In Sanhedrin High’s Commencement, Every Graduate Gets a Valedictory Speech

Sanhedrin High School, an alternative school in rural town called Willits in Northern California, was established in 1989 for students seeking alternatives to Willits High School’s curricula. With a 1:12 teacher to student ratio (about half the national average), Sanhedrin can give students (especially those with learning disabilities), the specialized attention they need. The word “Sanhedrin” is rooted in the Greek synedrion, meaning “sitting together,” and was used to describe the assembly of twenty-three judges appointed in the Biblical Land of Israel. A fitting name for a school with a graduating class of twenty students, that, due to its size and unique community, has tackled challenges and developed traditions associated with commencement in its own idiosyncratic way.

A Resource for Writing Your Commencement Speech

Have you been asked to give a commencement speech? With Fall commencement coming up, you may have been asked as an expert in a given field to offer words of guidance and encouragement to a new graduating class or as valedictorian it might be your duty to give a farewell address. Either way, public speaking is always a somewhat frightening prospect. Graduation Wisdom offers a vast collection of famous inspirational quotes and of commencement speeches by famous figures such as Meryl Streep and Steve Jobs. These speeches are an excellent resource, but remember to attribute quotes and ideas to those who came up with them!