Ava Selby
Contributing Writer
Photos provided by Gah Kaanagbara
Senior Gah Kaanagbara was the commencement speaker for the Class of 2024.
Graduation took place May 18, at Chaifetz Arena where Kaanagbara performed his speech.
The commencement speaker was chosen by the senior class after listening to each candidate’s speech. Students then voted on who they would prefer to speak at graduation.
The nominees were seniors Karson Bluette, Brady Curtis, Mia Willis, Ben Jordan, Johnathan Bass and Kaanagbara.
Jordan said, “Hearing all of the unique voices was my favorite part of this process. I think when we got to hear all of the additions, it was really cool to see how many different ways you can write this speech.”
Each speech featured its own unique message. About her speech, Willis said, “My favorite part of the process was when I read it to my parents for the first time because it was very emotional.”
Kaanagbara is a part of Thrive and Marketing and is involved in school activities including football, track and field, and talented 10.
A lot of work goes into producing the speech to be ready for graduation.
Kaanagbara said his writing process involved “using a lot of quotes from people and reviewing speeches from previous years. There was a lot of editing that went into it and speaking with Mrs. (Alexandria) Dickens about the speech and input of what to do and suggestions to make it stronger.”
Kaanagbara said his biggest inspiration when writing his speech was, “are people who are world shakers and people who revolutionize the world, and also my parents.”
About his experience, Kaanagbara said, “My favorite part was performing my speech and the crowd’s reactions to what I was saying.”
Gah plans to attend the University of Houston and study computer science while playing football for the university.
Kaanagbara said, “Last year I went to graduation and saw one of my friends be the commencement speaker. It really hit me with all that he was saying, after I wanted to be the next black person to do it.”
Support Our Sponsors
