Why Do Valedictorians Give Speeches?

For someone who academically excelled in school, an award to honor your efforts is in order. And the school entrusting you to give a speech is a tremendous honor in itself.

What is the purpose of a valedictorian speech?

Above all, however, the primary aim of the valedictory address is to allow a representative of the graduating class to bid a final farewell to the students and to the school, as the graduates prepare to disperse and to begin the next phase of their lives.

What is the purpose of commencement speeches?

The purpose of the commencement speaker should be to inspire the members of the graduating class, not to amuse or to instruct them, and certainly not to bore them. Of course, in inspiring, he may make use of humor, may instruct, convince, and actuate, but these should be incidental to the main end of inspiration!