5-Minute Valedictory Address

To our honorable guest speaker, __________; to our university president,

__________; to our university administrative officials; to our college dean,
__________; to our campus principal, __________; distinguished guests,
faculty and staff, dear parents, fellow graduates, friends, ladies and gentlemen, good
afternoon.

Ralph Marston once said, “Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.” In all of my 6 years
here in the __________ University, I came to believe that excellence is not an
immediate result that you can achieve easily. Rather, excellence is about having a
positive attitude, a willingness to work hard, a pride in your own work and a desire to do
your best. It is being able to accept mistakes and learning from them.

Seeing you all makes me reminisce about the memories we shared throughout these
years. Who could ever forget the failures and disappointments we encountered along
the way, the shenanigans during classes worth remembering, the ridiculous adventures
that brought wrinkles to our teachers and the loves lost and found. However, the world
is beckoning us, and as much as we would like to stay in the safety and comfort of our
alma mater, we must now begin another journey in our life.

Being the valedictorian, it was certainly not easy, but despite this, I learned that nothing
is more fulfilling than the fact that I have defied all odds to become what I am today. I
may have intelligence, but I am driven more by my passion, and this means so much
more to me than all the awards I received. We must all remember that awards are
momentary and of little significance, and what you are as a person is a better mark in
life.

During my whole stay at the __________ High School, I learned many different
values from many people and situations.

First, to all our teachers who unselfishly went beyond the call of duty to share their time,
talent and knowledge with us. Thank you for bearing with our childish antics and
behaviors. Also, to my friends who are also my tormentors, thank you for allowing me to
be the prettiest and kindest achiever. All kidding aside, I salute you all for your
achievements. I am so proud and happy to say that we made it, and we are all in the
honor roll! To my parents and siblings, I would not have been able to face these
challenges if it were not for your support and love. Even though we cannot be a
complete family today, I am very grateful for your continuous faith in me. Most
importantly, I would like to give glory to the Almighty Creator who deserves the most
praise and thanksgiving. I could not have accomplished all of these without Your
guidance, blessings and love for me. I will continue to dedicate my achievements to You
and only You.
Now, I would like to challenge you all to push yourselves harder and always aim higher
because in doing so, you will be successful. Congratulations to us who almost did not
survive high school but survived anyway!