What are they?
A few sentences about yourself that will be read aloud during the grad ceremony as you cross the stage. Follow the guidelines below and read the sample write ups on the bottom of this page. Use them for reference, but please do not copy the wording of the framework. The idea is that everyone will sound unique and memorable.
Are there any guidelines/rules as to what I can and cannot say?
Yes. Keep these guidelines in mind:
- Be succinct – two to three sentences maximum!
- Be specific; try to avoid using a generic phrase such as “thanks friends and family.” To be specific, thank specific people (name them). Talk about your future goals and plans (particular university you’re planning to go to, particular countries you’re planning to travel). If none of these apply, try to recall a particular memorable moment from your time at Lambrick. Nothing come to mind? Give your fellow grads some advice in your own words or find an inspirational quotation.
- Write in third person point of view (e.g. Sam Smith plans to. . .)
- Be personal, creative, and unique but remember to keep comments, language and tone appropriate and “in good taste” for a broad audience inclusive of parents, grandparents, teachers, and community members. Remember to avoid inside jokes, “dissing” someone, or using slang/colloquial language that the general audience won’t understand. All submissions will be edited and reviewed!
- Avoid clichés and overused opening phrases– phrases that that are likely to be used many times, for example: “Grade 9 seems like yesterday” “__________would like to thank”
>>>Click here to submit your write up via Google form<<<
SAMPLE GRAD WRITE UPS
EXAMPLE #1: the thank you
Joe arrived at Lambrick only two years ago and appreciated how welcoming everyone made him feel. He would like to thank his friends Mac and Jay for the weekly treats at Starbucks and his parents and sister for always pushing him to do his best.
EXAMPLE #2: future goals/dreams
Ben will be attending the Faculty of Science at the University of Victoria in September before transferring to UBC’s Faculty of Dentistry. He thanks his parents, grandparents, and friends for the support they have given him throughout high school.
EXAMPLE #3: final words/advice to future grads
Rob thanks his awesome friends and teachers for encouraging him to do his best – even when times were tough. What he has learned most from his years at Lambrick is this: “Never give up.”
EXAMPLES #4, 5, & 6: use of humor and/or irony
Melissa spent her years at Lambrick training to be a police officer. Her training has involved surprise attacks in the hallways, practicing a loud, authoritative voice, and wrestling friends in the hallway. Melissa is hoping to use these skills in her future endeavors, so we suggest you watch out when she is in uniform!
Holli is usually never without something to say, but agonized over her final words for this evening. However, we think that she might offer the following advice to Lambrick students: “Make the most of your time at Lambrick, always listen to your teachers and never be late to class!”
Sam will be remembered for his big, wide smile – as well as his tendency to put things off until the last moment. At least he was on time today! Sam wishes the graduates of 2007 all the best in whatever they choose to do.
EXAMPLE #7: “a little bit of everything”
Samantha continually impressed her friends, teachers and peers with her “bring it on” skits and amazing ability to be a brunette and a blonde at the same time! Samantha plans to visit all seven wonders of the world, ride horseback without having to hang on for dear life, and become a nutritionist or psychiatrist. A special thanks to Mom for giving her “her wings to fly”.
EXAMPLE #8: use of a quotation
Incorporate a well-known/famous quotation relating to goals, dreams, achievement, perseverance – basically, inspiring words to leave your grad class. Lambrick Library carries several quotation books to help you get started. If you use a quotation, however, ensure that you give credit to the originator.