D.H.S. Valedictorian and Salutatorian Graduation Speeches

Co-Valedictorian Kamryn Tupling

Good afternoon. First of all, I would like to start by giving a special thanks to everyone who helped make this day possible for all of us. Thank you to all the teachers, administrators, staff, coaches, community members, and families, for all of your support. I want to congratulate the Class of 2024 for making it to the end of this chapter in our lives, and what the future holds for all of us. We are here today to celebrate the hard work and dedication we have put in over the years. I remember when I first started school here in the 3rd grade, this was the fifth school I had been to since starting Kindergarten. I had never been to a school for more than one year, I was so nervous and scared that I would not make any friends. Now 10 years later, I stand before a class that I would consider every one of you a friend. It seems like yesterday, we were all playing on the blacktop, having epic four square battles, tetherball games, aggressively lining up to play Blue Mountain soccer, or trying to complete the pizza wheel. I will never forget when half the boys in our class did each other's AR tests, and all got caught. Or playing power zone in Mr. Yenny's, and Cayle stealing the CD, that he still has today.

During this time, graduation seemed impossibly far away, and we never noticed the time flying by, and now here we are, about to receive our diplomas for the Class of 2024. People: be careful as you move forward to the next year, as none of us have a great track record with driving.

I would like to end this with a quote from Phoebe Bridger, "anyway, don't be a stranger" Text me about the new friends you make at college or work, invite me to your weddings and baby showers, come say hi when you see me when you see me around. As we leave here today, I don't want the start of our lives to be thought of as a goodbye, but as a see you later.

Co-Valedictorian Ashley Essency

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty members, proud parents, and, most importantly, the remarkable graduating Class of 2024 from Dayton High School, it is with immense pride and gratitude that I stand before you today as one of the valedictorians. As we gather here to commemorate the culmination of our academic journey, I believe it is important to reflect on the experiences that have shaped us into the individuals we are today. Throughout our time at Dayton High School, we have been nurtured by a community of dedicated educators who have not only imparted knowledge but also instilled in us the values of compassion, integrity, and resilience. Their unwavering support has been the cornerstone of our success, guiding us through both the triumphs and challenges of our academic pursuits. But our journey has not been one of solitary effort. Along the way, we have been supported by the unwavering love and encouragement of our families, friends, and loved ones. They have stood by us through the late-night study sessions, the moments of self-doubt, and the exhilarating highs of our achievements. Today, as we stand on the precipice of a new chapter in our lives, let us take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to those who have walked this path with us.

In particular, I could not be standing here where I am today without the incredible support of one very special person. You may know her as Ms. Kenney, but I know her as mom. Her endless patience, her belief in my potential, and her unwavering dedication to my success have been my guiding light. From helping me through challenges to encouraging me to chase my dreams, she has been my rock and my inspiration. Mom, your love and sacrifice have made all the difference, and I am forever grateful for everything you have done for me. Thank you for being my biggest cheerleader and for always believing in me.

I stand before you today as one of the 2024 valedictorians, a title that I once only dreamed of achieving. It was just over a year ago that I discovered I was in the running for this honor, and in that moment, I made a decision–I wanted it. From that day forward, I poured my heart and soul into my studies, sacrificing time with loved ones and enduring moments of doubt and stress along the way. But through sheer determination and unwavering dedication, I persevered, and when I found out I got the title, it felt like the culmination of all my hard work and sacrifices. For about 15 seconds. For those brief 15 seconds, as my adrenaline surged and euphoria washed over me as I stood at the peak of my accomplishments. But as reality set in, I realized that there must come a 16th second, a 16th second in life. A continuation of the journey.

This moment taught me that life is not about reaching a single peak and stopping there. The 16th second symbolizes the importance of what comes next, the commitment to keep moving forward. It's a reminder that our achievements are not just for personal glory but are meant to inspire and uplift others, to contribute to something greater than ourselves. Embracing the 16th second means understanding that each success is a stepping stone to future endeavors and the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

As we embark on this next phase of our journey, let us carry forward the lessons we have learned, the values we hold dear, and the memories we have shared. Let us continue to strive for excellence in all that we do, knowing that our hard work and dedication have prepared us to make a meaningful difference in the world.

ln closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for the privilege of standing before you today. Congratulations, Class of 2024. May your futures be filled with boundless opportunities, meaningful connections, and moments of profound impact. Thank you.

Salutatorian Grace Trump

Welcome, and thank you for coming to the graduation of the Class of 2024. I am so glad that every one of you was able to make it today to support my class.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the teachers, coaches, family, and community members who have supported us and given us the tools to get here today. I also want to thank the people who were unable to be with us today for the love, support, and positive impact they have had on our graduates.

To my class, we're finally here! Today we will walk out the gym doors, where many of us have had P.E. since 6th grade, and walk into internships, jobs, and colleges. Looking back over the last four years, it hasn't been easy. Between COVID-19, Tech Decks, Hacky Sacks, energy drink addictions, Spirit Weeks, and life as teenagers, we've learned a lot. I can't wait to see where life takes us next, whether that's Moscow, Vancouver, Lewiston, Walla Walla, Spokane, Bozeman, or Daytona Beach, each one of us has a unique skill set that I can't wait to share with the world.

The mission of the Dayton School District is to promote academic excellence, active citizenship, and provide all students with the opportunity to become productive members of society. I think our class is more than ready to live up to that. I can't wait to see you guys again in 10 years. Start planning Josh.

And, guess what, Wyntr? ["Chicken butt!" cried Wynter McCauley]... Oh Jeez.