Well hello you diverse bunch of students from my hometown, my name is Luffy Richard, you may have heard of me. Probably not, because I did nothing of worth during my high school years besides disappoint everyone. Well, I am here today to inspire the hell out of the youths of today by saying: you can be as mediocre in high school as you want and still be a success. The teachers here are garbage and don't give a crap, except for you, Mr. Cassida, you rock.

I mean, look at me! I am a third line winger on a junior team that hasn't made the play-offs since I was drafted. I share a tiny apartment with a reporter who besmirches me every chance he gets. Also, his prose is lacking.

Now, your parents are going to get on your case--excuse me that's my microphone--and tell you to apply yourself. What they mean is: do what your told without thinking so you look good on paper. Forget about that. don't let yourself get burned out trying to memorize things. Its more important to learn the fundamentals and basics, even if you don't shine bright like a Diamond. Learn how to treat people with kindness, even the weird kid who plays hockey during lunch against the wall because someday he is gonna be a journeyman winger trying to rise above his late start.

because at the end of the day--you can turn off the power all you want, I am very loud--feeling good about yourself, how you treat others, the work you do, the hobbies you have, the way you deal with stress, is more important than the grades you get in high school. Many of you are going to go to college and find professors that will be as passionate as you about the things you care about, and others who will find trade schools that will give you the tools you need to live the life you want, and even others who want to create and put beautiful things in the world, all of these paths are valid. Don't let anyone tell you they're not. And if your high school invites you to speak to a bunch of kids who would rather be anywhere else than in an auditorium without air conditioning, at least entertain them by being arrested for poorly telling them the truth.

Luffy RIchard,

out.


Yeah, I think that is how the speech would go.