All graduating seniors are encouraged to submit a candlelight speech for consideration. Each senior interested is invited to submit an essay that would be meaningful to the student and their classmates.

This essay can include memorable moments from your last four years at the high school, but the main focus of the essay should be a deeper more philosophical focus on what being a part of the Hamilton-Wenham school community has meant to you and what you have learned over the years.

The essay submission should be neatly typed, double-spaced, and 5-8 minutes in length.

The official date of the ceremony is Thursday, May 31st at 8 pm. The essay submissions are due Friday, May 3rd. Please submit two copies of your speech, one with your name and one without. The winner of the contest will be announced on Monday, May, 13th. 

In the weeks before the ceremony, the chosen speech will be revised by Mr. Hickey, and the presentation will be practiced with Mr. Shailor.

The administrative panel is excited to read your submissions, so please think about participating!

*It is the responsibility of the writer chosen to represent their class in a respectful manner. Any writer that falls out of favor with the school before the candlelight ceremony will be replaced with another candidate*