Lillian Vanderpohl Salutatorian Speech | May 31, 2026

Good afternoon, families, faculty, peers, and Class of 2026.

I am truly so grateful and honored to be giving this speech here today. I'm going to try my best to keep this short, but I truly do not know how to sum up the past four years of my life into one short speech.

When Mrs. Geis informed me that I was going to be giving one of the Salutatorian speeches at graduation, I did what I usually do with all of my homework and waited until the last minute.

I think I have put this off so much not because I don't know what to say, but because it makes this moment real. All of the sayings like "I can't wait for this to be over" and "I can't wait to graduate" are finally here.

I think back to my freshman-year self when I looked up at the senior class and wanted to be just like them. I didn't realize that time could go by so fast because here we are, finally graduating.

I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't take a single second of senior year for granted. But I think I speak for many of us when I say it flew by too fast. With sports, classes, and extracurriculars, I found it hard to find a moment to stop, let everything sink in, and reflect on my final moments of high school.

I didn't realize that my favorite activities were coming to an end until the very last second—the last point in the sectional volleyball game, the last minute on the clock for cheerleading, or that last serve in tennis.

I didn't stop and appreciate that time until it mattered most. The same goes for many of my relationships here at OA. I took for granted all of the amazing people that surround me, especially my amazing friends and classmates who I have grown so much with.

Now that we have made it to the end of this road together, I want to leave my fellow classmates with a question—a question that has weighed on my mind a lot as graduation drew near.

One day at the beginning of senior year I was having a really bad day. It was one of those days where you feel like everything is working against you. In between classes, I stopped into one of my favorite teachers' classrooms and just began venting.

Usually, I am left with some form of advice or saying that makes me feel better, but this time he looked at me and asked, "Where does your value come from?"

I know it sounds like a simple question, but if I am being honest, it sat with me for months.

This past week I finally sat down and prayed about it.

My value comes from the fact that I hate tomatoes, I will only drink non-diet soda, and I love the color pink.

What I am really trying to say is that every small detail that comes together to make me, me, is what gives me my value.

Many times as we are growing up, we sometimes feel as though we are a second choice. We feel like there's something about us that makes us think we just aren't good enough.

But I am here to remind you that that is not true.

Every detail that comes together to form each of you is what makes you the individuals that you are. You are all unique, original, and irreplaceable people.

Against all odds, each and every one of you exists.

Remember this if you ever think that you are not good enough, skilled enough, or capable enough. Remember that each of you are on this earth because God has pieced you together and sent you to use your unique thoughts, opinions, talents, and abilities to do great things.

Life isn't about grades or GPAs. It's about the people you grow close to, the lessons you learn, and the memories you make.

It's about finding parts of yourself that were hidden before, embracing the aspects of yourself that you are scared of, and becoming uncomfortable in order to grow.

Thank you to the OA administration for all that you have done for the Class of 2026. Brick by brick you have built us a foundation for the rest of our lives.

Thank you to the OA teachers who have taught me so much more than the high school curriculum.

The OA teachers have given me something that no other school could: relationships and memories that will last me the rest of my life.

Thank you to my family for supporting me through anything and everything.

Especially thank you to my parents. You both have prepared me in so many ways for this world. I want you to know that everything I do is for you both. I would not be here if it wasn't for your unconditional love and unwavering support.

Lastly, thank you to the Class of 2026. We've bonded in ways that I would have never expected, and I have learned and grown so much with all of you.

You all have made these past four years unforgettable. I know that each of you will go and do great things in this world.

Thank you and good luck in all your future endeavors.