graduation message essay

Graduation Speech Ideas: How to Inspire Your Class

graduation message essay

Did you know that the shortest recorded graduation speech in history was a mere 19 words long? Yes, you heard that right! While brevity can sometimes be a virtue, when it comes to inspiring your fellow classmates and leaving a lasting impression, well-crafted graduation speeches can be a powerful tool. As you stand before your graduating class, you have the opportunity to ignite a spark of motivation, instill a sense of purpose, and propel your peers toward their future endeavors.

Graduation Speech Ideas: Short Summary

In this article, we will explore a variety of graduation speech topics, along with practical tips and easy steps to help you craft an impressive speech. With these tools in hand, you'll have the power to captivate your class and leave an indelible mark on their hearts and minds. Get ready to create a commencement address that will resonate for years to come.

Graduation Speeches: Exploring the Purpose

Graduation speeches, with their grand stage and eager audience, serve a purpose that extends far beyond mere formality. They are a culmination of years of hard work, growth, and shared experiences. These speeches are a golden opportunity to reflect on the collective journey, celebrate achievements, and inspire the graduating class as they step into the uncharted territory of the future.

Graduation Speech Ideas

According to our paper writing service experts, one of the key elements in crafting a memorable graduation speech is selecting a theme that resonates with the graduating class. Graduation speech themes can range from resilience and perseverance to embracing change and embracing diversity. By choosing a theme that reflects the unique experiences and aspirations of the class, the speaker can create a unifying thread that connects with the hearts and minds of the audience. These themes serve as guiding principles, offering nuggets of wisdom and inspiring anecdotes that reinforce the central message of the speech.

The purpose of a graduation speech is multifaceted. It is a beacon of hope, reminding graduates of their potential and the endless possibilities that await them. It is a heartfelt tribute acknowledging the contributions of teachers, mentors, and loved ones who have played an integral role in their educational voyage. Moreover, a graduation speech is a platform for wisdom and guidance, a chance to impart invaluable life lessons and ignite a fire of motivation within each listener. It is a powerful tool that has the ability to instill confidence, inspire action, and encourage graduates to embark on their unique paths with passion and purpose.

How to Start a Graduation Speech: Essential Preparation Tips

Stepping up to the podium to deliver a graduation speech can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. As the spotlight shines upon you, it's crucial to capture the attention and hearts of your fellow graduates, faculty, and parents right from the start. The key to a remarkable beginning lies in careful preparation. By employing essential tips for starting a graduation speech, you can set the stage for an impactful and memorable address. From gathering relevant details to brainstorming graduation speech ideas and crafting a well-structured outline, these preparation tips will empower you to confidently begin your graduation speech, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

Graduation Speech Ideas

Gather Relevant Details

As per our custom essay writing service , the first step in preparing to start a graduation speech is to gather relevant details about the graduating class, the school, and the overall graduation ceremony.

  • Determine the Speaking Time : Find out the allocated time for the graduation speech topics. Knowing the time limit will help you structure your speech accordingly, ensuring that you deliver a concise and engaging message within the given timeframe.
  • Identify the Audience : Consider who will be in attendance at the graduation ceremony. Will it primarily consist of fellow graduates, parents, faculty, or a mix of all? Understanding the demographics of the audience can help you tailor your speech to their interests, experiences, and expectations.
  • Know the Introducer : Find out who will introduce you before your speech. This allows you to establish a connection with the person responsible for setting the stage and can provide an opportunity to coordinate and align the introduction with the theme or key points of your speech.
  • Determine Other Speakers : Inquire whether you are the only speaker or if there will be other individuals delivering speeches. This information helps you gauge the overall time allotted for speeches, ensures you don't overlap content, and allows you to adjust your speech accordingly to offer a unique perspective.
  • Check for Microphone Availability : Verify if a microphone will be available during your speech. Understanding the audio setup will assist you in projecting your voice effectively and ensuring your words reach the entire audience.
  • Consider the Use of Speech Notes : Determine whether you can use speech notes or if memorization is expected. Some graduation ceremonies allow speakers to refer to notes, while others encourage a more natural and memorized delivery. Knowing the expectations allows you to plan your preparation and delivery approach accordingly.

Brainstorm Ideas

By delving into the following diverse aspects of college life, your brainstorming session will yield a rich tapestry of memories, anecdotes, and themes that can be incorporated into your graduation speech, infusing it with authenticity, nostalgia, and the spirit of previous graduation speech examples.

Graduation Speech Ideas

  • Food and Dining : Delve into the culinary adventures of your college days, from the unique offerings at dining halls to the beloved local restaurants that became student favorites.
  • Campus Hangouts : Explore the cherished spots on campus where students congregated, shared laughter, and forged lasting friendships.
  • Social Events : Recall the vibrant social scene that shaped your college experience, from parties and festivals to club activities and campus-wide celebrations.
  • Notable Classes : Highlight the classes or academic experiences that left a lasting impact, whether due to exceptional professors, intriguing subject matter, or memorable assignments. Personalize your speech by weaving in anecdotes from your own autobiography example , showcasing the transformative power of education.
  • Significant Memories : Reflect on the special moments that stand out in your college journey, be it late-night study sessions, impromptu adventures, or milestone achievements.
  • Landmarks : Take note of the iconic landmarks on campus that became synonymous with your college years, contributing to a sense of pride and belonging.
  • Current Events : Consider any noteworthy events or happenings that unfolded during your time at college, shaping the collective experience of your class.
  • Shared College Experiences : Embrace the shared experiences that defined your campus community, such as the ritual of purchasing scantrons, the melodic chimes of the Old Main bells, or navigating the virtual realm of Blackboard.

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Create a Graduation Speech Outline

By following this outline, you'll learn how to write a speech about yourself that leaves a lasting impact on the graduating class and the audience. Infuse your speech with your personality, emotions, and unique perspective, creating an authentic and heartfelt reflection of your journey and the aspirations of the graduating class.

I. Introduction

A. Welcome the audience: Begin your speech by warmly welcoming the graduating class, faculty members, parents, and esteemed guests. Set a positive and inclusive tone from the start.

B. Introduce the theme: Clearly state the overarching theme or message that will be the foundation of your speech. This will provide a sense of direction and purpose for your discourse.

C. Engage with a captivating opening: Start with a relevant and engaging story, joke, or anecdote that connects to the theme and captures the attention of your audience. This will help create an immediate connection and pique their interest.

II. Personal Reflections and Shared Experiences

A. Share personal anecdotes: Draw from your own experiences as a student, highlighting significant moments, challenges, or accomplishments that relate to the theme. This personal touch will make your speech relatable and genuine.

B. Incorporate shared experiences: Discuss shared experiences and milestones that the graduating class has encountered throughout their academic journey. These collective memories will foster a sense of unity and connection among the audience.

C. Add originality: Inject original and unique perspectives into your speech. Offer fresh insights, perspectives, or ideas that will captivate and resonate with the graduating class.

III. Key Messages and Life Lessons

A. Highlight key messages: Identify the key messages or life lessons you wish to impart to the graduating class. These can include resilience, perseverance, embracing change, or pursuing a passion.

B. Support with stories and examples: Illustrate your key messages with relatable stories, examples, or quotes. Make them vivid and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

C. Inspire and motivate: Use your speech to inspire and motivate the graduating class to embrace the future with confidence, pursue their dreams, and make a positive impact in the world.

IV. Conclusion

A. Express gratitude: Thank the audience, including the graduating class, faculty, parents, and any other individuals who have supported the students' academic journey. Show appreciation for the opportunity to address them.

B. Summarize your discourse: End your speech with a concise, one-line summary of your main message or theme. This will serve as a memorable takeaway for the audience.

C. Conclude on an inspiring note: Leave the audience with a final inspiring thought, challenge, or call to action, encouraging the graduating class to make a difference in their lives and the world.

Pick a Topic

When picking graduation speech themes, it is crucial to select one that complements your personality, experience, and attitude. Your chosen theme should align with who you are as a person and reflect your journey throughout your academic years. Ensure that the topic resonates with your values and allows you to convey your message authentically. This alignment will make it easier for you to connect with the audience and deliver a speech that is genuine and impactful.

Extra Tips for Preparation

When preparing topics for a graduation speech, consider incorporating graduation speech ideas that align with your personality and experiences. Practice vocal delivery and body language to ensure effective communication during your speech. Vary your tone and pace, and use gestures and facial expressions as punctuation marks examples to enhance your message. By injecting humor and personal touches, such as relatable anecdotes and witty observations, you can engage and entertain the audience. Remember to strike a balance, ensuring the humor complements the main message without overshadowing it.

To further captivate your listeners, engage the audience with interactive activities during your speech. Break away from the traditional format by asking thought-provoking questions, conducting a quick poll, or inviting volunteers to share their reflections on the theme. This interactive approach will foster a deeper connection and keep the audience actively involved in your discourse.

Finally, craft a memorable closing to leave a lasting impact on your listeners. Consider ending your graduation speech with a powerful, thought-provoking question, a compelling call to action, or an inspiring story. This will reinforce your main message and motivate the graduating class to embrace their future with confidence and determination. By incorporating these strategies, your graduation speech will be an unforgettable experience for both you and your audience.

🎏 Inspirational High School Graduation Speech Themes

  • Embracing Change and Embracing New Opportunities: Navigating the transitions and challenges that come with moving on from high school.
  • From Dreams to Reality: Encouraging graduates to pursue their passions and turn their dreams into actionable goals.
  • The Power of Resilience: Highlighting the importance of bouncing back from setbacks and staying strong in the face of adversity.
  • Unleashing the Potential Within: Inspiring graduates to recognize their unique abilities and unleash their full potential.
  • Embracing Diversity: Celebrating the value of diverse perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds in fostering understanding and unity.
  • Making a Difference: Encouraging graduates to use their skills, knowledge, and influence to make a positive impact in their communities.
  • Embracing Lifelong Learning: Highlighting the importance of continuous learning and personal growth beyond the classroom.
  • Breaking Barriers: Encouraging graduates to challenge societal norms and push beyond their comfort zones to achieve greatness.
  • Cultivating Compassion: Inspiring graduates to foster empathy and kindness in their interactions with others.
  • The Power of Teamwork: Highlighting the value of collaboration and cooperation in achieving shared goals and making a difference.
  • Embracing Innovation: Encouraging graduates to embrace new technologies and creative thinking to drive positive change.
  • The Journey of Self-Discovery: Encouraging graduates to embark on a journey of self-discovery to find their true passions and purpose.
  • Embracing Sustainability: Encouraging graduates to adopt sustainable practices and become responsible stewards of the environment.
  • Embracing Mindfulness: Highlighting the importance of living in the present moment and cultivating a sense of mindfulness.
  • The Impact of Mentorship: Acknowledging the influential role of mentors in shaping our lives and inspiring graduates to become mentors themselves.
  • Embracing Failure as Growth: Encouraging graduates to view failure as an opportunity for growth and learning.
  • Building Strong Relationships: Highlighting the importance of nurturing meaningful connections and relationships throughout life.
  • Embracing Global Citizenship: Encouraging graduates to be responsible global citizens and embrace diversity on a global scale.
  • Inspiring Leadership: Empowering graduates to become compassionate and visionary leaders who inspire positive change.
  • Embracing Gratitude: Encouraging graduates to cultivate a sense of gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped their lives.

🎉 Funny Graduation Speech Ideas

  • The Art of Procrastination: How I Managed to Graduate Despite My Last-Minute Habits
  • Embracing the Power of Naps: A Guide to Surviving College and Still Getting Your Diploma
  • The Real MVPs: A Shout-out to Cafeteria Food and Late-Night Snacks
  • The Unforgettable Fashion Faux Pas: Lessons Learned from Questionable Outfit Choices
  • Surviving Group Projects: A Comedy of Errors and Unexpected Friendships
  • The Great Coffee Chronicles: How Caffeine Became the Key to My Graduation Success
  • Mastering the Art of Balancing Netflix and Assignments: A Graduation Story
  • The Perils of Autocorrect: Hilarious Texting Mishaps During Exam Season
  • Dorm Life Diaries: Tales of Roommate Adventures and Misadventures
  • The Legendary Study Breaks: From Netflix Binges to Epic Dance Parties
  • The Great Parking Wars: A Comedy of Finding the Perfect Parking Spot on Campus
  • The Chronicles of Punny Professors: Hilarious Wordplay in the Classroom
  • The Daring Tales of Sneaking Food into Lecture Halls: An Epic Saga
  • From Class Clowns to Class Favorites: Celebrating the Humorous Side of High School
  • The Ultimate Guide to Successfully Procrastinating Procrastination: A Comedy of Irony
  • The Awkward Dance of Public Speaking: Overcoming Stage Fright with Laughter
  • The Unforgettable Tales of Failed Experiments: Science Gone Hilariously Wrong
  • The Art of Surviving PowerPoint Presentations: A Humorous Guide to Slide-Deck Disasters
  • Laughing Through the Late-Night Study Sessions: Comedy as a Coping Mechanism
  • Embracing Awkward Graduation Photos: Celebrating Unforgettable Memories

Graduation Speech Example

In this section, we have a fantastic example that perfectly showcases what makes a speech outstanding. We understand the importance of providing students with a clear vision of a remarkable speech, and in the following words, you'll find inspiration on how to engage your audience, evoke emotions, and create a lasting impression.

graduation message essay

In conclusion, this article has equipped you with various graduation speech ideas and resources to create an exceptional graduation speech. From exploring the purpose and themes to offering preparation tips and examples, we've provided the tools you need to captivate and inspire your audience. Furthermore, if you're seeking metaphors and analogies examples to add depth and creativity to your speech, we have plenty of suggestions for you to consider. Congratulations, and may your speech inspire and motivate your fellow graduates as they embark on their future endeavors.

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Inspirational Graduation Speeches

Inspirational Graduation Speeches

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Do you have a graduating son or daughter? A high school or college graduation is a major milestone in life that should not be ignored. The graduation ceremony celebrates hard work and encourages students to move into the world to achieve great things. This hopeful message is further cemented through an inspirational graduation speech.

As you celebrate graduation day and wish your student good luck, consider the following commencement advice you can share as well as inspirational quotes for a happy graduation.

Here are the best graduation speeches and inspirational message graduation quotes to inspire you and change your life.

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1. Barack Obama – Howard University, 2016

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You have to go through life with more than just passion for change; you need a strategy. I’ll repeat that. I want you to have passion, but you have to have a strategy. Not just awareness but action. Not just hashtags, but votes. Barack Obama

During his graduation message, Barack Obama spoke with hope. He urged the graduating students to be hardworking yet pragmatic as they sought justice, equality, and freedom. Howard University is one of the nation’s most distinguished and historically Black universities.

In 2020, Barack Obama also shared a graduation message to the Class of 2020 as part of Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020 . These students had to learn to overcome obstacles and challenges that classes before them had not had to deal with due to the pandemic.

