A valedictorian speech from a Texas high school graduation has touched the hearts of parents and graduates as the student delivered a deeply moving commencement just hours after his father's funeral.
On May 16, the high school valedictorian Alem Hadzic stood before a crowd just after he attended his father's funeral, who had passed away the previous day from pancreatic cancer.
Miralem Hadzic, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 52, had passed away the day before. Yet Alem managed to channel his grief into a powerful address that has moved the audience and has since been shared by thousands on social media.
Texas Valedictorian Delivers Emotional Speech
Alem's demeanor was unusually somber as he prepared to speak. During his speech, he revealed that people were wishing him luck before coming on stage and shared that he was blowing those well wishes.
He shared that he doubted himself if he could stand in front of the crowd during the ceremony as his father's death was still fresh in his memory, and the emotional toll was evident.
"My father died yesterday, May 15, 2024, and I attended his funeral today, right before graduation," Alem revealed to the audience, his voice shaking. The crowd gasped as he continued, explaining why his shoes were muddy and his hands were unsteady. "I had to carry him to his grave and bury him."
Alem's candidness struck a chord with his classmates and teachers. He shared that only a few close friends knew about his father's passing.
He later proceeded to admit that he does not want to stand in front of everyone and do the speech after his passing, however, he also expressed the desire to not throw away the hard work of his father for him to come this far.
His determination to honor his father's efforts and dreams for him was palpable. This fall, the valedictorian plans to study chemical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin.
Furthermore, in his valedictorian speech, he highlighted planning to work hard every day to achieve all of his goals in an effort to fulfill his father's wishes for him.
The crowd felt the emotional speech. Though he had a prepared speech, Alem chose to speak from the heart about his father, revealing that he had a new influx of emotions and could not just read off a script. With that, the Early College High School graduate received a standing ovation from everyone.
A Lasting Legacy
In the weeks leading up to his father's death, Alem shared a poignant memory. His father, Miralem, called him downstairs to narrate a basketball game.
Alem recalled that his father could not see the screen and proceeded to ask him what was going on. Alem stated that, with a heavy heart, what he was fearing was happening and proceeded to stay there with him and do just that. It reminded him of watching the Mavericks together, a cherished childhood memory.
Since Alem's speech went viral, he has received numerous emails from people sharing their own experiences.
"It's so comforting. Strangers are sharing their experiences with me so that I don't feel so alone," he said. "I'm responding to every single person."
Alem's story highlights the strength of familial bonds and the resilience needed to overcome personal loss.
As he embarks on his college journey, he carries his father's legacy with him, determined to make him proud.
