Alem Hadzic’s Inspiring Graduation Speech
On May 16, 18-year-old Alem Hadzic, a high school valedictorian from Texas, delivered a moving speech at his graduation ceremony, just hours after burying his father who had passed away after battling pancreatic cancer.
A Day of Challenges and Resilience
Earlier that day, Hadzic attended his father’s funeral and then drove to his graduation ceremony, where he began his speech with a heartfelt “Good Morning America” despite his visible emotions.
Overcoming Adversity
Reflecting on the day, Hadzic shared, “I was shaking before my speech because I knew what I wanted to say, but didn’t know how. It was a rough day, and I was silent as I processed my emotions.”
He bravely revealed his father’s battle with cancer, a fact he had kept private, and expressed his determination to succeed in college as a tribute to his father’s hard work and sacrifice.
Inspiring Others
Hadzic encouraged his peers to strive for success, emphasizing the importance of honoring loved ones through achievements. His emotional speech resonated with the audience, earning him a standing ovation.
He highlighted his close bond with his father, describing him as a selfless individual. Despite the challenges, Hadzic graduated with a 4.0 GPA and plans to pursue a degree in chemical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin.
His story serves as a reminder of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, inspiring others to pursue their dreams in honor of those who support them the most.
