Tonight's Ceremonial Speech

Ms. Whitley, Honored Guests, and fellow students,

            The task of finding someone or something for which I am thankful in and of itself was

not difficult; the mere fact that I knew I would be standing before you this evening at Wiregrass Georgia

Technical College was all the motivation I needed. I often cite a quote from the great poet Maya

Angelou, who said, “Not having is no reason for not getting.” With this thought in mind, my

dream to enroll in college—even though it came twenty-seven years after graduating high school

—intimidated me, if for no other reason than wondering where I would get the money with

which to continue my education. In that regard I, Duncan Scott Jackson, would like to thank the

state of Georgia for literally funding my dream. The availability of the Hope and Pell grants ensure that I will

attain a college education.

            I would also like to thank Wiregrass Georgia Technical College for providing an envi-

ronment in which I can flourish; the student body is friendly and positive, the support staff has

been and continues to be knowledgeable and helpful in every way imaginable, and the instructors

have been both competent and caring. While time will not allow me to single out every instructor

who has influenced me over the past year, I would like to call particular attention to Nancy Els-

berry and Michael Young, both of whom have instilled within me a greater reason for critical

thinking; but more importantly, on this night, I would like to thank my Public Speaking instruct-

tor, Ms. Christine Whitley.

            Would you believe that just two weeks into this semester I had the audacity to tell her

that she had very little to teach me? In my ignorance and arrogance I reduced her credibility as

an accomplished instructor to nothing (turn and face her), and for that I am truly sorry. You have

shown me that there is more to public speaking than just speaking in public, and this experience

has been a reminder that at all times we should remain humble. I am humbled before you now, and

appreciate the fact that you did not give up on me when it seemed I was so ready to give up on you.

            (Turn back to audience) As I bring this speech to a close I would like to ask one favor

from each of you: Do not applaud me for having the courage to stand before you this evening. Do not

applaud the speech you have just heard; instead applaud the state, the institution, and the instructors who

have made this speech possible. Thank you.