Not every graduate gets to stand at the podium. But for two students at this year’s commencement, the honor of being chosen as student speakers came after a careful selection process to find the voices that best represent the Class of 2025. Many schools select one or two graduating seniors to speak on behalf of their class at graduation, reflecting on their high school years, highlighting class memories and giving advice for the future.
This year’s student speakers were Austin Anderson and Avery House.
Avery House (they/them), 12, was chosen as one of the student speakers. House explains that there are levels each applicant must go through.
“[Applicants] submit drafts of [their] speeches and the administration selected the ones they thought were best. Those people gave their speeches in front [of] an audience (admin and some counselors) who had a rubric they would fill out for the speech.”
The process wasn’t just about writing; it was also about performance. Students were judged on both content and delivery, making the competition as nerve-racking as it was rewarding.
“Austin Anderson and I tied in this part, so they had us each do our speeches again in front of [a] different group. Our scores were really similar again, so they had both of us speak,” said House.
Rather than choosing just one winner, the decision was made to honor both voices, allowing each speaker to bring a unique perspective to the stage on graduation day.
(Addy McEleney)
For House, the opportunity is more than a recognition, it’s a responsibility. It’s a chance to reflect on four formative years and leave peers with a message that matters.
“High school was where I personally figured out a lot about myself. Everything from music and clothing tastes to career goals. I liked high school overall, but I know that most people really don’t, so I wanted to make it clear in my speech that it’s okay to be excited to move on while still caring about the school.”
Balancing honesty with optimism, House’s message speaks to the bittersweet reality of graduation: honoring what’s been, while also looking ahead to what’s next.
Austin Anderson (he/him), 12, was also chosen to be one of Liberty’s student speakers at their 2025 graduation.
“After I heard that Liberty allowed seniors to audition for the speech, I thought it would be fun to throw my hat in the ring.”
What started as a fun opportunity became a meaningful challenge.
Anderson chose the message: “To live a life of no regrets.”
But finding the right way to express that message took time.
“In the beginning, I struggled to figure out what I wanted to say, and how I would convey that message. I looked up what other grad speeches were like to get a sense for what to do. I knew I wanted to do something unique,” said Anderson.
Eventually, inspiration struck.
“So I brought together something fun with the message I wanted to convey and spoke from the heart,” Anderson said.
High school has many important lessons to teach. “I think the most important thing I learned at Liberty is to not be afraid to try new things. High school has been such an amazing experience with high highs, but sadly some low lows.”
His speech reflected a balance of the excitement, the struggle, and the growth. “I think my speech reflects the things I have learned and celebrates some of the things we have achieved.”
But the reward went beyond finishing the speech. “The most rewarding part was seeing that people liked its uniqueness. I learned while writing the speech that I cannot only present my information in a fun way, but also make something that has an impact on people.”
“My speech highlights that our class has done some amazing things and done them in a fun and memorable way,” Anderson said.
As someone who’s grown through his high school years, Anderson offered advice he wishes he could give his younger self. “If there was one thing I could say to my freshman self, it would be, stop studying so much and listen to the voice of interest inside you,” Anderson said.
Student speakers help to mark the special moment of graduation with meaning and a final message for the graduating class before they go on to the rest of their lives.