The disappointments of missing a live graduation, those will pass pretty quick…What remains true is that your graduation marks your passage into adulthood—the time when you begin to take charge of your own life. It’s when you get to decide what’s important to you: the kind of career you want to pursue. Who you want to build a family with. The values you want to live by. And given the current state of the world, that may be kind of scary. Barack Obama

Obama goes on to offer hope and support as graduating students set out to navigate a very new landscape and shape a new world.

2. David Foster Wallace – Kenyon Graduation Speech, 2005

There are these two young fish swimming along, and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says, “Morning, boys. How’s the water?” And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually, one of them looks over at the other and goes, “What the hell is water? David Foster Wallace

In this commencement address, Wallace reminds us that we often forget, or take for granted, the most obvious things around us. He acknowledges it’s difficult to stay aware of what’s happening in the world, especially when you’re too busy dealing with the monologue inside your head.

That’s what a college education is about, according to him. It’s learning how to think and exercising some degree of control over your thoughts so you can choose what to pay attention to.

Our thoughts affect our realities, and the ability to choose how you “construct meaning from experience” will determine the lenses from which you see the world and how you react in return.

3. Natalie Portman – Harvard Graduation Speech 2015

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Sometimes your insecurities and your inexperience may lead you, too, to embrace other people’s expectations, standards, or values. But you can harness that inexperience to carve out your own path, one that is free of the burden of knowing how things are supposed to be, a path that is defined by its own particular set of reasons . Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman majored in psychology at Harvard University because she believed it would help her acting. She graduated in 2003. In her commencement speech at the 2015 graduation ceremony, she spoke of her own self-doubt and gave an inspiring, funny , and wisdom-filled speech for the graduating class.

Portman said even though she was a successful student and went on to find success as an actress, she still struggled with her own worth but eventually learned to set her own goals.

4. Ellen DeGeneres – Tulane University, 2009

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Never follow anyone else’s path, unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path and by all means you should follow that. Don’t give advice, it will come back and bite you in the ass. Don’t take anyone’s advice. So my advice to you is to be true to yourself and everything will be fine. Ellen Degeneres

This is one of the funniest graduation speeches ever! All humor aside, this speech shows why  it’s better to be true to yourself instead of trying desperately to be a second-rate version of someone else.

For years, Ellen thought being bisexual might prevent her from being a successful stand-up comedian, but it’s just not the case. Ellen proved that you could be successful, whoever you are, if you worked hard and learned from your past experiences— even one as sad as the death of a loved one.

5. Charlie Munger – University of California Law School, 2007

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*Skip to 4:08 for the actual speech

You’re not going to get very far in life based on what you already know. You’re going to advance in life by what you’re going to learn after you leave here. Charlie Munger

Education doesn’t stop after you graduate from college. It doesn’t stop after you finish your MBA or PhD either. Munger says, “Wisdom acquisition is a moral duty. It’s not just something you do to advance in life.”

It’s a moral duty because it’s only through continuous learning that we can add to the vast knowledge of man kind. If we stopped learning, progress in all industries—computers, finance, engineering, biology, stops as well.

6. Michelle Obama – Eastern Kentucky University, 2013

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If you’re a Democrat, spend some time talking to a Republican. And if you’re a Republican, have a chat with a Democrat. Maybe you’ll find some common ground, maybe you won’t. But if you honestly engage with an open mind and an open heart, I guarantee you’ll learn something. And goodness knows we need more of that, because we know what happens when we only talk to people who think like we do — we just get more stuck in our ways, more divided, and it gets harder to come together for a common purpose. Michelle Obama

As far as inspirational speeches go, Michelle Obama’s speech is very actionable. Her advice is simple (not easy), talk to each other with an open mind.

Different religion, race, political stand, it doesn’t matter. We can all learn from one another.

7. Jim Carrey – Maharashi University of Management, 2014

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This is one of my favorite motivational speeches because Jim Carrey is such a good example of his message.

So many of us choose our path out of fear disguised as practicality. My father could have been a great comedian, but he didn’t believe that that was possible for him, and so he made a conservative choice. Instead, he got a safe job as an account. Jim Carrey

Carrey’s father lost his accounting job when he was 12, and it was then he realized that failure is inevitable , whether you’re doing what you want or not. If that’s the case, you might as well take a stab at doing something you love.

8. J.K Rowling – Harvard Commencement Address, 2008

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I was set free, because my greatest fear had been realized, and I was still alive, and I still had a daughter whom I adored, and I had an old typewriter and a big idea. J.K. Rowling

This is probably one of the most inspirational videos for writers and creatives everywhere.

Rowling was suffering from depression when he wrote the Harry Potter books. But through grit and patience with herself, she was able to complete the first Harry Potter Manuscript and, stay motivated to continue even when feeling down. Thanks to her drive and imagination, the world has Harry Potter !

9. Bono – University of Pennsylvania, 2004

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In case you don’t know him, Bono is the lead singer of the famous band U2. Of course, being the rock star he is, he leads his speech by saying, “My name is Bono, and I am a rock star.”

In his speech, he urges graduates to carefully consider their big idea, in saying:

What are you willing to spend your moral capital, your intellectual capital, your cash, (and) your sweat equity in pursuing outside of the walls of the University of Pennsylvania? The world is more malleable than you think, and it’s waiting for you to hammer it into shape. Bono

Being a rock star, I thought Bono would talk about the perils of fame, the road to stardom or something to that effect. But instead, he talked about big ideas and changing the world.

10. Amy Poehler – Harvard University, 2011

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Life is like a heist that requires good drivers, an explosives expert, a hot girl who doubles as a master of disguise, and this is a hard and fast rule. If the Rock shows up, they’re on to you . Amy Poehler

During her commencement speech at Harvard University in 2011, Amy Poehler expressed her surprise at the invitation to do so. She delivered a speech with jokes, advice, and insight as she looked out at the graduates.

She told them to head out into the world with love, light, joy, and laughter. Finishing off her speech in true Amy Poehler fashion, she also says, “please don’t forget to tip your waitresses.”

11. Meryl Streep – Barnard College, 2010

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This is your time, and it feels normal to you, but really there is no normal. There’s only change, and resistance to it and then more change . Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is an actress most famous for Sophie’s Choice , The Devil Wears Prada , and Mamma Mia . She was asked to deliver the commencement speech to Barnard College in 2010. Her speech was dripping with extreme personality, honesty, and bluntness.

Streep shared her own personal stories and emphasized the importance of empathy. The audience was all women, so the speech was directed at them, but she shared many graduation messages that applied to everyone.

12. Kerry Washington – George Washington University, 2013

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You and you alone are the only person who can live the life that writes the story you were meant to tell . Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is an actress, producer, and director. In 2018, she was named the eighth highest-paid television actress and has won several awards, including the President’s Award.

In her commencement speech at George Washington University in 2013, she urged graduates to go beyond their comfort zones and live their own stories.

How to Create Your Own Inspirational Graduation Speech

Do you need to write your own inspirational speech or curate the perfect graduation message? Here are a few tips on how to do just that, so you can inspire others like the commencement speeches above.

Start With a Quote

Start with a relevant quote. This sets the overall tone of your speech and grabs your audience’s attention. A good example of this is a quote by David Brinkley, “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”

Provide Scenarios

Now that you have drawn in the audience, present a what-if scenario to encourage the audience to continue following your thought process.

You can also provide a scenario encouraging the audience to put themselves directly into it. Suggest that they imagine doing something and ask what they would do if it doesn’t go as planned.

If you are giving a graduation message, ask where they see themselves years down the road or what they picture success as. You can then offer advice and insight based on your own experience.

Ask Questions

You should also ask questions, whether they are literal or rhetorical. When you present a question to someone, the person intuitively answers it, keeping them engaged with what you have to say.

Pause for Silence

When giving an inspirational speech, it also helps to pause for a few seconds after important points. This pause allows the audience to react to what you have to say and settle down before you continue with your next statement. The pause is also a good way to draw attention to what you want to say.

What Makes an Inspirational Graduation Speech?

The best graduation speech should have a very uplifting message that leads with education and wisdom. The graduation speech should focus on the graduates’ achievements and accomplishments. It should highlight the sacrifices that may have been made.

When writing a graduation or inspirational speech, ensure a strong theme or message is conveyed to keep your audience’s focus and attention.

Do you remember the speaker on your graduation day? What pearls of wisdom did he or she share?

Related Reading : Don’t forget what you worked so hard on in school! Check out our 150 Education Quotes for Teachers and Students , too. These gems are good for any graduation card when offering congratulations.

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Natalie Seale

3 thoughts on “Inspirational Graduation Speeches”

Am really inspired by these brief messages,indeed education has no boundary; therefore, I say to you,” education is immeasurable, regardless of what disciplines or background we find ourselves.

These are very inspiring. My favorite is from J.K. Rowling. Thanks for sharing

Actually Very Inspiring ……thanks for sharing

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The New York Times

U.s. | message to graduates: times are tough, but you can make it.

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Message to Graduates: Times Are Tough, but You Can Make It

By ANEMONA HARTOCOLLIS and STEPHANIE SAUL JUNE 11, 2016

If commencement speeches reflect the times we live in, then this year’s entries point to struggles ahead. Still, there's reason for hope.

If commencement speeches reflect the times we live in, then this year’s entries point to struggles ahead. Still, there’s reason for hope.

graduation message essay

Thousands of college graduates across the nation have gathered with families and friends over the past few weeks to mark not just receiving their degree, but a symbolic crossing from childhood to adulthood. Commencement speakers gave them their marching orders.

If commencement speeches reflect the times we live in, then this year’s entries suggest the times are bleak. The common themes are almost biblical. Among them are resilience, overcoming adversity, not fearing failure and taking risks.

But wait, graduates! Take heart, this year’s commencement sages go on to say. Just because you are leaving college in an uncertain job market during one of the most angry and unpredictable presidential election seasons in memory, and are quite possibly destined to return home to live with your parents, it does not mean that you will not ultimately profit from your experience of hardship and self-doubt. Do not give in to the forces of darkness and despair, the speakers urged the Class of 2016, for you will emerge stronger in the end. —ANEMONA HARTOCOLLIS AND STEPHANIE SAUL

  • ‘Choose Joy and Meaning’

graduation message essay

“ For many months afterward, and at many times since, I was swallowed up in the deep fog of grief — what I think of as the void — an emptiness that fills your heart, your lungs, constricts your ability to think or even to breathe.

Dave’s death changed me in very profound ways. I learned about the depths of sadness and the brutality of loss. But I also learned that when life sucks you under, you can kick against the bottom, break the surface, and breathe again. I learned that in the face of the void — or in the face of any challenge — you can choose joy and meaning.”

Ms. Sandberg’s husband died suddenly last year.

Watch the speech

graduation message essay

“ When life tells you no, find a way to keep things in perspective. That doesn’t make the painful moments any less painful. But it does mean you don’t have to live forever in the pain. You don’t have to live forever in that ‘no.’

Because if you know what you’re capable of, if you’re always prepared, and you keep things in perspective, then life has a way of turning ‘no’ into ‘yes.’”

graduation message essay

“ On May 20, 1961, the same year that President Barack Obama was born, some of us on the freedom rides, black and white college students, arrived in Montgomery, Alabama, at the Greyhound bus station. We were met by an angry mob. We were beaten. We were left bloody. We were left unconscious, some of us. And later, we traveled by bus to Mississippi and other parts of the South where we were arrested and jailed.

We didn’t give up. We didn’t give in. We didn’t lose faith. We kept our eyes on the prize. And as students, as graduates, you must keep your eyes on the prize. You have a moral obligation, a mission and a mandate to do your part. You must play a role, help to redeem the soul of America, help create a beloved America, a beloved world where no one is left out or left behind because of their race or their class.”

graduation message essay

“ Make failure part of your narrative and celebrate your rejections, whether you’re speaking on a panel, having dinner with friends, or posting on social media. Let it all hang out. You failed. Everyone fails. Sharing your failures will help us all stop fearing the ‘f word’ and to start celebrating it. No one’s real life looks the way it does on Instagram.”

graduation message essay

“ It’s the rest of your life I want to really talk about. With a little luck you folks will probably live for another 70 or so years. Enjoy them, for God’s sake! Don’t bore yourself to death with a dull job or a dull partner. Take some risks — I don’t mean speeding at 90 or doing heavy drugs, but take risks to find an interesting, challenging, perhaps difficult profession. Don’t let money be the primary goal but rather interesting, enlivening activity. … Learn to take a hit now and then, and brush it off.”

graduation message essay

“ The truth is, life can put your best-laid plans through the paper shredder. You may never get that dream job — or if you do get that dream job, it may turn out to be a nightmare. But maybe you’re meant to do something else. What seems to you like a catastrophe could be an opportunity.”

  • ‘Invest Yourself Fully’

graduation message essay

“ The great photographer Robert Capa, who shot some of the most iconic photos of the Second World War, put it this way: ‘If your pictures aren’t good enough, you aren’t close enough.’ Now rest assured, parents, the message of your child’s graduation speech is not, ‘Go stand in front of a tank,’ or ‘Go report on a civil war.’ But the message is that if you want to have a deep impact on what matters to you, don’t do things at remove. Invest yourself fully. Get close.

Now, what does that even mean? First, getting close means moving beyond approaching an issue through the screen on your laptop or phone, or the filter of someone else’s interpretation, and instead finding a way to get to know the individuals whose lives are impacted.

graduation message essay

“ I remind you, dear graduates, with all that is before you, that you decide to strive to live artfully. It is simpler than you think and is not to be left only to those classmates of yours who have chosen the arts and humanities as their fields of study and proficiency.

You see, art brings us together as a family because it is an individual expression of universal human experience. It comes from that part of us that is without fear, prejudice, malice or any of the other things that we create in order to separate ourselves one from the other. Art makes each of us whole by insisting that we use all of our senses, our heads and our hearts, that we express with our bodies, our voices, our hands, as well as with our minds.”

graduation message essay

“ I didn’t realize it, but when I was your guys’ age, I had a belief that who I was and how I thought and how I felt was inherently uninteresting and flawed and not practical. Well maybe they were and maybe they still are. But it wasn’t until I embraced the person that I really was that my work as an actor got really interesting.

I’m not suggesting that you ignore the laws of … the rules of society or the laws of common sense or the actual law or textbooks or manuals or your teachers or your advisers or the internet or all the other sources that are happy to tell you the right and wrong way to go about doing almost everything. Just please be honest with yourself about what you think and how you feel about all of that, what you like and dislike, what angers you or scares you or saddens you or inspires you or delights you. Those feelings are called your instincts, and you ignore them at your own peril.”

graduation message essay

“ As you prepare to leave here today, I urge you to draw strength from your inheritance. Never doubt that the smallest step can create the most sweeping change . Go forth into the world and explore the sciences that expand our world, the economies that keep it running and the laws that set us free. But never lose sight of our comrades in humanity on whose behalf we are called to work or the faith that will sustain us through it all. This is my call to you: to find your change and live it.”

graduation message essay

“ And I want to be clear that your intuition is different from your conscience. They work in tandem, but here’s the distinction: Your conscience shouts, ‘Here’s what you should do,’ while your intuition whispers, ‘Here’s what you could do.’ Listen to that voice that tells you what you could do. Nothing will define your character more than that.”

