Graduation Speech: Leah Boykins

Good morning, everyone- teachers, families, friends, and most importantly, the NBTHS graduating Class of 2025. Today marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. We stand here today as not just students graduating high school, but the next generation stepping out into a world that needs our ideas, our skills, and our compassion.

Before I dive into the vast future we have ahead of us, I would first like to spread

gratitude to those who helped us make it to this moment. Thank you to the teachers and NBTHS staff who supported our goals and believed in us when we didn’t believe in ourselves. Your encouragement and support not only helped us push through the rough times, it also taught us to advocate and believe in ourselves even when it felt like the world was against us. To our families and guardians, your sacrifices, encouragement, and love got us here. We owe you more than words can express.

Currently, a divide can be seen in our society, and it is only growing bigger as the days pass by. Through social media and other global platforms, we can see how the differences between the communities that make up our world are being used to put us against each other. Our unique qualities and characteristics are seen as a means to bring others down instead of lifting them up. We are all unique in our ways, and that is what connects us as humans; it is what makes our relationships with others so special. The world is lacking connection and compassion, and we must be the ones to fix it.

Over my years at NBTHS, I have noticed just how important the power of community is and what great things we can accomplish when we come together. Through programs like PUSH, Key Club, NHS, and more, we come together and put good back out into the world. Right now, the world needs leaders more than ever, so let’s go out and become those people who connect our community and give back. Leadership is not something we are born with, but a trait that is learned and nurtured through watching our role models. Luckily, today we are surrounded by them, their love, and their support. A big reason why I am this way today is due to my father. He taught me to be my own person and not be afraid to explore the world. My father always said that he spoke his mind and shared his opinions often because he didn’t want to regret not speaking up or be unable to say “What if?”. He also often said that good always comes back around, and that the more you put into the world the more that will come back to you and shine down on you. Maybe not today and maybe not in a way that was expected, but it would come when you need it the most. I take these two vital lessons and share them with you today in hopes that you will take them and implement them into every action and decision you make. My father instilled in me a voice to use not only for myself, but also for those who haven’t found theirs yet.

I hope that by spreading this message, you will go out into the world and use your voice for yourself, those you care for, and your community. We are the next generation. I know it is scary to think about, but it is our responsibility to give back and build a better future not only for ourselves, but for those who will come after us, our younger siblings, cousins, the children you met during the PUSH trips, Read Across America, or LEAL.

The world is at our fingertips. Let’s create a world that we are all proud to live in. Life is short and you never know when your time is up so instead of using it to be selfish or pour out negativity; use it as an opportunity to help better yourself and the people around you. Today, we choose to contribute to the world in our own way, not because we have to, but because we care.

Though my father is not physically present to guide my further growth in the many

leadership positions I hold in my life, he is still present in the work that I put in to be the leader I aspire to be. I still hear his encouraging words and feel his warmth whenever I deposit more positivity into my community. Use life as an opportunity to help better yourself and the people around you. Thank you for your time, and congratulations again to the graduating Class of 2025. This is your moment and you deserve it more than ever.