Ava True Goddard’s Valedictorian Speech

We couldn’t be more proud of our 2023-2024 Valedictorian, Ava True Goddard. Here is the moving speech she delivered at graduation.

Good morning everyone! As you know my name is Ava True Goddard and I was given the opportunity to speak to you today at this 2024 graduation!

I would like to start this speech off by explaining my story with this school and how it has helped me. I have been here since 6th grade and throughout these 3 years there have been some struggles not just at school but in my own personal life.

As some of you may know in 2020 my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and when I had started 6th grade at Discovery Academy that was when my mother was very close to passing and in the last couple of weeks when we knew it was coming I didnt have the will to go to school very often but when I came I was never shamed for missing school, I was never pushed to come more, and I always had someone in my corner and I cant be more grateful for that.

Throughout all of the hard things life has thrown at me I’ve always been able to come to this school and know that I am supported, I am respected, and most importantly i am loved, and thats not something that many kids are able to say about the school they go to because many children were never given the opportunity to have such a close relationship with not just my teachers but all of the teachers in the school and I think that is really a special thing.

I would like to take a moment to thank some of the people who have helped me get to where am i today standing before as the valedictorian of my class.

Most importantly I have to start with my brother, Jude Goddard, who has been driving me and picking me up from school since seventh grade. He is my most important person whether he knows it or not because he always cared even when it felt like no one did and even though we never really express are emotions to each other we both silently have each others backs no matter what and I still will no matter what have your back, Jude. I love you so so much.

I would like to thank all the elementary school teachers and of course Ms. Heather for being there for me throughout the years and always having my best interest in mind it has helped shape me into the human being I am today and I am really grateful that I had you all in my life for these past 3 years specifically, Ms Heather, Ms. Ashley, Ms Kendra, and Ms. Victoria.

I of course can not forget about my own amazing teachers, Ms. Nancy, and Mr. Al, who have been my teachers for the past 3 years and have helped me grow as a person and as a student from Cs in 6th grade to straight As. I have changed so much and I have given them so much crap over the years but I still love them very much and I will always hold them close to my heart.

I also have to give thanks to my dog, Finn, who is my cuddle bug in the morning to get me up and who stays with me when I’m writing papers for school last minute. He is my life and I love more than I can express with words.

Last but very not least my dad, he is the person who as much as I don’t like it, knows me best and always knows how to get rid of any nerves I feel for speeches just like this and also knows how to get on my nerves more than any other person and for that I love him more then I think anyone really knows so just for you dad I love you most.

For my last bit I want to tell my other classmates that no matter how much you guys get on my nerves I really do wish you guys good lives and good careers and hopefully some good grades in highschool so at this moment I will say my last thank you for a speech at this school.

Thank you.