  • The Election and the World

graduation message essay

“ In this year’s presidential election, we’ve seen more demagoguery from both parties than I can remember in my lifetime. Our country is facing serious and difficult challenges, but rather than offering realistic solutions, candidates in both parties are blaming our problems on easy targets who breed resentment. For Republicans, it’s Mexicans here illegally and Muslims, and for Democrats, it’s the wealthy and Wall Street.

The truth is: We cannot solve the problems we face by blaming anyone. We are all in this together, and we all must be part of the solution. America’s power in the world comes not from the walls we build, but the doors we open, and it comes not from tearing down success, but building up opportunity.”

graduation message essay

“ Don’t believe the doubters who claim that we have to make a choice between protecting the environment or growing the economy. That’s a lie. There are millions of jobs to be created, businesses to be built, fortunes to be made in tapping the potential of renewable energy, and I hope that many of you will share in that future.”

graduation message essay

“ We also know that the shadows of the past have not completely disappeared. Despite all the progress we’ve made, I know that so many of you still see these shadows every single day. … Maybe it’s when the store you enter into, folks seem to keep an extra close eye on you as you shop. Maybe it’s when you walk down the sidewalk and folks cross the street when they see you coming. … Maybe it’s all those schools that, despite the laws, are still very much separate and unequal, or the criminal justice system that still doesn’t provide truly equal justice for far too many. …

I wish I could say otherwise, graduates, but the question isn’t whether you’re going to come face-to-face with these issues; the question is how you’re going to respond when you do. Are you going to throw up your hands and say that progress will never come? … Or are you going to take a deep breath, straighten your shoulders, lift up your head, and do what Barack Obama has always done? As he says, ‘When they go low, I go high.’”

graduation message essay

“ In a year when politicians traffic in anti-immigrant rhetoric, there is also a Broadway musical reminding us that a broke, orphan immigrant from the West Indies built our financial system. A story that reminds us that since the beginning of the great unfinished symphony that is our American experiment, time and time again, immigrants get the job done.”

More on NYTimes.com

Examples

Graduation Speech Essay

graduation message essay

“ Honored guests , dear graduates, welcome. Congratulations to all graduates.” Have you ever in your life been told to make a graduation speech? If you have, how was it? If you haven’t but want to know how, this article is your go to help for that. A graduation speech essay is like any other type of essay that is only made for a specific type of event . Listed below are the following, tips, examples and definitions to help you make a good graduation speech essay for your next graduation ceremony .

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4+ Graduation Speech Essay Examples

1. graduation speech essay template.

Graduation Speech Essay Template

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2. Sample Graduation Speech Essay

Sample Graduation Speech Essay

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3. Student Graduation Speech Essay

Student Graduation Speech Essay

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4. English Department Graduation Speech Essay

English Department Graduation Speech Essay

5. School Graduation Speech Essay

School Graduation Speech Essay

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Defining Graduation

Defining the term graduation, we get the act of finishing a course you have undergone to study for years at an institution. The event of which you are officially done and complete.

Defining Speech

Speech is the act of expressing one’s own thoughts, ideas, suggestions and opinions. The ability to express something that we want to share in private and public like discourse.

Defining Essay

An essay is a piece of writing that is both formal and informal. This shows the author’s own ideas for discourse. However the author’s own ideas are often too vague as they overlap with those like articles, letters and stories.

Defining Graduation Speech

This type of speech is mostly given by a student, seldom a teacher, the principal of a high school, or the dean of a university, or a college graduating batch and to the guests. This type of speech is written to commemorate each student’s achievements, aspirations, dreams, goals, their past experiences and their future. This is also the type of speech given to honor outstanding students in the graduating class.

Importance of Graduation Speech

The main use of this type of speech is to give information to the audience about the graduates themselves. This speech is not trying to persuade the audience to agree or to disagree nor is it trying to start an argument. This speech is mainly to give ideas and information.

Tips to Make a Graduation Speech

You are about to make the biggest step of your life, to face new challenges. But before you are able to do so, the biggest challenge you are facing right now is making a graduation speech for your fellow graduates. Now you are wondering what are you going to write about as well as what tone of writing do you want to convey to your fellow graduates. Here are some tips on making that graduation speech that would move every student attending .

  • Think about it : What do you want to say in your speech? Do you want to thank the people behind your success? You may do so in the speech.
  • Make it Personal : When you write the graduation essay speech, the best thing is to make it as personal as it can. Also without making it all about you either. When writing that speech put yourself in your fellow graduates’ shoes. How does it feel for them to be a part of this event? Start from there.
  • Motivation:  Put some motivational statements or phrases in your speech. This will also help make your fellow graduates feel good in pursuing their dreams.
  • Familiarize your speech: As much as possible, do not memorize your speech . Be familiarize with it since you are not allowed to bring your speech in front to read it.
  • Eye contact:  Make eye contact with your audience. Make them feel how you are feeling when you stand up on stage to make your speech.

Why am I not allowed to bring a copy of my speech?

Chances are you are more likely to read and not make eye contact with the audience. This must be avoided at all costs. Be familiar with your speech, you need not have to remember word by word.

Is it okay to put some of our triumphs and failures in the speech?

As long as it’s in a form of motivating and not in a way to bring someone down.

Why is a graduation speech so important?

This is the type of speech that caters to the graduates themselves. It is compared to a pep talk and an appreciation speech at the same time. It is to let the students know their efforts were not in vain. It is to show them that they did a good job and to keep excelling in their future endeavors.

A graduation speech can come in different lengths, depending on the one making the speech. But for you to remember, this type of speech is to show appreciation for the efforts done by students and their mentors. It is to give them a tap in the back for a job well done. When making the graduation speech, make it from the heart.

A good graduation speech gives out a lot of emotional messages as well as heartfelt thanks, as well as a motivational speech for those who need it. The next time you are told to make one, simply follow the tips, download the example templates found in this article. To all graduates, congratulations and good luck on your future endeavors!

Graduation Speech Essay Generator

Text prompt

  • Instructive
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Craft a graduation speech reflecting on your proudest achievement during your time in school and its impact on your journey.

Compose a graduation speech inspired by a meaningful lesson learned from a teacher or mentor, highlighting its significance as you move forward.

55 Thoughtful Graduation Wishes to Celebrate the New Grad

Graduation wishes: daughter hugging her mother

Graduation is fast approaching, and it’s time to celebrate someone special’s big moment. Whether they’re graduating primary school or leaving the world of grades and classes for good, the best way to share the joy is with your heartfelt graduation wishes .

If you’re looking for inspiration, we’re here to help. Discover our favorite graduation wishes and messages for grads of any age, personality, and style.

The Best Graduation Wishes to Celebrate the Big Moment

Graduation wishes: Happy Paint Speckles Card

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Ready to write an amazing graduation card or send your well wishes ahead of a graduation party ? We love combining these graduation messages with a thoughtful congratulations card (like this paint-speckled congrats card ) to wish the new grad well on their new journey.

Here are some of our go-to messages to celebrate the end of high school or college days and embrace the big adventure that’s still to come.

Short and Sweet Graduation Wishes

You don’t have to write a long message to tell them how proud you are. Use these short and sweet graduation message ideas to help you craft a text or card message that feels personal yet succinct.

1. You did it! Congratulations on graduating, [Name]!

2. Congrats , new grad !

3. You’ve got a bright future ahead.

4. Congratulations, graduate !

5. Congrats on all your well-deserved success , [Name]!

6. All your hard work paid off. It’s time to celebrate!

7. Yay, you made it! Congrats on everything you’ve achieved.

8. Wishing you a very happy graduation day .

9. Time to move on to the next chapter !

10. Best of luck for whatever you do next, [Name]!

11. Congratulations on your outstanding achievement .

12. Caps off to you!

13. Today’s the first day of forever.

14. Time to wave goodbye to college life , [Name]. You did it!

15. Con- grad -ulations!

16. Good luck in the future, [Name]!

17. The world doesn’t know what’s coming. Congrats on becoming a grad !

Funny Graduation Messages

If you know the new graduate well, you’ll know whether they want a thoughtful message or a joke to keep the feelings light. Make the new grad smile as they open up your card with one of these funny graduation wishes .

18. Congrats on collecting the fanciest piece of paper you’ll ever own.

19. You’ve got to admit, neither of us thought we’d see the day. Congrats !

20. You might have passed the tests, but that doesn’t mean you’re smart. But don’t worry: Your secret’s safe with me!

21. Kudos to you for FINALLY graduating!

22. No more late-night study sessions and lack of sleep ! Yay!

23. Now the real work starts. Welcome to the real world , [Name]!

24. Think you can swap your baseball cap for a grad cap long enough for the ceremony?

25. Now you’re just like the rest of us, [Name].

26. Forget all the hassle ; it’s time to wear the tassel !

27. Congrats on learning all the best ways to pass your classes.

28. Ready to swap ramen for learning how to cook?

29. Congrats on graduating! Enjoy the party — it’s the last fun time you’ll have. Welcome to the working world! 

Heartfelt and Inspiring Graduation Wishes

Round of Applause Card

A college or high school graduation is a big moment, and it’s the perfect time to highlight all that’s amazing about the new grad . We love these thoughtful message ideas for a close friend or family member — especially when paired with this golden congratulations card .

30. Congratulations on graduating from [College]! This is such a prestigious achievement, and I’m incredibly proud to watch it happen.

31. Reach for the sky, [Name]. You know you’ll make it. No matter what, you’ve always got us cheering you on.

32. I’m SO proud of you, [Name]. I knew you could do it.

33. There’s so much still to come. Go out there and enjoy life, make a difference, and be who you truly are.

34. Best wishes to the most talented new graduate out there. Whoever you end up working for will be the luckiest boss in the world.

35. [Name], you’ve always been a star. Now everyone here can appreciate it too.

36. I can’t believe the big day is finally here! Congratulations on becoming a graduate. I’m so excited to watch you take the next steps into the rest of your life.

37. Wishing you all the best with your future endeavors , [Name]. It’s been a joy to watch you blossom and grow.

38. I’m so excited to stand here and watch you graduate from [College]. I know it’s always been your dream.

Words of Wisdom for Your New Graduate

Blooming Congratulations Card

Whether your grad is going to continue their education or make their way into the world of work, it’s a great moment to share your wisdom and life lessons. Use one of these graduation wishes alongside this fun congrats card to help you put your thoughts into the right words .

39. Life is a journey. Where you end up doesn’t matter — enjoy the path that takes you there.

40. Your college graduation is a big moment. Live it, cherish it, and let those feelings of pride carry you through any challenges ahead.

41. Being an adult in the big wide world might sound scary, but it’s incredibly exciting. Time to learn who you are and discover your true talents and passions in life.

42. Leaving [school/college] can feel tough. You’ve made lots of memories, but there are many more enjoyable moments still to come.

43. Whether you loved your college days or hated them, you’re now free to take on the world. Know that you’re always growing, changing, and learning to be the best version of yourself. 

Graduation Messages if You’re Attending the Graduation Party

Class Year Announcement

Design: Laura Bolter Design

If you’ve received an invitation to the grad’s party (like this class year invite ), you don’t need to put all your thoughts into words now — you can toast them at the graduation party instead. Here are some fun ways to congratulate them now and let them know you’ll be there.

44. Congrats on graduating, [Name]! I can’t wait to dance the night away with you.

45. Time to toast [City]’s most amazing grad ! I’ll see you at the party on [date].

46. Tell your parents to expect plenty of noise. We’re here to whoop and shout and celebrate your college graduation !

47. Big things are ahead! Let’s talk about life and reminisce about those college days together before we head out on our summer travels.

48. It’s an honor to be invited to your graduation celebration, [Name]. I can’t wait to raise a glass to your achievements and your future.

49. It’s time to partaaayy! Congrats on graduating from [College] — so excited to sing karaoke and make big life plans together.

Graduation Messages From a Distance

Sometimes we can’t always make it to the party or watch the graduation happen. If you’re sending your wishes from afar, here are some messages to share just how proud you are — no matter the distance. Pair one of these with one of our online cards and schedule so your card arrives at the perfect moment for the grad -to-be.

50. What an incredible journey you’ve been on, [Name]. I’m so proud of you. I’m sorry I can’t make your graduation day but know that I’ll be raising a glass to you from here.

51. Your joy and love for life are felt all the way over here on the other side of the world. I’m so excited to see all the amazing things you’ll achieve from here on, [Name].

52. Happy graduation day from your favorite [relation] in [Location]!

53. We can’t be at your graduation ceremony in person, but we’ll tune into the livestream. Can’t wait to see you walk on stage in your cap and gown!

54. There may be distance between us, but know that I’d give you the biggest hug if I could. You’re a shining star, [Name].

55. Congratulations on becoming the [Surname] family’s newest grad ! Sending you all our love and best wishes from [Location].

Share Your Excitement With These Thoughtful Graduation Wishes

Let someone special know how proud you are with a thoughtful graduation quote or congratulations message . Whether they’re embarking on their next adventure in academia or backpacking around the world, these sweet graduation messages will put a smile on their face and make them feel loved.

For the ultimate way to say well done and good luck , match your graduation message to one of our congratulations cards . Every design can be customized, so you can change the layout, fonts, colors, and wording to make it feel uniquely “them.”

graduation message essay

graduation message essay

Helpline PH

Sample inspiring graduation message, tips and ideas 2023, sample inspiring graduation message, tips and ideas.

graduation message essay

A graduation message or speech is a form of communication given during a graduation ceremony. It is typically delivered by a speaker who congratulates the graduates on their academic achievements and provides words of encouragement as they embark on the next stage of their lives. These speeches often include personal anecdotes, advice, and messages of hope for the future. They can be given by faculty members, guest speakers, or even students themselves. The goal of a graduation message or speech is to inspire the graduates and celebrate their accomplishments while recognizing the hard work and dedication that led them to this milestone moment.

A sample graduation message is highly helpful because the graduates or students hear the encouraging and challenging words that are meant for them. It inspires students to pursue their dreams and to be dreamers in order to succeed in life. Since we know that getting an education is the only way for young Filipinos to get away from the problems in their families.

Why would so many speakers prepare their commencement addresses in advance? Before delivering their speech to the public, they wish to prepare by practicing it or by memorizing it. Particularly for the new speakers who haven’t often had to give a speech, the graduation message needs to be prepared.

A sample of the graduation message.   

Dear Graduates of Class 2022-2023 Today is a new turning point in your life, beginning a path paved with more chances and victories. However, because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, this quest you have ahead of you has difficulties, difficult paths, and even dead ends. Step carefully around graduates despite these obstacles. Keep in mind that beautiful places are often reached through challenging journeys. This year’s theme, Gradweyt ng K to 12: Masigasig sa mga Pangarap at Matatag sa mga Pagsubok ( K to 12 Graduates: Pursuing Dreams and Fostering Resilience in the Face of Adversity ), emphasizes that despite the risks and uncertainty brought by the COVID-19 Pandemic, as well as the challenges it has posed to education, Filipino learners remain resolute in their desire to build a better future anchored on a clear vision. Fighting for this challenge is an exceptional accomplishment; this epidemic is not the tempest that destroys your dreams. To be able to handle any problem life presents, arm yourselves with trust and faith. The community and school are welcoming, inclusive, and accommodating methods to give you a better learning environment. So, arm yourself with the knowledge that your school and neighborhood have taught you. Always be devoted to what God teaches, and arm yourselves with your parents’ love and guidance. Let today mark the beginning of many successful days. Don’t lose hope. Dreams are waiting for you! Lastly, I extend my deepest appreciation to the school heads, teachers, parents, community leaders, and all other school stakeholders for their collective efforts in laying the foundations that led to the achievement of our shared vision of quality, accessible, relevant, and liberating basic education for all. Again, with jubilation and pride, congratulations to everyone! Mabuhay!

