When He Approached The Microphone At Graduation, He Revealed Something Devastating

• Dec 17, 2015
• by Alex Song

This was a high school graduation ceremony of Christchurch Boys’ High School in New Zealand. Jake Bailey, the senior monitor of the school, had recently been diagnosed with Burkittnon-Hodgkinson Lymphoma, a form of cancer, and was on aggressive treatment. He was not to leave his hospital big he managed to come to the graduation where he made his speech that moved everyone to tears.

The headmaster, Nic Hill, took the mic to Jake who was sitting on his wheelchair, and being wheeled by others towards the stage. Everyone stood up and clapped loudly to welcome him. He began by ranking about how he had written the speech he had to deliver that day a week before he had been diagnosed with the cancer. He was stood he had three weeks to live unless he sought immediate treatment. He had also been told that he would not be able to deliver the speech that day but there he was, bravely talking about what an amazing year it had been. He quoted Issac Newton’s famous line, ‘If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.’ This greater vision was not because of better eyesight or because of being taller; rather it was because of having greater knowledge than our predecessors as they left us with enough material to carry on with rather than to begin from the scratch. For Jake, these giants were the education, knowledge and training that the Christchurch Boys’ High School had offered them. He then continued to thank everyone for supporting him, for believing in him at all times, so much so to feel that he was worthy of being the monitor. Even though Jake would doubt his own capabilities, whether he was deserving or not and be afraid of the things to come, it was this faith of everyone around him that made him never stop striving for better, and to be a thorough leader.

In the light of this, he quoted Theodore Roosevelt’s famous quote which he said he held close to his heart and at that mown the in time could understood better and relate to too. He read the quote out, ‘It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.’

He continued to give his thanks to all those in his team who had greatly helped him, among which were his deputies who had been an amazing source of support and given him strength, helping him at every turn and making every day of his better. He thanked the monitors for letting him be part of the group, the brotherhood and for the support they had showed him. He praised each of them for being exceptional people, who will go far in life. He thanked the student body and the three teachers who had helped him out immensely.

He then read out what he had written before he had gotten admitted, where he talked about the incredible transition they had all been through; becoming men from boys. He credited this not to one moment or night but to the entire journey that they have had with people helping them at each step.

His note of thanks to his teachers Wes particularly touching, where he thanked them for putting so much effort in trying to teach them, demanding excellence out of them when they were not really ready to give it. He then thanked the parents, for everything they had done from dragging them out of beds to paying their fee, attending all events and helping out in the studies. He continued to thank every aspect and every thing that the school had taught them and inculcated in them.

He ended the speech on a positive note, wishing good luck to everyone and hoping to stay friends always. This was the first time in the 14 minute speech that he allowed himself express his emotions fully as he dried his eyes. There was an uproarious applause for him and his headmaster kept a comforting hand on his shoulder.

His friends then went on to perform the school anthem and dance for him. You can see the pain in his eyes as he watches them, being unable to join them. But being the brave man that Jake is, he soon controlled himself and smiled at his friends, watching them with full attention, smiling for their thoughtfulness. He mouthed ‘thank you’ to them when they finished. Jake joined in the school song and smiled bravely though out.

The faculty dos things out of order that night to allow Jake to be able to be there in perish for eh important parts. They awarded the prize for Senior Monitor 2015 next to Jake to acknowledge his leadership. Admits more clapping and a standing ovation Jake was wheeled out.

Jake’s speech was remarkably thoughtful and eloquent. He spoke so well, cracking jokes, thanking everyone that you listened out of interest rather than feel pity for him. His words ‘Here is the thing, none of us get out of life alive. So be galant, be great, be gracious, and be grateful for the opportunities that you have. This is what Jake has been living by, and inspires us to be; gallant in the truest sense of this word.