Aspen High School co-valedictorian speech: Owen Ramberg

Below is an excerpt from Owen Ramberg’s valedictorian speech to the Aspen High School Class of 2018:

First, don’t be afraid of failure. Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” I’m sure we’ve all had our fair share of challenges throughout high school, however, what I’ve learned is to take risks and embrace failure. In short, fall down seven times and get up eight.

Second, be persistent. My grandmother told me that “No” is just the beginning of a conversation.” I, along with all of you, have been told “no” countless times. Instead of taking the word “No” at face value use the rejection to fuel the fire inside of you. Rejection will make the success so much sweeter.

Third, choose optimism. Focusing on the negative will never lead to solutions. As the Class of 2018 enters the real-world, it is important that we all focus on the positive aspects of life. Instead of focusing on the drumbeat of negative news, I suggest paying more attention to the acts of kindness and generosity that surround us.

And last, as basketball coach John Wooden said, “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.” In short, be humble and treat everyone with respect.”

Thank you!