Shaan Patel: Valedictorian dumps girlfriend on stage, Ed W. Clark High School - 2015

2015, Clark High School, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

So, I was gonna stand up here today and talk about my biggest accomplishment during high school, which most of you may already know....how I brought sexy back.

Unfortunately, that idea didn't make it past administration, so instead, I want to tell you a story about this girl I met. I've known her for four years now and she's become my best friend. Although we've had some ups and downs in our relationship, she will always be in my heart and I will never forget her.

When I first met this girl, I was unsure about how close we would eventually get. Many of my friends told me to stay away from her and instead, pursue this other girl who seemed more attractive and lived closer to home. Plus, the first few times I hung out with her, it didn't seem like she paid much attention to me because she already had so many other friends.

Nevertheless, I stuck it out through though and am glad I did, because as it turns out, I discovered that this girl is absolutely perfect for me. She has introduced me to some of my best friends. I've spent most of my life for the past four years with this girl; I've had so much fun with her. We ran joggers together, dissected cats together, had a senior barbecue, and she was even with me the night of homecoming. Sometimes, I would be with her from the early morning to late at night - four, five, even six days a week. But I've cherished every minute with this girl and I love hear with all my heart.

I could not have been happier with any other girl. However, the relationship I once had with this girl will never be the same because one week ago, she died of my life(?). This girl's name is Clark High School.

I hope my mom's blood pressure is back to normal now and so, we all share this one common best friend, Clark. She has always been there for us, unconditionally, during our times of joy, pain and excitement. Although she departed from our lives, her memory will live on. As we continue our journey through life, she shall never forget this friend, whom all of us have come to know so intimately. Remember all that she has given us, what she has taught us, the friends she introduced us to, the laughter and the happiness she has brought us.. And most important, the exceptional character she has brought out in each and every one of us.

Although I will be spending the next four years of my life with another girl, this one will always stay in my heart. And so finally, I'd like to thank God, my parents, my family, and my friends, for helping me make the decision four years ago to take the road less traveled and meet this girl. Because for me, it has made all the difference.