Each year, seniors are able to audition to become one of the two students to present a speech at graduation. This year’s audition date was on April 18 and those auditioning were expected to present their 3-minute speech to the panel of staff judges. Seniors Elleni Yeshiwas and Chrystian Vaughn-Taylor were chosen as this year’s speakers.

Yeshiwas chose to audition because she thought it would be a great way to end her 13-year chapter at Pattonville. She has plenty of experience speaking (and singing) in front of large crowds, with her being the lead ‘Belle’ in this year’s production of Beauty and the Beast. However, it is safe to say that writing her own speech was probably a bit different from memorizing lines from a classic fairytale.

“I didn’t decide to officially audition until the day of because I wasn’t very confident in my speech, and then I got it and was surprised,” she said. “My speech is satirical and has a lot of references that will be appreciated by anyone that has gone to Pattonville or worked at Pattonville will know.”

Chrystian Vaughn-Taylor is also used to being in front of an audience, but as a varsity drill team member for the past two years, her experience is moreso with dancing than with public speaking.

“I’ve always thought about doing a graduation speech, but I thought only valedictorians could do it until I saw the audition sign,” she said. “I thought I might as well tryout, no matter the outcome. I’m social, but talking in front of big crowds is a whole different ballgame.”

Despite any past anxiety, both speakers are honored to get the chance to engage with their fellow classmates as well as their guests during the ceremony on May 24 at The St. Charles Family Arena. The graduation ceremony starts at 7 p.m.