Graduation is a significant milestone in every student’s life. It is a time of celebration and reflection, a moment to express gratitude to those who have supported us along the way.
Students often share their journey, dreams, and hopes for the future during their graduation speech.
For Alem Hadzic, the valedictorian of Early College High School in Texas, this moment was different.
While other students stood in their bright, polished outfits, Alem stood there with muddy shoes and visibly trembling.
But as soon as he began to speak, the entire audience was moved to tears.
Just forty-five minutes earlier, he had buried his father, who died the day before from pancreatic cancer.
“My father died yesterday,” Alem began, shocking the audience. “And I attended his funeral today, right before graduation.”
His voice trembled as he explained why his shoes were muddy and his arms were shaking. He had just carried his father to his grave.
Alem’s father, Miralem Hadzic, was an immigrant from Bosnia who worked hard to provide for his family. He even delivered pizzas to give his children better opportunities.
Alem’s speech was a tribute to his father’s efforts. “I can’t throw something away he worked so hard for me to achieve,” Alem said.
“That’s why I am going to college and will work every hour to achieve my goals. That’s what he wanted, and I’m going to do it for him.”
Alem and his father shared a close bond, often watching basketball together. “He and I used to always watch basketball together when I was a kid. It’s one of the last things I did with him before he died,” Alem recalled.
In an interview, Alem shared how difficult the day was for him. “I had to go to my dad’s funeral for him. But I also had to go to my graduation for him.”
Speaking publicly about his father’s death had a deep impact on him. “I never felt more alone than right before I gave that speech. That changed when I saw the audience crying and moved by what I was saying.”
The community’s response was overwhelming. Strangers approached Alem after the ceremony, offering comfort and admiration.
“They made me feel better. They told me how strong I was, and it made me feel so good on such a dark day. It was what I needed.”
Alem plans to study chemical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin.
God places us in situations where we can grow and inspire others. Alem’s experience reminds us that even in dark times, God’s presence gives us strength and peace.
In his speech, Alem encouraged his peers to pursue their dreams and honor their loved ones. “I wanted to encourage everyone to do what I was doing. Succeed for your loved ones. They want you to succeed the most,” he said.
The superintendent of Alem’s school expressed pride in his achievements and moving speech. “We are so proud of Alem. The bravery and vulnerability he showed during the graduation ceremony were truly inspiring. It was an honor to celebrate him, and I’m confident he will do great things in the future,” she said.
Alem’s story reminds us that God provides us with the strength to overcome challenges and peace during difficult times.
It encourages us to honor the sacrifices made by our loved ones and to support one another during hardships.
WATCH: Valedictorian’s Speech Brings Crowd to Tears
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