Oakville Valedictorian Graduation Speech: Don't Follow the Bell

Cheers rang out as 466 seniors walked across the stage at St. Charles Family Arena, and toward the next chapter of their lives.

“This ceremony marks a time in your life where you don’t have to follow the bell. You can choose to do just about whatever you want,” said valedictorian Charles Meyer, who will be attending the University of Missouri-Columbia in August.

The Class of 2012 accepted more than $7 million in scholarships, had a record-breaking four National Merit Scholarship Finalists and eight students with perfect attendance.

Students also remembered Aaron Hurst, in February. Flowers and a photograph represented the senior, whose parents accepted a diploma in his honor.