Writing a graduation message aids the writer in coming up with ideas for a powerful claim that fits the graduation topic. To inspire and direct the graduates or finishers in their future undertakings, the graduation message should be tailored to them.

The person who delivers the graduation message makes a lasting impression on the students or graduates since they can learn to have patience while overcoming all of life’s obstacles from him or her. If the students are committed to realizing their aspirations, they will overcome any obstacles in life. – Doki | Helpline PH

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Essay Samples on Graduation

Graduation is an exciting time in any student’s life. It’s a time to celebrate achievements, reflect on the past, and look towards the future. If you’re tasked with writing an essay on this topic, it can be a daunting task. However, with some helpful tips and graduation essay examples, you can craft a perfect essay about graduation.

One way to approach an essay on graduation is to focus on a particular moment or experience from the graduation ceremony. For example, you might write about the feeling of receiving your diploma or the emotions you felt as you walked across the stage. By focusing on a specific moment, you can create a more compelling and personal essay.

Another approach is to write about the broader significance of graduation. You can explore the importance of education, the challenges that students face, and the impact that graduation has on individuals and society. By taking a more philosophical approach, you can create a more thought-provoking essay that engages readers on a deeper level.

When it comes to graduation essay topics, the possibilities are endless. You might write about the history of graduation ceremonies, the impact of technology on graduation, or the role of graduation in different cultures. Whatever topic you choose, make sure it’s something that you’re passionate about and that you can explore in depth.

In conclusion, writing a perfect essay about graduation requires creativity, passion, and attention to detail. By using graduation essay examples and following the tips above, you can craft an essay that celebrates the importance of graduation and inspires readers to reflect on their own educational journeys.

How a Graduate Degree Can Help You Achieve Your Career Goals

Graduate degrees serve as powerful catalysts for propelling career ambitions to new heights. In a world where expertise, specialization, and innovation are highly valued, pursuing advanced education opens doors to enhanced opportunities and the realization of long-term career goals. This essay explores the symbiotic relationship...

  • Career Goals

Career Goals After Graduation: Mapping the Journey

Career goals after graduation mark the beginning of an exciting journey towards professional fulfillment and personal growth. As the academic chapter comes to a close, the canvas of possibilities opens up, and graduates are poised to pursue their aspirations in the workforce. In this essay,...

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gap Year: Exploring Paths of Exploration and Reflection

The concept of taking a gap year — a deliberate break between high school and further education or employment — has gained significant attention in recent years. This period of exploration and self-discovery offers both advantages and disadvantages that influence an individual's personal and professional...

My Convocation Day: An Experience I Will Never Forget

For most people, their graduation day is one of the memorable and the best days of their life the same goes to me. Many people have experienced the overwhelming excitement feeling as you approach graduation day, and for me, that was a day that I...

  • Personal Experience

What I Want To Do After My Graduation

Graduation is an exciting time for my life, specially a university’s graduation. When I think of family and relatives, friend gathering together to celebrate a gratifying event, I feel I accomplished my goal. Graduating from university give me a valuable outlook. So, you just graduated...

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A College Degree: The Next Step or a Mere Stepping Stone

In our modern economic climate it is a commonly held concern that continuously rising tuition prices will excel the financial benefits of possessing a college degree. Understandably, many people thus feel that pursuing a college degree is not worth the sacrifice of their time and...

  • Bachelor's Degree

Prom Night and Prom Limo Rentals as Integral Parts of Graduation

Do you want you make your child’s prom night or graduation one they'll always remember? With reasonable and dependable prom limo service in San Francisco, you can achieve this goal. A graduation or prom night is an important occasion for any youngster and as a...

  • High School Graduation

The Negative Preconceptions Surrounding the Prom Night

Prom is like the Met Gala of highschool, it is your exit from highschool and it is customary to look damn good on your way out. I remember when I was a sophomore, a girl in my grade was going to prom with her cousin...

The Search for a Suitable Limo for a Prom Night

For youngsters, prom is an extremely uncommon night, and thus, everything should keep running as easily as would be prudent. So for the individuals who choose to contract a prom limousine benefit, there are a few things that ought to be done before calling and...

Relevance of Changes in Canadian Employment Law

Introduction A career is significant for each individual because of numerous advantages. A decent and stable career, for example, gives stability and genuine feelings of serenity throughout everyday life. Being guaranteed a stable income flow, we are spared a lot of stress and uncertainties that...

  • Employment Law

Steven Spielberg Commencement Speech in Harvard University

Harvard University graduation, students, parents, family, faculty and friends anticipated the big speech by the famous film director, produce and screenwriter, Steven Spielberg. As he kicked off his commencement speech, he began with his Universal Studios dream job he was offered his sophomore year telling...

  • Steven Spielberg

How Well Do High Schools Prepare Teens for Life after Graduation

I knew that high schools did not teach teens how to do any checks, bills, etc. To begin with, did school teach you how to do any of those before you graduated? Schools do not get teens ready for the life of adulthood. I choose...

  • High School

Looking Back at the Many Years of a School Life

High School takes up 720 days of our lives. 720 days of sitting at desks with people you probably won’t talk to outside of class. 720 days of waking up early with the intention of actually getting ready but then hitting the snooze button so...

My Highschool Reflections Before Graduation

Many people would tell us that our high school years “are the best years of our lives”. How when we walk across the stage in June, nothing would ever be the same, for the better or for the worst. As a graduating senior, I thought...

Graduation as a Transitional Experience and a Rite of Passage

Throughout life, human beings often experience shifts and changes in their identity and their surrounding environment. Whether they are religious or secular, they are still transitional moments in one's life that are celebrated by rituals that take us to the next step in our lives...

Improving Graduation Rates by Revamping Community College

Community college has always been a misunderstood topic. It is clear to say few people feel encouraged to go to a community college over going to a university. One thing that is clear about community college is the lack of guidance for students that did...

The Reasons Of Graduates Unemployment

In this contemporary world, mostly everyone is studying tertiary education. It has been a compulsory element to get a job and to be considered successful in the eye of the world. But being jobless or unemployed is also becoming very communal among graduates. Consistently, more...

  • Unemployment

The Reasons I Choose To Pursue A Graduate Degree In Forensic Science

I have always been an inquisitive person with ongoing questions about the how and the why of the world. Science, easily, became my favorite subject because I was able to discover answers that sustained my insatiable appetite for knowledge. An early fascination with the “CSI”...

  • Forensic Science

Best topics on Graduation

1. How a Graduate Degree Can Help You Achieve Your Career Goals

2. Career Goals After Graduation: Mapping the Journey

3. Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gap Year: Exploring Paths of Exploration and Reflection

4. My Convocation Day: An Experience I Will Never Forget

5. What I Want To Do After My Graduation

6. A College Degree: The Next Step or a Mere Stepping Stone

7. Prom Night and Prom Limo Rentals as Integral Parts of Graduation

8. The Negative Preconceptions Surrounding the Prom Night

9. The Search for a Suitable Limo for a Prom Night

10. Relevance of Changes in Canadian Employment Law

11. Steven Spielberg Commencement Speech in Harvard University

12. How Well Do High Schools Prepare Teens for Life after Graduation

13. Looking Back at the Many Years of a School Life

14. My Highschool Reflections Before Graduation

15. Graduation as a Transitional Experience and a Rite of Passage

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Best College Essay Examples

Graduation essay.

582 words | 2 page(s)

When we start our academic year, we generally assume that graduation means we have accomplished our learning objectives. But now that graduation is round the corner, I realize graduation is merely a chapter in the book of life and graduation merely means one is embarking on another educational journey. This even holds true when you complete college or Master’s or even PhD because life itself is a learning experience until one’s last breath.

When I started the academic year, I had no doubt I will graduate with impressive grades but I never realized how much I would learn in a short period of time. I have not only acquired valuable knowledge in different courses but have also learnt other valuable skills that are essential for success in college as well as the real world. First of all, I have learnt that education is not only about understanding concepts but also about questioning things and having an open mind. I started my academic year with a goal to ace all courses but I end my academic year with a goal to never stop questioning. I am not hesitant to admit I am proud of finishing the academic year on a high note but I also have the humility to acknowledge there is so much more than I don’t know.

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I have also learnt that people do not assume distinct roles in an academic institution such as either being a student or a teacher but the reality is that everyone is a student and a teacher at the same time and I credit my course instructors for this valuable insight. I studied under the guidance of some of the best instructors one could ask for but I could not but help notice that they were as willing to learn from us students as we were from them. Similarly, I have learnt a lot from my friends and other fellow students who each have lived a unique life and come from different backgrounds.

I have also learnt in school that successes and failures are part of the games and the important thing is not falling short of expectations but rather not giving up. I did well overall in academics but that is not to say I didn’t have disappointments. But even disappointment became a motivational tool for me. In other words, motivation can come even from the most negative circumstances.

School has also taught to me that we do not exist in isolation but are part of the society. the volunteer activities I was encouraged to participate in have broadened my worldview and and have me realized that society prospers when those with better fortune help those with less fortune. Before this academic year started, my dreams revolved only around me but now my dreams include making difference in the world. I am grateful to our ancestors in the past who helped create a better world for us and it is my hope my efforts will help build a better world for the future generations.

Some goodbyes are more painful than others and as I bid farewell to school life, I make a pledge that I will never forget the valuable lessons I learnt this year. I am grateful to this year for making me a better person and I want to measure this academic year not by the grades I have achieved but by the progress I have made as an individual as well as a member of the society.

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EF Academy Blog

A graduation speech for the Class of 2021, by Aryan A.

A graduation speech for the Class of 2021, by Aryan A.

On May 1, 2021, EF Academy New York senior Aryan A. gave the following speech on behalf of the Class of 2021 at their graduation ceremony in New York.

Good morning respected teachers, administrators, parents and the amazing Class of 2021. Before I start, I would like to thank all the teachers for coming through for us this year and therefore I ask all the graduates to stand up and join me in giving all the teachers a round of applause.

Congratulations! We’ve done it, all the hard work has finally paid off and we’re all ready to take the next big step in life beyond high school. I was lucky enough to be chosen to speak today before all of you and reflect on our collective journey in this school, and if I were to think of one word to describe this journey, it would be: Unprecedented . 

Unprecedented is defined as never done or known before, and I’m sure all of you have heard this word countless times over the last year, being normalised into a word that correlates directly with COVID-19. But here, my intention is to connect this word with all of you ; you are unprecedented, you are a high school class that has done something never known before. You see, all of us have had a roller coaster ride; from week-long quarantines to distance learning, masked classes to countless pending Google Classroom assignments, brunch check-ins to Monster-fuelled all-nighters and numerous other things.

All of our crazy roller coaster rides have been unprecedented, never seen before in the history of education, let alone at EF Academy, because let’s be honest, every batch that graduates from EF Academy is a special one. Maybe not the underclassmen we so lovingly dislike.

Living in such unprecedented times made us cherish the small yet important aspects in life. Leaving the campus for field trips felt like freedom to us; and somehow breathing the polluted Manhattan air felt unusually fresh. Snow days felt like gifts from heaven since the term snow day apparently doesn’t exist in Dr. K’s dictionary. We love you Dr. K.

Countless Uber Eats orders were the closest glimpses to tasting the outside world, but we arguably valued such glimpses higher than our own IAs. Most importantly, we formed relationships with the people we love, people we care about, people that went on this crazy journey along with us, the journey without any exams, yet being stressed out over countless deadlines and mock exams. Unprecedented.

We have now learnt how to foster relationships through these tough times, quite literally finding the meaning behind the saying “through thick and thin” at a much younger age than other older folks, like the teachers here. Unprecedented. We were thrown into this thunderstorm of uncertainty and irregularities throughout the year, but we fought through it through ways we could’ve never imagined; be it through Vietnamese cooking sessions in the lounges or the Spanish and Russian parties with insanely loud music that we claimed to hate but never actually stopped tapping our feet or bopping our heads to. Unprecedented.

Learning from these experiences, I’m sure all of us will remember the families of friends we created amongst ourselves that looked out for each other at every step of the way. If there is one sentiment I want you to take away from this speech, it’s this: You are all capable of taking on any obstacle that may lie in your life in any country in the world at any time of the year. You have all faced a challenging high school experience that has never happened before, and you overcame it, made it worthwhile . . . something that I would like to call: Unprecedented.

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My College Graduation Experience: Essay Example

  • My College Graduation Experience
  • Narrative essay writing service for students

We have previously discussed everything you need to know on how to write a personal narrative essay . For it to be successful, your narrative essay should leave an emotional impact on the audience. Its goal is to make the reader experience the narrative through imagination and the use of emotional language. It should also be able to reference elements and things that the senses can experience, which is why using vivid descriptions and details is crucial. Below is an example of a narrative essay , which is about college graduation. As we all know, graduations are emotional because it celebrates one of the most important milestones in an individual's life. Receiving your diploma after decades of hard work is an event one cannot simply brush off. The essay was donated by an anonymous writer, who believes that recounting her college graduation experience can not only help you understand how to write a personal narrative essay better but also inspire you to reach your own graduation day.

My College Graduation Experience: A Narrative Essay Example

Many people around the world consider their college graduation day as a milestone, and rightfully so. It is, after all, a consolidation of decades of hard work and sacrifice. To an extent, I thought of it as the beginning of the realization of my goals. We started out with learning our ABCs and additions and subtractions, which later morphed into the complex forms of writing essays of various kinds and tear-jerking quadratic formulas. My journey to college was not easy situation either - to get to college, you need to  prepare for the SAT exams . Grades needed to be presentable, and learning how to  write an effective personal statement  was crucial. 

The aroma of coffee wafting through a sleepless night came back to me as I picked out my graduation dress. My mom accompanied me to a nearby store right outside town, and by the end of the shopping trip, we have settled into a nice cafe. It is amazing how for the first time in years, I get to enjoy a cup of coffee without the weight of the finals week on my back.

Today, I am wearing that same dress that brought me so many realizations. I also wear my toga and graduation cap, which I decorated on top with a collage of photos my family and myself - we are one of the lucky few who were allowed to exercise our creative spirits. I entered the venue, and thousands of thundering claps welcomed us. Speeches were made by various figures: the guest of honor, the administration, and so on. Another round of applause echoes as each class were asked to line up along the corridor. We were to wait for our turn to go the stage, where we will receive our school souvenirs. Everyone was excited, and when it was our turn to receive the items, we were happy. 

