare me for my future and especially for wiping those tears of stress over grades and assignments. I feel confident that I am as ready as any 8th grader to enter the doors prepared for my classes in High School. * To my coaches: You are like my second set of parents. I have learned so much from you and 50 years down the road, I know I will still be able to count on you. Although we had a few disagreements and I got yelled at a few times, I look up to you and respect you for teaching me more than just about the game… for teaching me about life’s lessons and knowing which battles to fight and which battles to leave alone.
Last, but certainly not least, to the 8th grade class – What can I say? When I came here in 1st grade, each and every one of you welcomed me with open arms. On this journey, We have laughed; we have cried; we have argued; we have learned; and we are about to enter into another mile of our journey in a new place. Some of us will go one way, and others another, but at the end of the journey we will always have the memories of here, of this school, the memories of our bulldog pride and traditions.
As we end this