Keep Running: A Graduation Speech for the Class of 2020

Graduation was canceled, but that means that we have to be even more resilient. Below is the speech I prepared for a special celebration of one.

You can see the full ceremony here or here for two different views.

Good afternoon honored guests, esteemed faculty, parents, and the amazing graduating class of 2020. Before I begin my speech, we should note all who could not be here today through illness, bad Wi-Fi, or untimely passing. We love them and miss them dearly. However, we realize that they are all here with us in spirit on this joyous day.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for having been chosen to speak on such a momentous occasion. Of all the members of the class of 2020 I can imagine that there are many who might be as qualified than I am or perhaps more so. But I was chosen. So, I get to tell my story and give my advice.

In West Virginia High School Track and Field, there is an event called the 300 intermediate hurdles. The runners start a quarter of the way around the track, and all come towards the same finish line that is used for all events. The hurdles are high, but not that high. I just googled this while writing and it seems that they are 36 inches. Three feet doesn’t seem that daunting, but you’re running at full speed and you have to clear them and not lose…