A little tribute was made for our teachers after that. As the class monitor, I was tasked to collect the bouquet of flowers provided for by the student council. We all stood up and sang a special song for our dear professors, which we have been practicing in secret. I looked at my favorite history professor, Ms. Tanika, and she smiled at me. Becoming friends with your professor is no easy task, but I am glad I found a true friend and mentor in her. I smiled back, and after that, I felt the wave of unexplainable sadness take over me. Sad that I will leave my educational years forever, along with Ms. Tanika as my mentor. Happy, however, over the fact that it is now my turn to make a difference in the world. 

Soon, we were in line once more to receive our diplomas. Although the venue was packed, I found my family by the stage as my name was called. I happily received my college diploma, the proof of all the years of my hard work. I was all smiles for the photographs and videos being taken, and I can only hope that they all look good! I need to remember this graduation day well for the rest of my life. 

When all of the diplomas and special awards were given, the school’s chairman, Mr. Gary Turner, asked us to all stand. He gave everyone in the hall a special blessing for our upcoming licensure examinations, which will be happening in two month’s time. This is unlike preparing for the SAT exams; the licensure will determine if we have the capacity to practice our field or not, and the state of nervousness came back as people around me remembered. I became just as nervous, but it quickly left once the speech was over. 

After the blessing and speech, the lights were dimmed and the white projector screen rolled down from the ceiling of the stage. The projector was opened, and there, a video was played. To many enthusiastic reactions, it was a video containing many videos and photographs of our batch. We laughed at silly photos, nervous smiles, and sleepless morning looks. By the end of it, many of us were wiping tears away. I looked and caught the eye of my friends, who smiled at me sadly. A lot of things will change - life after college will definitely be different, especially when it comes to friendship. I hope we stay the same, though. 

As the lights went back up again, we stood up to sing the school song. It was the finale of the entire ceremony, and our very last time of singing the school song. For the first time since I got here, I heard my fellow students sing the school song with so much happiness and pride. I sang along with them, and I felt such fondness for my school and all the memories I have built here. After that, it was over. The host congratulated and thanked us. We were directed to the canteen after that for some refreshments, where I reunited my family. 

None of us touched those juice cocktails, however, as we began taking so many photos. I posed with each member of my family, and then posed for several more by myself holding my diploma. After that, my friends and I went on our way to find each other. After eating a few of those finger foods served in platters, like spring rolls and select chips, we began taking photos once more. We decided to leave the canteen and walk around the campus, clad in our heels and toga still. Our diplomas were safely tucked away in the bags of our mothers. 

Walking around the campus and chatting away brought back a sense of nostalgia, despite feeling elated that I have finally conquered the hell that is college. We decided to settle on our favorite spot, a little hidden garden behind the College of Law building. We talked about our upcoming exams, our plans, and of course, the reality of life catching up to our friendship.

Soon, we had to part ways - respective celebrations with our families needed to happen. On the way back, however, I felt something I have never felt before. It seemed like a fusion of feelings, different emotions attacking all at once. The feeling grew when I got ready for bed that night. I will miss my friends, my mentors, and my school. Things will never be the same again, and that part of my life is done and over. I looked back and realized so much. I hated those schooling days as it happened. I hated waking up early, I hated sorting through my homework trying to finish them in one night. I hated all the times I went through finals week and what really happens during it, and all the instant ramen I had to eat - I wished I had learned more college dorm meal recipes. But, even though I have been through one of the most challenging times of my life, I realized that I will miss all of that. 

I will never get those days back again, and although the thought is sad, I have my entire life facing me now. It is now time to make my mark in the world.

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The novel coronavirus, first detected at the end of 2019, has caused a global pandemic.

The Coronavirus Crisis

Reflections on a lost senior year with hope for the future.

Diane Adame

Elissa

Elissa Nadworny

graduation message essay

East Ascension High School Valedictorian Emma Cockrum at her home in Prairieville, La., on June 1, 2020. Emily Kask for NPR hide caption

East Ascension High School Valedictorian Emma Cockrum at her home in Prairieville, La., on June 1, 2020.

Emma Cockrum was in her second week of quarantine when her father discovered an old bike behind their house.

And that bicycle turned out to be a gift: With school closed at East Ascension High School in Gonzales, La., bike riding for Emma became a way of coping with the loss of the rest of her senior year.

"I would say the first two to three weeks we were out of school, I was not the most fun person to be around. I was a ticking time bomb," says the 18-year-old, who's headed to Northwestern State University in the fall. "One minute, I would be fine and dandy, and then the next minute, I would be crying."

As she pedaled through her neighborhood each day, those bike rides forced her to stop and take in the world around her — and they became the inspiration behind these words in her valedictorian speech:

"I got to see life happening. I saw families spending time together, like children playing basketball on their driveways, or fathers teaching their own kids to ride bikes. When we stop to observe our surroundings, we are oftentimes provided with new perspectives on our situations."

Dear Class Of 2020: Graduation Messages From Front-Line Workers

Dear Class Of 2020: Graduation Messages From Frontline Workers

The coronavirus pandemic has caused many high school graduations to be replaced with virtual, drive-in and other alternative ceremonies. And so, the tradition of valedictorians and salutatorians addressing their classmates at this huge moment in their young lives is a little different this year.

NPR spoke with a few student leaders about their speeches and how a not-so-typical senior year inspired their words for the class of 2020.

Emma Cockrum

Valedictorian, East Ascension High School, Gonzales, La.

graduation message essay

East Ascension High School Valedictorian Emma Cockrum with her dog Hercules in front of her old play house at her home in Prairieville, La. Emily Kask for NPR hide caption

East Ascension High School Valedictorian Emma Cockrum with her dog Hercules in front of her old play house at her home in Prairieville, La.

Aside from her bike rides, Cockrum was also inspired by a few words from Sol Rexius, a pastor at The Salt Company Church of Ames in Iowa. She says Rexius uses the analogy of a dump truck full of dirt being emptied all over their senior year. Here's how she put it in her address to her classmates:

This may sound harsh, but it's not untrue to how some of us feel. It is easy to feel buried by our circumstances. However, he [the pastor] goes on to paint a picture of a farmer planting a seed. Did the farmer bury the seed? Well, yes, but he also planted it. Instead of feeling buried by our situation, we must realize that the pain and heartache that has been piled upon us is not meant to bury, but to plant us in a way that will allow us to grow and prosper into who we are meant to be. As you stop and take in the circumstances around you, will you allow yourself to be buried or to be planted? 
As we move on from this place and embark on the next big journey of life, whether that's college, the workforce or something else, life will at some point begin to feel like it's going too fast. My bike rides have taught me a new way to handle these times because they allow me to exercise and be among the beauty of nature, which are things that cause me to slow down. When life becomes too much like a race for you, it may not be riding a bike. It may be playing an instrument, sport, creating art or something else entirely. I encourage you to find that one thing that allows you to unwind and refocus when life seems too much to handle.  Now, I'd like to take you on a bike ride with me as we share this experience together in our faces, something that is both exciting and terrifying: freedom. We sit atop our bikes of life as high school graduates and now have the freedom to choose who we are and where we will go.  

Salutatorian, Paducah Tilghman High School, Paducah, Ky.

Chua says he wanted to make his speech something that would provide some happiness to people, even if only be for a little while. Before offering some advice, he began his speech with a personal take on the famous line from Forrest Gump : "Life is like a box of chocolates."

"Life is like a fistful of Sour Patch Kids," Chua says in his speech, recorded on video from his home in Paducah. "Right now things are sour, but eventually they will turn sweet."

The sharing of knowledge is just as important as receiving it because, without sharing, knowledge has no value. The first piece of advice I want to share is to always try new things and challenge yourself, even if you think it's a bad idea in the process. Always attempt to answer questions and solve problems. Find new ways to do the same tasks. Wear all white to black out. Take that ridiculously difficult course load. Buy that oversized $30 pack of UNO that is literally impossible to shuffle just so you can say you own it. Just spend responsibly, kids. All in all, just make life spicy. Make life something you want to reminisce on.  The second lesson is simple. Just be nice to people. Trust sows the seeds of freedom, and a little respect truly does go a long way. It could even solve a few of the world's problems. You never know when you'll need to fall back on someone, so build strong connections early and maintain them.  Lastly, the phrase "I don't know" is powerful. By admitting ignorance, you are asking to learn. Inevitably, I know I will come upon a hard stop, and I hope that when I do, I'll remind myself to pause and ask for a hand of enlightenment, so that I might come back from that hard experience knowing more than when I started. Life rarely hands you a golden opportunity, so make one. Just as the tornado creates a path in the wake of its destruction, this class of 2020 will, too, create their own, hopefully without the whole destruction part.

Kimani Ross

Valedictorian, Lake City High School, Lake City, S.C.

graduation message essay

Valedictorian Kimani Ross leads the Lake City High School parade through downtown Lake City, SC. Taylor Adams/SCNow hide caption

Ross says she wanted to remind her class that they can get through any obstacle. She recalls the adversities they've gone through together — like the death of a beloved coach — and the people that doubted her.

Ross says she'll attend North Carolina A&T State University in the fall, where she plans to study nursing.

Many people didn't, and probably still don't believe that I have worked hard enough to be where I am now. I've had people tell me that I don't deserve to be where I am now, and that really made me contemplate, "Do I really deserve this? Should I just give up and let them win?" But look at where I am now. I'm glad that I didn't stop. I'm glad that I didn't let them get to me.  I'm especially glad that I earned this position so that all of the other little girls around Lake City and surrounding areas can look and say that they want to be just like me. I want those little girls to know that they can do it if no one else believes in them, I will always believe in them. Classmates, when we're out in the real world, don't get discouraged about the obstacles that will approach you. As Michelle Obama once said, you should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it is important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages.

graduation message essay

Valedictorian Kimani Ross and her family at the Lake City graduation in Lake City, SC. Taylor Adams/SCNow hide caption

Valedictorian Kimani Ross and her family at the Lake City graduation in Lake City, SC.

Lindley Andrew

Salutatorian, Jordan-Matthews High School, Siler City, N.C.

Andrew says her mind flooded with high school memories as she tried to write her speech. This inspired her to get her fellow seniors involved. With the help of her class, she strung together a timeline of national events and local victories.

"Sometimes it's the small, seemingly pointless experiences that leave the most lasting and impactful memories," she says.

Some of us lost our senior sports seasons, our chances to be captains and team leaders. Some lost our final chances to compete for clubs that we've given our all to for the last four years. Some of us lost our final opportunities to perform or display our art, and all of us lost the chance to have all of the fun and closure that we were promised would come in the last three months of our senior year.  Losing the last third of our senior year to a virus was not what we had planned, but it's definitely an experience that will affect our lives forever and a memory that we will never, ever forget. We are made up of our experiences and memories. All of the things that we have been through up to this point make us who we are, and the best part is, we're not done yet. We'll continue to experience things and make memories every day that mold us here and there and to who we truly are and who we are meant to become.  What kind of experiences will you create for yourself? What kind of memories will you make? When things don't go quite as planned, like our senior year, how you handle the disappointments and challenges that you face will determine the experience that you have and the memory you walk away with. 

Favio Gonzalez

Valedictorian, Central Valley High School, Ceres, Calif.

Gonzalez says there were many other events besides the pandemic that helped his class develop their character. In his speech, he highlights the election of President Donald Trump and the prevalence of school shootings. Despite what was happening in the world, he says his class never victimized themselves.

Gonzalez will be attending the University of California, Riverside, where he plans to study biology.

The real test came our senior year with the current pandemic. Although society has developed a higher level of understanding, comprehension and acceptance in years prior, self-victimization has become a common occurrence and is a major impediment in achieving our goals. We expect others to find the solutions to our problems and to provide excessive help, since we truly are powerless in stopping the external factors that impact us constantly, whether it'd be natural disasters, terrorism or disease.  Yet, what many people don't realize is that the impact these unfortunate events have on our lives can be nullified by the effort we place in improving our condition. Learning this from past experiences, our class did not victimize itself. Studying and mastering new material is difficult enough with the help of our amazing teachers, with the added responsibilities of helping more at the house, working an essential job and other challenges that come with being at home, it seemed impossible to keep up with schoolwork. We had to face a multitude of barriers with our unrelenting will to succeed. Standing here today, despite all of the setbacks and obstacles, because of our drive, our perseverance, our willpower to endure is stronger than any deterrent.  Now, as we step into adulthood and start to reach our goals, there will be harder challenges to overcome. But our willpower has been proven irrevocable. Never forget classmates, that as long as you use your unrelenting well, you're an unstoppable force.

Barrie Barto

Valedictorian, South High School, Denver

Barto says when her school closed, she tried ignoring some of the emotions she was processing. "I realized that you need to take the time to acknowledge what we have lost and celebrate how we have grown and how this is going to change us as a class," she says.

This inspired her to write the speech she felt that she needed to hear.

To be honest with everyone, when I sat down to write this speech, I really wanted to avoid talking about everything we miss as a class. It would be way easier to reminisce about when the homecoming bonfire was in the back parking lot. But when people told me they were sorry that my whole senior year was turned upside down, I shrugged it off and said it's not a big deal. It's a hard thing to talk about, and not talking about it seems less painful. But it is a big deal. We missed senior prom and graduation and our barbecue and awards. I would even go back for one more class meeting in the auditorium just to sit in South for one more Thursday. This pandemic was not the defining event for our class. Don't let it be. We had monumental events occur every year we were at South. We have supported our teachers when they rallied for themselves. They've supported us when walking into school was harder than it was any other day. We supported each other through the pains of block day, and air conditioning only working in the winter time, but also shifts in friendships and hard times with family. South brought us all together to teach us something about ourselves that we didn't know before.

Haylie Cortez

Valedictorian, Bartlett High School, Anchorage, Alaska

Cortez says she feels lucky to still be able to give a message and was inspired by what has been helping her cope.

"One of the things that pushes me through everything is knowing that things will go on and stuff will change," she says. "I just want to remind everyone that the future is still there and it's still coming to us."

Cortez plans on attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the fall, where she wants to study civil engineering.

We all deserve to celebrate and be proud of ourselves. It's upsetting that we won't have a traditional graduation ceremony and sadly, we cannot control the circumstances that we face today.  What we can do is choose how we respond to it as we take these next steps in life. It can be hard to imagine what life could look like as time progresses. The only certainty we have is that time goes on and the future will arrive. We can use the pandemic as an excuse for why we can't move on in life, or we can use it as a motivator to find our purpose. Whether we plan to go to college, trade school, the military or straight into the workforce, there is no denying that society will gain something worthwhile. The situation we are living through shows how valuable everyone in society is. The world is finally realizing the importance of the jobs of janitors, cashiers, teachers, politicians, first responders and more. Whatever we plan on doing after we graduate, it will impact society. I invite everyone to look to who you can't thank, and take your time to do so, although the door for high school has abruptly shut for us. I would like to remind everyone that another has opened and we can do with it what we want.

