In their own words:

Valedictorians share

words of encouragement

COVID-19 has either delayed or forced online graduations for the class of 2020. What many view a right of passage — walking across a stage in front of cheering friends and family to grab your diploma — is not possible during the pandemic. But schools are doing their best to keep as many traditions in place. Graduation speeches for these valedictorians in Broward County and Palm Beach County are being prerecorded and delivered virtually.

Here are some of their words of wisdom.

“It may be five steps later or three hundred but eventually we’ll see that we have left our mark on this world.”

— Kaitlyn Tully, Calvary Christian Academy valedictorian

“While we may not be getting a grand and ceremonious send-off with all of the ‘pomp and circumstance’ which many people have so eloquently put, I think we know in our hearts that we are the most mature class of the past four years for being able to handle it. But also that this, along with anything else the world might decide to throw at us, will never stop us from succeeding.”

— Lorena Manasturean, Sheridan Technical High School valedictorian

“20/ 20, although cliche, signifies the clearest vision, one lacking denial and bias, a vision unclouded by things we cannot control. It is this lack of control that has allowed us to truly see what is important.” — Sivan Ben-David, NSU University

School co-valedictorian

“Are you going to live every day like you might be in quarantine the next day? I hope you do.”

— Sophia Graff, West Boca Raton Community High School valedictorian

“I’ve heard many kids say that ‘Senior year was supposed to be a movie, but ours has resulted in a short film instead.’ Honestly, I think it’s more of a trailer, a preview of the types of people we are and the types of feats we can accomplish.”

— Max Wyatt, Olympic Heights Community High School valedictorian

“I am incredibly proud of the work, desire, and strength the class of 2020 has put into getting here today. We have said for the past four years that we are the best class with 20/ 20 vision and all of that. And I want to make sure you all know that the circumstances we were given do not change this.”

— Samantha Sterghos, Piper High School valedictorian

“Let the pain we experience today be a lesson that we cannot take everything for granted. Let us empathize with our peers and pledge to help each other no matter how dire the circumstances. Let us adapt the situation at hand and overcome the obstacles ahead with new vigor and newfound wisdom. Finally, let us be the change we want to see in the world.” — Anish Ravichandran, American Heritage School co-valedictorian

“We have made it clear that we have more than enough vision and willpower to take on the world. There is no right way to continue from here; instead, our paths shall be paved uniquely by the choices we take — choices that fit us best.”

— Brandy Garcia-Velasquez, Palm Beach Lakes Community

High School valedictorian