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Ocean
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Finally, the day of the graduation ceremony had arrived. I had become the school's valedictorian and we both Makai and I graduated with the highest of honors. Ben and Ryan, who hadn't put in as much effort in their earlier years, finished with honors as well, but at a rank slightly below ours.
After everyone had received their diplomas from our principal, the speeches began. There was one from the top teacher in the school, one from the principal and one from me. I was nervous about the speech, but I tried to not let it get to me at all. I knew that it would be OK as long as I stayed calm.
"Parents, faculty, administrators, and of course students, I want to thank you all for being here today. And I don't just mean that you showed up here. What I mean is that you all put in the work or the effort that it took to be here. Specifically, to my fellow students. I know what you all had to accomplish to make it to graduation."