Yale Daily News

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PERSONAL ESSAY: On Graduating in a Pandemic

Contributing Reporter

graduation message essay

Four years ago, I entered Yale as part of the class of 2021, and now the year I both dreaded and anticipated is here. It’s 2021; my senior spring. What I imagined would be a victory lap after three and a half of the best years of my life looks a lot more like a slog to an ever-moving finish line. Almost every part of my imagined college experience has changed, and these changes due to COVID — multiplied over the thousands of seniors graduating this year and last — produce an impact that we will feel for years to come.

My former suitemates, whom I’ve spent many nights with imagining the future, are now in different cities across the U.S. When I first came to Yale, my idealized college experience was centered around our suite unit; I imagined that we would weather four years of Yale, then enter the rest of the world together. Instead, only three out of my six suitemates from sophomore year are still graduating in 2021, and all of us are headed to very different futures than we had imagined. What remains of our graduating class resembles my ex-suite: altered plans and changed people, staggering in unexpected new directions. 

I called those of my former suitemates who are still graduating — pseudonymized here as Paris, Maia and Luisa — and we discussed where we might be in the next couple years. The following are imagined futures loosely based upon these conversations.

In 2024, PARIS lives in a sun-soaked 15th-story apartment, the fourth or fifth she’s lived in since graduating, with a windowsill full of plants: philodendrons, African violets, basil, a Venus flytrap. Her dark hair is now short, shorter than it’s been since college, and her apartment-mates are what she would describe as “boss ladies.” Her phone beeps with a text from one of the teenage girls that she works with at her job as a community organizer; the sound wakes up her pitbull, who lazily flaps an ear and curls back up against the back of her desk chair.

It will be three years since Paris left New Haven and fled to new cities to escape a suffocating senior year spent in quarantine. Feeling that COVID catapulted her prematurely into adulthood, Paris ran in the opposite direction of a stable “adult” job. After graduating, she spent time backpacking in South America, teaching in Spain and organizing in Philadelphia. She went wherever there was movement and action and young people. The wanderer lifestyle she chose was in direct reaction to the sensation of being stuck.

Paris has switched therapists several times over the course of the three years because she always felt like progress wasn’t being made in sessions. Somehow, the pandemic never quite leaves the conversation. Her wanderlust and rejection of normal, “age-appropriate” behavior feels like the continuation of senior year: no demarcation between one chapter ending and another beginning; continual limbo. Her near-excessive accumulation of plants, pets, books, artwork, things , according to her newest therapist, Alicia, represents the anchors that Paris uses to prevent herself from floating away entirely. And her retreat from many of the friends she had made in college, Alicia tells her, may be the response to having grown disconnected from the emotional states of others — she feels alone, and has come to believe that she is alone in feeling alone. Everyone else is a monolith of unrelatable, happy people and she quickly falls away from them, feeling like there is little mutual ground for conversation left.

In 2023, MAIA has joined the consulting company that she has worked for since sophomore summer. She still keeps in touch with a handful of people from college, but she spends most of her time texting her cohort at work about the ever-changing demands of their entertainment industry clientele. Maia recently started seeing someone, but she realizes she doesn’t have a lot of patience for things like nights out. She occasionally does productions with a local theater group, but even that feels like work sometimes.

Graduation had been dampened by so many other competing demands. What once was celebratory and important, had become decidedly… not. Maia rationalized to herself that graduation mattered so little in the context of people losing their loved ones to a raging virus; she had herself so thoroughly convinced that by the time the virtual event came and went, it had long been classified as a forgettable memory. Pomp and circumstance, the commemoration of accomplishment — all foreign concepts. Change was dulled; the anticlimactic feeling of leaving college and starting work was further reinforced by having already spent six months at home, unable to see friends, with the only noticeable change in her day-to-day being a Zoom link with a corporate header instead of a Yale one. 

Now a full-fledged member of the workforce, Maia finds that there was no celebration there either. At a company that had once mailed their prospective employees cupcakes to woo them into signing, Maia has not yet tasted a single company-sponsored dessert nor attended a cheese-tasting event. There is no more wining and dining, much less company-sponsored recreation, and even a reduction in company merch. She tells herself, logically, they know you won’t reject a job during COVID, and they are right. And who am I to complain when others are unemployed? The work we do is the most important thing, anyway, she tells herself. The days of after-show parties and spontaneous happy hours are long gone.

Instead of fun with friends, the pleasures of life look a lot more like solitude at home. Since senior year, Maia has begun to enjoy the growth she notices in herself. She has learned more about how to be an adult — cooking recipes, paying rent, being able to decide when to start working and when to stop (the stopping is still hard sometimes). She feels gratitude for the friends that she still talks to from   time to time, and for the ordinary things like warm showers and cold drinks. She is getting better at being alone.

In 2022, LUISA, with her plaid backpack and teal Yeti rambler (the same one from sophomore year of Yale), is back to the books, spending most of her time exactly where she had planned for senior year: in libraries and coffee shops. The backdrop has changed, but the rhythms of academia remain a wonderful constant. She misses stability so much that her craving for certainty makes her return to school. The master’s degree wasn’t part of the plan, but neither was this virus, and school feels like the closest thing to normal, even if everything has to be from a laptop.

Luisa is impressed with herself for how well she deals with unmet expectations. Friendships were permanently fractured because of the distance created by the pandemic, and past Luisa would have been torn up every night. Instead, she feels a sense of emptiness where there once lived feelings like attachment. “ Maybe if we had been sophomores, the gaps would have slowly been closed again over time , but because of the lasting impression of people in masks keeping distance, dwindingly friendships a year out seem only natural,” she writes in her brand-new Moleskine — teal, like the rambler. The premature separation from her classmates by geographical location, by gap-year “1.5” graduating class divisions, by on- and off-campus, sucks. Luisa feels like they had been rushed into the next phase of their lives before even making it to the climax of the current one. All the more reason, she thinks, to tether herself to some semblance of normalcy: Her weekly course calendar is something she can rely on.

It’s 2021 and I sit in my off-campus apartment, daydreaming about the future and wondering where this spring season will take us. I stare outside the window, wondering when I’ll finally be free from this longing feeling for a chance to gather with my ex-suitemates, to be free of hypervigilance about safety and cleanliness, to just have a sleepover or meet a new friend without worry. I think about my plans to stay in the city next year, and about all the missed potential from an ideal senior year.

The only thing I appreciate is this: Right before we got sent home, I was hurtling toward disaster, going 100 miles per minute into the future, and COVID forced me to slow down. I was forced to recognize the beauty in the slow. Graduation has historically been all about projecting into the future — anticipating what’s to come, cherishing the bright spots within these precious college years, formation and self-discovery in an ever-accelerating landscape. Pandemic graduation seems to be about having the brakes thrown into our plans, and being forced to sit still and alone for a very long time. 

Every year, college grads bid goodbye to their family away from home. The difference, this year and the last, is that we did not see our goodbyes coming. Who knew that the last time we’d see Jimmy from Davenport was that final Friday in “Game Theory,” or that we should have hugged Collin from FOOT goodbye when we passed him on the street? Our plans changed; the people in our lives changed. Some of us who thought we would stay in New Haven exited this pandemic deciding it was time to go; and others who entered thinking it was a get-the-degree and get-out situation, found themselves wanting to stay just one more year in New Haven. One more normal year. Disparities and distance grew between the employed and the still-searching; our support systems, the ones that should have been solidified during these past four years, are flimsy at best as we get shuttled into the rest of our adult lives. And yet we persist. We try to bring back the dinners, the movie nights. We make plans once again. We gather as a suite on Zoom and dream out loud about the people we’ll meet, the things we’ll do and the places we’ll go once we graduate into this pandemic and out into the rest of the world. Each of us four departing seniors head in different directions, none of us knowing exactly where we will land. All we have to fuel us onward are some precious memories of the good old days, and faith that we are resilient enough to get through graduating, even in a pandemic.

graduation message essay

Kalina Mladenova

167 Graduation Quotes That’ll Remind You to Follow Your Dreams

By Kristi Kellogg and Marilyn La Jeunesse

NEW YORK NEW YORK  MAY 18 Taylor Swift Delivers New York University 2022 Commencement Address at Yankee Stadium on May...

Finding the right graduation quote can be a tedious process. After four years of hard work, you want to commemorate this special moment with the right words. Something that defines who you are and sets the tone for the future. The truth of the matter is, it takes lots of blood, sweat, tears, and ramen to make it to graduation .

But, the day has finally come for you to don your hard-earned graduation robes, decorate your cap, and rewatch your favorite graduation movies to get excited for the big day. Bear your tassel proudly, and find the right motto for graduation captions on Instagram, of course. Hey, you didn’t work this hard in school just to post a captionless photo, right?

From inspirational quotes from Taylor Swift to funny graduation quotes from Timotheé Chalamet , we rounded up the best graduation quotes, best senior quotes, and graduation messages from celebrities, athletes, politicians, writers, cartoon characters and more. These thoughtful bits of advice are perfect to include in graduation cards (that go far beyond your “congratulations graduate” message), a commencement speech , or even to use for senior quotes in your yearbook. The choice is yours! Read on to discover 167 best graduation quotes.

In this article:

High school graduation quotes

Funny graduation quotes, college graduation quotes, inspirational graduation quotes, proud graduation quotes, short graduation quotes, graduation quotes for instagram, senior quotes.

