Closing Days Speeches

Guidelines, Dates & Requirements and Application

While all students will prepare personal statements to be presented at the Graduation ceremony, the Closing Day Assembly provides the primary opportunity for those students who would like to speak for the class as a whole. Graduates who want to prepare such a speech will need to apply to audition before the faculty and staff in the spring.

If there are more well-prepared speeches than there is time in the Closing Day Assembly to hear, we will, as a faculty, decide if one or more of the presentations should become part of the Graduation ceremony or the Mentors’ Assembly. Tone and content may also become a consideration in the faculty’s decisions.

Before applying, using the form at the bottom of this page, please familiarize yourself with the guidelines, dates and requirements.

Guidelines

Delivery time: 2 minutes.

The presentation can be in the form of a speech or a poem.

Speak for the class as a whole. Write in a style that conveys sincere appreciation for Saint Mark's and reflects what it means to be a graduate of this school. A fresh simile or metaphor can help unify your words. Humor may be introduced, if appropriate, but the overall tone of the address should be elevated and inspirational. Avoid cliches and button your speech with a strong conclusion.

If personal anecdotes are included, they should be woven in with Saint Mark’s memories that you shared with your class as a whole. Be sure of your facts. When expressing gratitude to classmates, family, and teachers, it is best not to mention individuals by name on the chance of disappointing someone whose name was accidentally omitted. The tone of the presentations should be inclusive, upbeat, and positive.

You are required to show an outline of your speech to Mrs. Scott before sending in your online application.

Some things to think about as you write might be:

• What values do you hope your class will carry with them as a result of being here?
• In what ways has the class grown as a result of being here?
• How have you learned to adapt to change, and/or to work through difficulty?
• How have you learned to appreciate and celebrate differences?
• How have the Seven Pillars of Character helped the class?
• What things are important in student life at the school and why?

Dates & Requirements

In the spring, set a time to go over your proposed Closing Day speech with Mrs. Scott. Her permission is required before you can apply to audition. She will also help you edit your speech. Ms. Sage will be available to coach you to be sure you are speaking effectively and staying within the time limit of 2 minutes.

Application
Student's First Name:
Student's Last Name:
Email Address:

Application is due by the last week in April.

Mrs. Scott’s permission is required before application is submitted.

A copy of this online application is automatically sent to both Mrs. Forrester and Mrs. Scott.