From Trepidation to Triumph—the Senior Speech Journey
Some of our seniors have been dreading this moment since they were freshmen, while a handful knew even back then exactly what they would talk about when it came time to step out onto the Ridgway Auditorium stage for that Upper School rite of passage—Senior Speeches.
This January, as in years past, all members of the School’s graduating class delivered a five-minute speech on a topic meaningful to each of them personally—be it a special relationship with a family member or friend; the inspiring support of a mentor; a memory of magical times from childhood; or a moment of personal growth and transformation.
And also as in years past, English teachers Nancy Heimerl and Steven Henn (US'98, C'02) worked very closely with the students throughout the fall, helping the “undecided” choose a topic and providing pointers and feedback on writing, editing, and delivery. For many students, this opportunity to overcome the fear of public speaking is transformative, and they express heartfelt gratitude for the gentle nudging and spiritual insights of peers, parents, and teachers.
“Beyond the challenge of speaking on a large auditorium stage, the level of effort and ability students bring to the table is extraordinary,” noted Academic Dean Merrill Boudreaux in a letter to parents, commending the students on their “poised, thoughtful, and well written” talks.
Occasionally, the seniors surprise themselves with their choice of topic—with a last-minute change or a new insight into what matters most to them. One student noted as much in his opening remarks: “Seniors have about two months to pick their topics, fine-tune every word, and practice their delivery until they can get their message across exactly the way they want. However, what I am sharing with you today [a Tuesday] happened on Saturday. This story’s impact on me was exactly the kind of speech I wanted to share—it just hadn’t happened yet. So when it did, I jumped at the chance to completely rewrite my speech at the last minute.”
While the audience of parents, family, faculty, staff, and alumni always values and enjoys the quality of the speeches, the seniors themselves also remark on the fresh appreciation they often gain for their classmates by learning something new about their experiences and seeing them in a different light.