  • "Your life is your adventure. And the adventure ahead of you is a journey to fulfill your own purpose and potential." —Kerry Washington
  • “If you can do what you do best and be happy, you are further along in life than most people.” —Leonardo DiCaprio
  • "Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world." —Nelson Mandela
  • "Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead." —Nora Ephron
  • "You are about to start the greatest improvisation of all. With no script. No idea what's going to happen, often with people and places you have never seen before. And you are not in control. So say 'yes.' And if you're lucky, you'll find people who will say 'yes' back." —Stephen Colbert
  • "You must have some vision for your life. Even if you don't know the plan, you have to have a direction in which you choose to go." —Oprah
  • "You don’t go to university so you can punch a clock. You go to university so you can be in a position to make a difference." —Janet Napolitano
  • "Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today." —Malcolm X
  • "I've learned it's important not to limit yourself. You can do whatever you really love to do, no matter what it is." —Ryan Gosling
  • "Fight for what makes you optimistic about the world. Find it, insist on it, dig into it, go after it." —Jennifer Garner
  • "Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education." —Martin Luther King Jr.
  • "You cannot dream of becoming something you do not know about. You have to learn to dream big. Education exposes you to what the world has to offer, to the possibilities open to you." —Sonia Sotomayor
  • "If I must give any of you advice it would be say yes. Say yes, and create your own destiny." —Maya Rudolph
  • "Your inexperience is an asset in that it will make you think in original, unconventional ways. Accept your lack of knowledge and use it as your asset." —Natalie Portman
  • "Take your risks now. As you grow older, you become more fearful and less flexible … Try to keep your mind open to possibilities and your mouth closed on matters that you don't know about. Limit your 'always' and your 'nevers.' Continue to share your heart with people even if it’s been broken." —Amy Poehler
  • "You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. You have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future." —Steve Jobs
  • "Now go, and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for your being here." —Neil Gaiman
  • "When you respect the idea that you are sharing the Earth with other humans, and when you lead with your nice foot forward, you’ll win, every time. It might not be today, it might not be tomorrow, but it comes back to you when you need it." —Kristen Bell
  • "Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have you, you will never, ever have enough." —Oprah
  • "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." —Muhammad Ali
  • "Go make your big beautiful dent, and as you do so come down on the side of boldness. If you err, may it be for too much audacity, and not too little. For you really are enough. You have untold strengths and resources inside. You have your glorious self." —Sue Monk Kidd
  • "It is often easier to make progress on mega-ambitious dreams. I know that sounds completely nuts. But, since no one else is crazy enough to do it, you have little competition." —Larry Page
  • "Some life lessons don’t ever change. They need to be highlighted and they need to be remembered throughout our entire lives. But how you embrace them will distinguish you from the pack." —Brooke Shields
  • "You and you alone are the only person who can live the life that writes the story that you were meant to tell." — Kerry Washington
  • "Be the hardest working person you know. Because if you’re not, someone else will be." —Ian Brennan
  • "In response to those who say to stop dreaming and face reality, I say keep dreaming and make reality." —Kristian Kan
  • "It’s your turn to choose and define what success means to you. Now, others will try to define it for you, but yours is the only voice that matters." — Octavia Spencer
  • Nobody else is paying as much attention to your failures as you are . . . to everyone else, it’s just a blip on the radar screen, so just move on. —Jerry Zucker
  • "I am here to tell you that whatever you think your dream is now, it will probably change. And that's okay." —Conan O'Brien
  • "Learn from every mistake because every experience, encounter, and particularly your mistakes are there to teach you and force you into being more who you are. And then figure out what is the next right move. And the key to life is to develop an internal moral, emotional G.P.S. that can tell you which way to go." —Oprah
  • "If we’d all stuck with our first dream, the world would be overrun with cowboys and princesses. So whatever your dream is right now, if you don’t achieve it you haven’t failed and you’re not some loser." —Stephen Colbert
  • "Don’t be afraid of fear. Because it sharpens you, it challenges you, it makes you stronger; and when you run away from fear, you also run away from the opportunity to be your best possible self."—Ed Helms
  • “Success is not about wealth or fame, but about inner happiness and fulfillment.” —Margot Robbie
  • “There are multiple sides to all of us. Who we are — and who we might be if we follow our dreams. —Miley Cyrus
  • “God will never give you anything you can’t handle, so don’t stress.” —Kelly Clarkson
  • "We're only here for so long. Be happy, man. You could get hit by a truck tomorrow." —​Timothée Chalamet​
  • “Don’t allow people to dim your shine because they are blinded. Tell them to put on sunglasses.” —Lady Gaga
  • "Get busy living or get busy dying." —Stephen King
  • "You can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets." —Arnold Schwarzenegger
  • "If you aren't going all the way, why go at all?" —Joe Namath
  • "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." —Wayne Gretzky
  • "You will stumble and fall, you will experience both disaster and triumph, sometimes in the same day. But it's really important to remember that like a hangover, neither triumphs nor disasters last forever." —Helen Mirren
  • "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." —Thomas Edison
  • "You have to dance a little bit before you step out into the world each day, because it changes the way you walk." —Sandra Bullock
  • "Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there." —Will Rogers
  • "The road to success is always under construction." —Lily Tomlin
  • "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." —Robin Williams
  • "Opportunity dances with those who are already on the dance floor." —Jackson Browne
  • “Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.” —Elbert Hubbard
  • “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” —Dolly Parton
  • “Sometimes it takes a good fall to know where you stand.” —Hayley Williams
  • “Success is nothing if you don’t have the right people to share it with; you’re just going to end up lonely.” —Selena Gomez
  • "The meaning of life is to find your gift, the purpose of life is to give it away." —Joy J. Golliver
  • "That clock you hear is the sound of your own heart. Sink your teeth into this life, and don’t get let go." —Lin-Manuel Miranda
  • "No job or task is too small or beneath you. If you want to get ahead, volunteer to do the things no one else wants to do, and do it better." —Bobbi Brown
  • "You can’t do it alone. Be open to collaboration. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you. Spend a lot of time with them and it will change your life." — Amy Poehler
  • "When we show up, act boldly, and practice the best ways to be wrong, we fail forward. No matter where we end up, we’ve grown from where we began." —Stacey Abrams
  • "I celebrate you as you remember the power of grace and pride, and I challenge you to choose freedom over fear." —Janelle Monáe
  • "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." —John Dewey
  • "You could travel with the sheep, follow everybody else’s stuff, but then you’re not you. I guess if I want to say anything it’s ‘Be you.’ Be true to you, and that should make the ride a little more interesting." — Whoopi Goldberg
  • "There will be times when your best isn’t good enough. There can be many reasons for this, but as long as you give your best you’ll be OK." —Robert De Niro
  • "We may live in an age of instant messaging, instant gratification and Instagram, but there is no way to short circuit the path to success." —Tory Burch
  • "Now the first suggestion is to aim high, but be aware that even before you have reached your ultimate professional destination, if you always strive for excellence, you can and should have a substantial impact on the world in which you live." —Sandra Day O’Connor
  • "As you graduate, as you deal with your excitement and your doubts today, I urge you to try and create the world you want to live in. Minister to the world in a way that can change it. Minister radically in a real, active, practical, get your hands dirty way." —Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
  • "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." —Henry David Thoreau
  • "The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change." —Maya Angelou
  • "There is nothing more beautiful than finding your course as you believe you bob aimlessly in the current. Wouldn’t you know that your path was there all along, waiting for you to knock, waiting for you to become. This path does not belong to your parents, your teachers, your leaders, or your lovers. Your path is your character defining itself more and more everyday like a photograph coming into focus." —Jodie Foster
  • "Real leadership comes from the quiet nudging of an inner voice. It comes from realizing that the time has come to move beyond waiting to doing." —Madeleine Albright
  • "Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change." —Shonda Rhimes
  • "Don't just get involved. Fight for your seat at the table. Better yet, fight for a seat at the head of the table." —Barack Obama
  • “Life can be heavy if you carry it all at once. Know what to keep and what to release. Decide what is yours to hold, and let all the other things go." —Taylor Swift
  • “A lot of people give up just before they’re about to make it. You know you never know when that next obstacle is going to be the last one.” —Chuck Norris
  • “It’s the choice. You have to wake up every day and say, ‘There’s no reason today can’t be the best day of my life’.” —Blake Lively
  • “We are all deserving and we don’t need permission or an invitation to exist and to step into our power.” —Ilhan Omar
  • “Your self worth is determined by you. You don’t have to depend on someone telling you who you are.” —Beyoncé
  • "No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind." —Taylor Swift
  • "There’s something so special about a woman who dominates in a man’s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness, and the nerve to never take no for an answer." —Rihanna
  • "Understand that one day you will have the power to make a difference, so use it well." —Mindy Kaling
  • "I'm continually trying to make choices that put me out of my own comfort zone. As long as you're uncomfortable it means you're growing." —Ashton Kutcher
  • "It's amazing what you can get if you quietly, clearly and authoritatively demand it." —Meryl Streep
  • "It's the choice. You have to wake up every day and say 'There's no reason today can't be the best day of my life.'" —Blake Lively
  • "I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." —Michael Jordan
  • "There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do." —Derek Jeter
  • "My favorite animal is the turtle. The reason is that in order for the turtle to move, it has to stick its neck out. There are going to be times in your life when you’re going to have to stick your neck out. There will be challenges, and instead of hiding in a shell, you have to go out and meet them." —Ruth Westheimer
  • "There is no passion to be found in playing small — in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living." —Nelson Mandela
  • "When someone who loves you hugs you, hug them back with two arms—don’t do the one-arm hug, because when you hug someone with two arms, it allows you to lean on somebody, and we all need someone to lean on." — Sandra Bullock
  • "Frustration, although quite painful at times, is a very positive and essential part of success. —Bo Bennett
  • "You can never be the best. The only thing you can be the best at is developing yourself." — Natalie Portman
  • "Real courage is holding on to a still voice in your head that says, ‘I must keep going.’ It’s that voice that says nothing is a failure if it is not final. That voice that says to you, ‘Get out of bed. Keep going. I will not quit.'" —Cory Booker
  • "Cynicism has never won a war, or cured a disease, or started a business, or fed a young mind, or sent men into space. Cynicism is a choice. Hope is a better choice." —Barack Obama
  • "What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." —Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • "When people tell you not to believe in your dreams, and they say 'Why?' say 'Why not?'" —Billie Jean King
  • "I encourage you to live with life. Be courageous, adventurous. Give us a tomorrow, more than we deserve." —Maya Angelou
  • "There is no such thing as failure. Failure is just life trying to move us in another direction." — Oprah Winfrey
  • "I’m a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it." —Thomas Jefferson
  • “Sometimes the problem feels so big that changing one life doesn’t feel like enough. But it is.” —America Ferrera
  • “Don’t take yourself too seriously. Know when to laugh at yourself, and find a way to laugh at obstacles that inevitably present themselves.” —Halle Bailey
  • “Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary.” —Gerard Way
  • “Every day is a new opportunity to change your life and be who you want to be.” —Demi Lovato
  • "Don't be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered." —Michelle Obama
  • "Remember this: You are awesome. I’m not suggesting you be boastful. No one likes that in men or women. But I am suggesting that believing in yourself is the first necessary step to coming even close to achieving your potential." —Sheryl Sandberg
  • “Don’t ever doubt yourselves or waste a second of your life. It’s too short and you’re too special.” —Ariana Grande
  • "Ignore the naysayers. Really the only option is: head down and focus on the job." —Chris Pine
  • "Success is only meaningful and enjoyable if it feels like your own." —Michelle Obama
  • "The best remedy for those who are frightened, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be alone with the sky, nature, and God. For only then can you feel that everything is as it should be and that God wants people to be happy amid nature’s beauty and simplicity." —Anne Frank
  • "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." —E. E. Cummings
  • "I can’t think of any better representation of beauty than someone who is unafraid to be herself." —Emma Stone
  • "You don’t have to be famous. You just have to make your mother and father proud of you, and you already have." —Meryl Streep
  • "In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love." —Mother Teresa
  • “So often in life things that you regard as an impediment turn out to be great good fortune.” —Ruth Bader Ginsburg
  • “It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine.” —Eeyore
  • “What do you have to do? What do you want to do? Tomorrow is not promised. Make plans anyway.” —Lin Manuel Miranda
  • “There are no regrets in life. Just lessons.” —Jennifer Aniston
  • “For the great doesn’t happen through impulse alone, and is a succession of little things that are brought together.” —Vincent Van Gogh
  • "Change takes courage." —Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
  • "You're never a loser until you quit trying." —Mike Ditka
  • "Your imagination is your preview of life's coming attractions." —Albert Einstein
  • “Work so hard that you never have to introduce yourself.” —Gigi Hadid
  • "It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up." —Babe Ruth
  • "There are no regrets in life — just lessons." —Jennifer Aniston
  • "Stay hungry. Stay foolish." —Steven Jobs
  • "A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman." —Melinda Gates
  • "You get in life what you have the courage to ask for." —Oprah Winfrey
  • "To give any less than your best is to sacrifice a gift." —Steve Prefontaine
  • "Being realistic is the most commonly traveled road to mediocrity." —Will Smith
  • "Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement." —Matt Bondi
  • "If you can’t outplay them, outwork them." —Ben Hogan
  • "This above all: To thine own self be true." —William Shakespeare
  • "Do. Or do not. There is no try." —Yoda
  • "Be bold, be courageous, be your best." –Gabrielle Giffords
  • "It is absolutely still possible to make a difference." —Michelle Obama
  • “You’re not a slacker if you cut yourself some slack.” —Bill Gates
  • “Be persistent and never give up hope.” —George Lucas
  • “Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” —Gloria Steinem
  • "It is better to be a failure at something you love than to be a success at something you hate." —George Burns
  • “There’s always going to be someone who doesn’t like you.” —Ariana Grande
  • "All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." —Walt Disney
  • “Started from the bottom, now we’re here.” —Drake
  • "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." —Eleanor Roosevelt
  • "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." —Sun Tzu
  • "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." —Arthur Ashe
  • "She turned her can’ts into cans and her dreams into plans." —Kobi Yamada
  • "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." —C.S. Lewis
  • "You can never be overdressed or overeducated." —Oscar Wilde
  • "Nothing is impossible. The word itself says 'I'm possible.'" —Audrey Hepburn
  • "A champion is someone who gets up when he can't." —Jack Dempsey
  • “Don’t you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are.” —Lady Gaga
  • “Be kind to yourself a little more every day.” —Dua Lipa
  • “You will screw it up sometimes.” —Taylor Swift
  • “And here you are living despite it all.” —Rupi Kaur
  • “If you don’t have any shadows you’re not in the light.” —Lady Gaga
  • “Keep your eyes on the finish line and not on the turmoil around you.” —Rihanna
  • “For every winner, there doesn't have to be a loser. In fact, most success stories are less about competition and more about collaboration.” —Michelle Yeoh
  • “Time is the most valuable resource on the planet.” —Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
  • “Please don’t be afraid, don’t worry yourself. The end and beginning, beginning and end are connected.” —BTS’s Suga
  • “Trust your gut, keep throwing darts at the dartboard. Don’t listen to the critics – and you will figure it out.” —Will Ferrell
  • “Building your community is how you change the world.” —LeBron James
  • “Never let anyone put you in a box or tell you what you can do. Make sure you paint your own picture and go your own path, and continue to think outside the box.” —Magic Johnson
  • “If everything was perfect, you would never learn and you would never grow.” —Beyoncé
  • “Embrace your uniqueness for it is what makes you truly beautiful.” —Dove Cameron
  • “I’ve always done whatever I want and been exactly who I am.” —Billie Eilish
  • “Don’t try so hard to fit in, and certainly don’t try so hard to be different, just try hard to be you.” —Zendaya
  • “If you were born with the weakness to fall you were born with the strength to rise.” —Rupi Kaur
  • “You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.” —Serena Williams
  • “You can be everything. You can be the infinite amount of things that people are.” —Kesha
  • “Do one thing every day that scares you.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
  • “Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.” —Marilyn Monroe

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Celebrate and Soar: 53+ Inspirational Middle School Graduation Messages

November 18, 2023

Graduation Quotes

Inspirational Middle School Graduation

For family, friends, and educators, it's a perfect opportunity to convey wisdom, encouragement, and pride through memorable graduation messages. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or a fellow student looking to inspire or celebrate this milestone, these carefully curated graduation quotes and messages will resonate with every middle school graduate. Enhance this moment with words that will both elevate and inspire, serving as a guiding light for bright futures ahead.

Empowering Messages for Middle School Graduates

Graduation day is more than just a ceremony; it's the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities. lil baby quotes A well-chosen message can empower graduates as they prepare to take the next step in their life's journey.

Charting the Course: A Comparison of Inspirational Themes

Graduation messages can be categorized into various themes, each delivering a unique perspective that graduates can carry with them. Consider this comparison chart of themes to find the perfect angle for your heartfelt message.

ThemeMessage FocusAchievementCelebrating accomplishments and tenacityAspirationEncouraging the pursuit of dreams and goalsAdventureEmbracing the unknown and excitement of new experiencesWisdomSharing valuable life lessons and insightsEmpowermentBuilding confidence to face future challenges courageouslyHumorLightening the moment with laughter and joy.

Unleashing Potential Through Achievements

"You've achieved so much already, and this is just the beginning. Keep reaching for those stars – they're closer than you think. Congratulations on your middle school graduation!"

"The diligence and dedication that got you this far are just the seeds of the greatness you’re destined to sow. Wear your cap and gown with pride; you’ve earned it!"

Aspiration: Dreaming Big Dreams

"Graduation isn’t the end; it marks a new horizon. As you set sail on this grand adventure, remember that your dreams are the compass that will guide you. Dream big, the world is waiting for you!"

"Never let go of your dreams; they are the blueprint for your future success. Continue to aspire and achieve, and nothing will be out of reach."

The Adventure Continues

"Just like any grand adventure, life will have its ups and downs, but remember: every challenge is just another chapter in your extraordinary story. Congratulations and onward to new adventures!"

"The best adventures are those that are yet to come. As you graduate today, remember that every step forward is a step into the exciting unknown. Explore, discover, and cherish the journey."

The Light of Wisdom: Lessons for a New Chapter

"May the lessons you’ve learned be the guiding stars as you navigate through the high school years and beyond. Wisdom is the most precious gift from your middle school journey."

"As you turn this page and start a new chapter, carry with you the wisdom that every experience, good or bad, shapes the person you are becoming. Congratulate yourself – you've done more than learn; you've grown."

Fostering Empowerment and Confidence

"Graduation is a milestone that signifies you're ready for the world. Believe in yourself as we believe in you, and there’s nothing you can’t accomplish."

" Every ending is a new beginning, and yours is brimming with potential. Empower yourself to dream fearlessly , and watch as you turn those dreams into reality."

A Dose of Humor: Laughter on Graduation Day

"Middle school is now officially 'middle' of your school journey. Here's to climbing the ladder to the top. Just make sure to not get stuck in a locker on your way up!"

"Congratulations on surviving middle school! If you can handle gym class, pop quizzes, and cafeteria food, high school will be a breeze."

Writing the Next Chapter: Motivational Quotes for New Beginnings

In times of change, a few words of wisdom can go a long way. Encouraging graduates to write their next chapter with confidence and optimism can inspire them to new heights. 8th grade graduation quotes

Quotes to Spark the Imagination

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." – Eleanor Roosevelt

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Crafting a Future Full of Possibility

"Your journey will be your own, filled with unique experiences and discoveries – dream up a truly beautiful one!"

"Believe in the endless opportunities that lie ahead. The path isn’t set – it’s what you carve for yourself that counts."

Celebratory Messages: Honoring the Rite of Passage

Graduation is not just the closing of one door; it's the celebratory acknowledgment of personal growth and the exciting potential that lies ahead.

Saluting the Graduates' Journey

"Congratulations on your significant achievement! Middle school may be over, but your education continues. Keep learning, keep growing."

"Today marks an incredible milestone for you. Savor the feeling of accomplishment – you’ve earned every bit of this celebration."

Recognizing the Strengthening of Character

"No book can teach you the lessons of perseverance and character you’ve learned. These will be among your most valuable possessions as you continue on your path."

"As you graduate, remember that character is your true diploma. Carry it with you always, and it will open more doors than you can imagine."

Memorable Sign-Offs: Crafting Lasting Impressions

A graduation message can leave a lasting impression if it ends on a particularly poignant or memorable note. Crafting the perfect sign-off can make your words echo in the hearts of graduates for years to come.

Parting Wisdom

"Life is an extraordinary journey. As you graduate today, remember to enjoy the view, and never stop learning, exploring, and discovering."

"Go forth with courage, grace, and excitement, for the best stories are those in which the adventure never ends."

Unordered List of Uplifting Sign-Offs

Continue to shine brightly as you journey through the next chapters of your story.

The world is full of wonders waiting for you to discover – never stop seeking them out.

Take the memories, friends, and lessons of middle school with you as your pillars of strength.

