“I’ve always been a rule follower. When they said not to chew gum, I didn’t chew gum. When they said not to use your cellphone, I didn’t use my cellphone. But today, in the spirit of defying expectations, and for perhaps the last time at this podium, I say..."
Early College High School valedictorian Alem Hadzic has gone viral after he took the stage at his graduation ceremony to deliver his speech—just hours after his father's funeral.
"When we exited the movie I was so angry I cried and I don’t think I have cried so hard in a very long time... Please pass this on I want people to know what happened. This was horrible."
"I know what it’s like to see parents and children stare at your child, laugh at them or worse…walk away from them. People would understand if your child looked different, if you were pushing them in a wheelchair or if they had a walking frame. I see your child’s disability even when they don’t look disabled."
