Eleanor Eaglin Salutatorian Speech | May 31, 2026

Somewhere around three years ago or so, I found myself sitting at my dining room table with my brother and his then-girlfriend, Mary, talking about school—the extracurriculars, the grades, the class rankings, basically everything that I looked up to Mary for but hadn't really achieved myself.

As I watched her excitedly rambling on about her plans and upcoming activities, I thought about how I didn't really have a plan for myself or any idea about where my life would go over the upcoming years. I continued to ponder this revelation over the next couple of days, and one morning on the way to school I thought to myself that it would be completely awesome if I was able to rise to the top of my class and maybe even become valedictorian or salutatorian someday.

I knew at that moment that I finally had a goal to work toward, but I was immediately discouraged because I thought there were so many other deserving people in my class who would surely do better than me and that I could never rank so highly.

As you can see, I'm standing here today because I pushed myself further than I ever thought I could go.

The reason I wanted to share all of that with you today is because, for one, I promised myself that if I ever was giving a speech at graduation that I would give Mary a shoutout for inspiring me, but also because what I want my fellow graduating classmates to walk out of here today with is the reminder that they can do anything they put their minds to.

I have seen firsthand, from both personal experience and from watching my classmates grow over these four years, that there is no dream that is out of reach. Oftentimes, especially in today's society, it feels like you are put in a box that defines who you are. But even though you may have been unfairly categorized, you should never let that box hold you back.

Know that you are capable of achieving anything you want to do, even if it seems like an insurmountable mountain to climb. My standing here today is proof that you can exceed expectations and achieve whatever your heart desires.

So never lose faith in yourself because I know that each and every one of you will go on to do great things that will satisfy your dreams.

The other note that I wanted to add is that no matter where you go in life, you will always have someone who will be there to support you. That person could be a million miles away or living in your own home, and either way you will have someone who will always be on your side.

I've struggled with feeling like I'm all alone, as I'm sure many of you have at some point or another, but it is imperative that you remember that there is someone out there who will love you unconditionally.

Never trade who you are just so that people will like you more or because you're afraid that you have to fit someone else's ideal just to be loved. You are who you are meant to be, and you will do the things you're meant to do.

Life is unpredictable, so try new things, remember your roots, grow and aspire, and live with confidence that you are where you are meant to be. You have people that love you, you have every capability of achieving your goals, and you are enough just because you are you.

Love with everything in you, dream with all your heart, and use some common sense as you go out into the world.

Thank you.