I was told that in order to run for a position on the Grad Council, I was to make up a fantastic speech to read in front of my Grad class today. Well, I have that disease where I have to do things differently from everyone else. I don't know what it is, I'm just one of "those" people. Some refer to us as the "freaks" or "unique" but I refer to myself as being orginal. And that's why I'm not going to win today.

     You see, I have lived in Kimberley for 17, almost 17 years. As long as I have my numbers correct, that means I've pretty much lived here throughout my entire life span. Yeah, I'm one of those born and raised but I'm almost proud of it. Moving on...

     Every year people say, "I'm going to make my Grad year original, different... we're going to create a theme no one has ever thought of before and we're going to do it well." So far, since after the first year, everyone's failed miserably. But hey, what can you do differently with Grad anyway, right? It's the same deal every year. Nothing changes. Ohhhh how it can... but it won't.

     The thing about the Grad Executive voting system is fairly simple. It's a popularity contest hands down. People feel as though they're betraying their friends if they don't vote for them. They feel as though they're not doing the right thing if they vote for the "outsider" so they end up voting for the person who will create a theme that was the same as the year before and the year before that. Nothing ever changes. People feel comfortable staying within their safety box so that's where they stay.

     Next year we enter college, university or end up doing whatever it is we feel comfortable with doing. It's not going to matter who you voted for for your Grad Executive team because everyone who runs for it is doing it for the same reason. We all want to make this year a year to remember. We all want to make sure everything goes okay and everyone has a great time. Which, I'm certain, will inevitably happen. I mean, it's Grad. It only happens once. No errors, no faults. Just a lot of hard work, compassion, and dedication that goes into making your year a memorable one. And even if the stage were to collapse, it would still be remembered by all who participated in their one special day. No matter what happens, that day will be a very special time for a great number of people.

     I ask you only this. Don't vote for your best friend. Don't vote for someone because they have the nicest clothes, the nicest car, the nicest legs or the largest bank account. Vote for them because you feel they will do the best of their ability to ensure that your day is the best day of your life. I hope that everyone who wins positions on this committee realizes the power they have and I ask only that they make sure they consult everyone on the council on decisions made. It's not just one person's vision that is at stake. You have to work as a team and represent your class. Only then will you succeed with terrific achievements in the end.

     Thank you for your time. Happy voting and good luck.