Rasmussen Sisters: A Tale of Two Speeches, Two Inspirations, One Graduation Stage

By: Donya Hassanshahi

On Wednesday, May 31st, graduation will be held for the class of 2023 at 7pm in the Mineral King Bowl.

During this momentous occasion, Hailey Rasmussen, ’23 has the honor of writing and delivering a speech addressed to her class and attendees.

Instead of having the valedictorian deliver a speech, Ranger seniors must meet certain requirements to try-out. From there, they are able to perform their speeches to the judges, from which they are told if they are the individual to speak at graduation.

Rasmussen says the audition process began last Monday, May 15th. Considering the graduation date is around-the-corner, Mrs. Barba-Tepper told her the results on Tuesday, May 16th, during her fourth period.

Despite her anxieties about finding out whether she was going to speak, Rasmussen says she is looking forward to the memorable event. “I feel like, in a way, it’s kind of my way to end with a bang. I’m just excited to have this on graduation day to look forward to, and almost help things feel more complete.”

At the 2021-2022 graduation, Rasmussen’s sister, Redwood Alumnus Brynlee, gave a speech to her class of 2022. Rasmussen says that her sister influenced her to pursue the idea, although her older brother, Ethan, auditioned but did not get the opportunity.

“Having Brynlee doing it, it was like something I was really wanting for myself as well. She helped me edit my speech when it came down to it and helped give me ideas on how to present it, which was really helpful,” she says.

As the date is nearing, Rasmussen says, “I’m excited for what the Class of 2023 has in store for them in the future.”

Within her speech, she says she will integrate the possibilities of what the future will hold, the pandemic-induced high school experience, and the resilience her class has built from that as students and individuals.

Karli Rasmussen, ’25 was a freshman at the time Brynlee delivered her speech, and now a sophomore as Hailey delivers hers.

She says, “I’m looking forward to watching my sister graduate, even though it’s sad that she’s leaving, but I’m excited to see her up there on the stand. I think that she’s worked so hard throughout her whole high school [career], and I think she deserves it so much.”

Although Karli has not yet heard Hailey’s speech, she says, “I think it will reflect her as a student…It shows the dedication that she puts into school and everything that she’s done. I think that she’s also a really sweet person, so she puts a lot of thought into everything, so her speech will really reflect that. I look up to her a lot.”

Former Ranger Brynlee Rasmussen will be in attendance on Wednesday night to celebrate her sister and the graduating class.

Brynlee says she was initially worried that Hailey would not have a fair chance since she gave a speech the year before. “I don’t think it’s very common that two sisters in two back-to-back graduating years get to give a speech for the graduating class, and that her being my sister didn’t make it so that she couldn’t speak,” she says.

Though her trepidation, she says, “…but Hailey practiced a lot, took suggestions really well regarding her speech, and has always been a natural public speaker, so I wish I could say I was so pleasantly surprised to learn she got it—but I was not. I’m just so proud of her.”

Two things Brynlee says she is looking forward to is, “One, seeing Hailey present the speech she has worked so hard on, and two, watching the entire 2023 graduation class get their diplomas. It is always so sweet seeing everyone’s smiles knowing that they did it, they graduated, and they have so much to move on to.”

Given the positive experience when delivering her speech at graduation last year, Brynlee says, “I hope that Hailey experiences a sense of pride for her class, her school, and all her teachers as she stands on that podium. I hope she realizes that there are so many people that helped get them all there, and that there is so much they all have and will accomplish.”

Upon writing a graduation speech, Brynlee says there are three aspects to consider when organizing one’s thoughts. “a) A good speech is one that comes from a combined “we,” meaning that the speaker and his/her class are as one…I would not suggest anyone write from the “I” perspective…It is important to be the class speaker, therefore include your class. b) Focus most importantly on a gripping introduction and a heartfelt conclusion. That is what people remember most, so spend the most time on those sections. c) Write down the things that your whole class might have experienced and talk about some of those experiences.”

“As I told Hailey and would like to tell everyone else: you miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take. For those hoping to speak someday, just try, because if you don’t try, there’s a one hundred percent chance you won’t make it. And, if you do try, there’s a chance you will get the opportunity to do something amazing.”

Brynlee Rasmussen, Redwood Alumnus

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