So, my friend Chuck was preparing his speech for Christian Academy's graduation when he asked me a dreaded question -- did I have any remembrance of the speeches given at my graduation? Wow. Should I honor the importance of the speech he was preparing and tell him what a huge impact the speeches at my graduations have had on me ... or should I be truthful?

I was truthful. I do not have a clue who spoke at my high school graduation. Well, I take that back, I do remember the two students who spoke. Maneesha Lal and Amy Hoffman. Or was it Amy Hoffman and Maneesha Lal? Anyway, they were valedictorian and salutatorian. I remember that because I was third in my class. There's no fancy name for the person who is third in their class. It's a simple word for the person who is third -- "Loser".

Anyway, I recall them speaking but I do not have a clue who the guest speaker was, nor what anyone said.

At my college graduation, students did not speak. They did not recognize the top students at my college. Something about not wanting to promote competition. I was okay with that because I was third in that class, too. (Loser.)

However, one of my profs spoke. Mary Ann Sullivan. She spoke on making each day better than the day before. She referred to Bruce Springsteen's "Glory Days" lyrics. It was very cool. And I remember it.

The other speaker was Elton Trueblood. I remember he was very old. Something like 85 at the time. I confess -- it was hot in the gym, I wanted out of there, and I didn't listen to a word he said. I regret that now.

So, how about you? Do you remember the speakers or what was said at your graduation(s)?