In offering these inspirational middle school graduation messages , we celebrate the achievements of young minds and uplift them as they transition from one important phase of life to another. Just remember, no matter the quote or message, the sincerity behind the words will always shine through the brightest, encouraging graduates to celebrate their momentous day and soar into their future with hope, joy, and confidence.

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100+ Graduation Thank You Messages and Quotes

Graduating is indeed an enormous achievement, and if you have recently graduated or if you are soon to graduate, our heartiest congratulations to you! This is the perfect time to reflect on your journey towards this success, and show appreciation to the people who have accompanied you on it. Looking for some words of gratitude for graduation? Go through our heart-warming collection of thank you messages and speeches for graduation. You’ll surely find the perfect message to convey your gratitude!

Graduation Thank You Messages

  • Thank You Message For Family & Friends

Graduation Thank You Messages To Parents

Graduation thank you messages to friends, graduation thank you messages to teacher, graduation thank you messages for gift, thank you speech for graduation.

My friends and family were my constant energy source on this journey. Thank you, guys. You are the best.

To everyone who helped along the way, big or small, your support made a huge difference. Thank you for being part of my success.

For all your efforts, love, and support, I cannot say enough thanks to you in a lifetime. Love you, mom and dad.

Thank you for all your efforts and words on my graduation. You are indeed a blessing from God.

To everyone who helped along the way

Mom and Dad, you both are the priceless blessing in my life. I wouldn’t where today I am without your inspiration and support. Thank you for all your guidance!

To all my mentors and professors, your expertise and dedication have inspired me to aim high. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills you’ve shared with me..

Thank you for taking the time out and wishing my graduation. Your kind words are priceless. Love you.

Dear family and friends, you are my refuge amidst worries and difficulties. My graduation wouldn’t have been possible without your unwavering support!

Without your contribution, this could never be possible. Thank you, dear teacher.

Thanks for your generosity and special thanks for the graduation card. I appreciate you every day.

I appreciate all the support and inspiration you have given me on my academic journey. You’re a truly great friend!

My sincere gratitude goes to the ones who made my graduation possible! Your presence has always been comforting for me, and I am immensely grateful for all the love, kindness and appreciation you all showered me with! It feels great to have so much genuine support around me, so thanks to my dear family and friends!

I dedicate this honorable degree to the most significant persons in my life – my parents. Dear Mom and Dad, you two have been my mentor, my guide, my savior and my best friend whenever I was in need. Thank you for your immense care, appreciation and effort behind my academic activities. I am forever grateful to you!

Thanks to my friends for being there for me when I truly needed strong support. You made this degree happen for me.

Dear God, it is you who has allowed me to overcome all obstacles and hold onto my dreams and passion. I am utterly grateful for blessing me with this amazing triumph!

words of gratitude for graduation

Dear friends, my graduation wouldn’t be completed without your presence. Thanks a lot for all the encouragement and help. You’re really special to me.

It is so adorable of you to share this joyous celebration of my graduation with me. Thank you so much for your thoughtful gift!

Warmest thanks to you for giving your precious time at my graduation party. You make it more meaningful for me.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness, love, and kindness. Love you for your gestures. May God always bless you.

Your thoughtful words are like a cherry on top of this special day. You know how to shine out!

Thank you for contributing so much to my life. I appreciate all your warm wishes for my graduation ceremony.

Thank You Message for Family and Friends

I am fortunate to have you as my family and friends, and this degree is dedicated to you guys. Thank you.

You guys are my most precious possession and priceless blessing in my life. This is for you. Thank you for supporting and loving me.

thank you message for family and friends on my graduation

Thanks for always being so kind and generous towards me. I appreciate all your doings at my graduation.

Thanks for putting so many thoughts on my graduation. It means so much. I am fortunate to have you.

Friends, you’re precious blessings of my life and I’m so lucky to have such great friends. Thank you for your concern and for being there always for me.

I am grateful to have a nurturing family and supportive friends who have constantly guided me towards betterment!

You guys have always been the pillar of my strength, and the loudest cheerleaders to my success! Thank you all!

I am immensely grateful to have such supportive family and friends. My graduation is the result of your prayers and blessings!

You people have uplifted my spirit every time I felt like giving up, and I couldn’t thank you more! Much love.

All that I am, is because of your care and support. Thank you, my dearest family and friends.

Thank you, my special person, for believing in my capabilities and encouraging me to dream big! My dear husband, you’re not just the love of my life, but also my greatest mentor. All my achievements owe much to you. Thank you for bringing out the best in me and making my graduation possible!

Words can never express how much your love means to me. Thanks for making my graduation memorable.

I was thrilled to have you at my graduation. Thank you for supporting me. Love you so much.

You were my most motivational inspiration my dear parents. Dedicating this degree to you. Thanks.

You are the place where I found peace of mind and zest and inspiration for life. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for being there always to drive and support me!

I would not be here holding this degree if my parents were not there to motivate me constantly. Thank you, mom, and Dad. I love you to the moon and back.

I dedicate my graduation to the most important persons in my life, without whom I’m nothing. Thanks, Mom and Dad for encouraging and supporting me always.

Mom and Dad, you two take the credit for being patient with me all through my grad life! Thank you!

appreciation graduation thank you message to parents

Whenever I felt restless, You two calm my nerve. Whenever I felt like giving up, you kept me pushing. And now, I am a graduate of this immense support. Thanks a lot, dear parents.

You are the most precious and important person in my life, and I am who I am because of you two. I love you, my parents. Thank you for everything.

Mom and Dad, you’re the inspiration behind my success. I just want to let you know how much you both mean to me. Love you and thanks for everything!

You’re my true friend, philosopher, guide, mentor, and the whole world. Thank you so much, Mom and Dad, for all your efforts and love for me. You’re the best!

Dear Mom and Dad, I could not be holding this degree if not for the ceaseless motivation and reassurance from you! Thank you for being the anchors in my rocky world!

Dear parents, your confidence in me meant a lot whenever I hit a block. Thank you for cheering me on!

Also Read: Thank You Message For Parents

Words can barely describe how thankful I am for your support in my graduation journey. You made every impossible possible for me, my friend. Love you.

Thanks to all of my friends who were always stand by my side with their sincere supports. I’m grateful to have such helpful friends throughout my journey.

Whatever I’ve achieved today, it’s culminated with the help of my friends and mentors. Thanks to them for being understanding and helpful in this tough period.

My amigos, I can’t thank enough you guys for supporting, helping and being there whenever I need you through my academic career! Really you all are true pals.

thank you message for friends on my graduation

You were always there for me in the dark days of my graduation journey. I cannot thank you enough for your love and support, yet I am saying; thanks, buddy !

My amigos literally made my graduation effortlessly easy for me with constant support and lots of fun. You are my pal of life, and thanks for everything.

You stood by my side when I was sailing aimlessly without a sail in a sea of depression. This degree is possible because of you lot. Thank you.

Having you by my side has made this journey so much easier, buddy. Thank you for all the support.

Thank you for standing by me on the way to my graduation. Please be by my side forever, mate.

Thank you for your immense support and encouragement throughout my grad life. You make it possible for me.

Sending you my sincere gratefulness to you. You’re the best teacher ever in my academic career. Thank you for guiding me to make my tomorrow brighter!

I am standing here holding this degree because you never let me give up when I badly wanted to. Thank you, dearest teacher.

Dear teacher, you were my guardian angel who gives me support in the most helpless time. I cannot be thankful enough to you for your kind gestures towards me. Thank you.

A great teacher is the precious gift

Thank you very much for your generous gift but thanks mostly for your precious guidance and support. This would not be possible without your constant presence in my dark time’s dear teacher.

Dear Sir/Madam, today’s achievement is the result of your contribution. Thanks for guiding and inspiring me. Without your guidance, I wouldn’t have been reached here.

Thank you, Teacher, for all that you did for me. You’ve bestowed me with motivational thoughts and real-life inspirations that’ll always help me to shine in ahead.

A great teacher is the precious gift of student life and I’m lucky to be blessed by that one. Thank you Sir/Madam for your unconditional love and affection!

I’m indebted to you for your sincere guidance and belief in me that I can make it. Thank you for being such a nice person and a wonderful teacher!

Dear teacher, it is your counsel, teaching and compassion that have enabled me to complete my graduation. Thank you for having faith in me!

Dear teacher, thank you for believing in my goals and leading me to them. I owe this achievement to you!

Thank you, teacher, for always guiding me with enthusiasm and for making my grad life easier! You made this day come true for me!

Also Read: 100+ Thank You Teacher Messages and Quotes

Graduation Thank You Messages To God

I am grateful to you for all the blessings but thankful for helping me with my graduation. You are indeed our savior. Thank you, God.

Thank you for helping me out and blessing me to experience such sheer joy and exciting life events.

graduation thank you message to God

I’m very happy to celebrate this wonderful day with my beloved ones. Thank you, God, for giving me the opportunity. Please keep on blessing me.

Dear God, thanks for your numerous blessings along with this graduation. Please continue to guide me throughout my life.

I appreciate your support and guidance throughout this hard time. Thanks for making everything easier for me. Dear God, I’m forever grateful to you.

Thank you for giving me the reward of my hard work, God. You indeed are the most merciful.

Dear God, I have always trusted your plans and you have rewarded me with better gifts than I could ever ask for. This graduation is only an example of the many blessings you have bestowed upon me. Thank you for all of it!

I feel honored to share my graduation day with all my loved ones present. Graduation has not been an easy ride, but it has been possible with the immense love, support and guidance from my parents, teachers and friends. Lastly, I would like to offer my heartfelt gratitude to the Almighty for blessing me with patience and determination.

Dear God, thank you for allowing me this huge achievement and joy. Dear family, thank you for being a source of inspiration and comfort to me in my hectic days. Dear teachers, thank you for encouraging me to do my best every day. Dear friends, thank you for constantly cheering me on. Thank you all for being by my side on my special day!

This graduation is not only mine, there are so many people whose efforts are behind it. Firstly, thanks to God for guiding me on the path of success. To my parents and family, for their immeasurable love and support. Gratitude to my friends, for boosting my confidence and never letting me feel alone. Last but not least, to my teachers, for mentoring me throughout this journey. I’m honored to have all of you!

As I celebrate this achievement of mine, I want to thank my parents, family, friends, teachers and every other person who has accompanied me on the way to my graduation. There was no way I could succeed without your guidance and support. Thanks to the Lord, for ensuring so many wonderful people in my life. I’m forever indebted to all of you!

Since my first day on earth, you two have been my support system and my biggest inspirations. Everything that I ever achieve, including my graduation, will be dedicated to you, mom and dad. Thank you for all the love you’ve shown me and all the sacrifices you’ve made. You truly are the best parents ever!

You have been there for me in all my tough moments, and I am feeling really blessed to share the joy of my graduation with you. You’ve shown me what true friendship is, and I will always remember everything you have done for me. May you be treated with the same love you have shown towards me, buddy.

This accomplishment goes to my dear husband, who constantly pushed me to excel, supported me to carry on my studies and assisted me with my daily responsibilities. Thank you for putting so much effort behind my dreams, I could not have reached this stage without your encouragement! Love you to the moon and back!

By the grace of the Almighty, I have been able to achieve this glorious degree after years of effort, patience and dedication. Thank you, God, for always guiding me to the virtuous paths and right ends, for giving me the strength to endure the challenges, and for supporting me whenever I struggled. It’s all thanks to the Almighty that I got one step closer to my goals!

Thank You Messages For Graduation Wishes

I appreciate your congratulations and encouragement on my graduation. From the bottom of my cap and gown, thank you!

Your heartfelt congratulations warmed my heart more than my graduation robe! Thank you for taking the time to celebrate this milestone with me.

I couldn’t possibly express how grateful I am to receive your beautiful wish. Thank you for all that you’ve done for me!

Those thoughtful wishes were the perfect graduation gift! I’m so grateful for your support and encouragement throughout my academic journey.

Thank you for your lovely graduation wish . Your words have filled my heart with happiness.

This degree wouldn’t be mine without your unwavering support! Thank you for believing in me even when I doubted myself.

Although your presence means a lot to me, let me know my sincere gratitude for your wonderful gift!

Words can barely describe the magic of achieving graduation. Thanks a lot for making the day more special by sending your thoughtful gift.

Your valuable thoughts always hold a significant place in my heart. And thank you for the beautiful gift on my graduation.

I am honored that you attended my graduation ceremony and really happy about the graduation gift. I will make sure to invest it well.

thanks for graduation gift

I would really like to thank you for not going over the line and keeping it so simple. I am truly thrilled with this token of love. Lots of love.

Thank you so much for your congratulatory message and this generous gift. I will use this well. Thanks once again for your kind gesture.

Thank you for your lavish gift. I can see that you’ve got a positive concern about me and must praise your choice for selecting that suits the occasion.

I am really grateful for your generous graduation present! Thank you for believing in my potential!

Graduation Party Thank You Messages

Please accept my heartfelt thanks for attending my graduation party; your presence means a lot to me. I hope you enjoyed it.

The road to graduation was a long story of early mornings and sleepless nights that I’ve made up successfully. Thank you for joining in my graduation party.

You’ve been always there to support me through my way to graduation and can’t thank enough for that. Sending you my deepest gratitude for joining my graduation event.

Thanks for comforting me day after day and for being a part of my celebration of graduation.

It is completely my pleasure to have a great person like you at my graduation party. Thank you for coming.

Thank you for lightening my graduation party with the gleam of your personality. It’s so nice of you to come.

Achieving graduation is the most precious dream to become real in a person’s life. This achievement holds immense importance. However, this journey is not undertaken alone. Along this academic path, you are accompanied by friends, family, teachers, and mentors, all of whom contribute equally to your success.

Graduation thank you messages serve as the perfect way to express appreciation to your loved ones, acknowledging their support and encouragement. With the help of the messages provided above, you can convey your emotions and gratitude to your close ones who have supported you throughout your graduation journey. Your success is their triumph, and your gratitude, their reward. Don’t forget, you can also share these heartfelt thank you messages on your social media profiles like Facebook or Instagram with a caption celebrating this momentous achievement!

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    PERSONAL ESSAY: On Graduating in a Pandemic. Four years ago, I entered Yale as part of the class of 2021, and now the year I both dreaded and anticipated is here. It's 2021; my senior spring. What I imagined would be a victory lap after three and a half of the best years of my life looks a lot more like a slog to an ever-moving finish line.

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    Now that you are graduating, you are at the commencement of a brand new voyage. Good wishes to my best friend on your achievement and to your brand new life. Congratulations graduate. Many wishes to you on your graduation. You have done the impossible, my friend. Having a degree is an honorable thing.

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  21. Celebrate and Soar: 53+ Inspirational Middle School Graduation Messages

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  22. 100+ Graduation Thank You Messages and Quotes

    Thank you for being part of my success. For all your efforts, love, and support, I cannot say enough thanks to you in a lifetime. Love you, mom and dad. Thank you for all your efforts and words on my graduation. You are indeed a blessing from God. Mom and Dad, you both are the priceless blessing in my life.

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