In a heartfelt address to the graduating class of 2024, a speaker celebrated the students' achievements and resilience, emphasizing the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The event, attended by educators, parents, and friends, highlighted the significance of this milestone in the students' lives.

Drawing inspiration from the story of Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest, the speaker underscored the importance of perseverance and self-discovery. Whittaker's journey from a stockroom clerk to the CEO of Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) served as a powerful metaphor for the graduates, illustrating that true success is not just about external accomplishments but also about personal growth and overcoming challenges.

The speaker encouraged the graduates to embrace their own \"Mount Everest,\" a metaphor for the personal challenges they will face in life. By adhering to Whittaker's wisdom that one can only conquer oneself, the speaker instilled a sense of confidence in the students, urging them to believe in their potential to overcome adversity.

Concluding the address, the speaker imparted a final lesson: \"You make you.\" This message emphasized the role of personal agency in shaping one's future, acknowledging the support of family, friends, and educators while reinforcing the graduates' responsibility for their own paths forward. The ceremony served not only as a celebration of academic achievement but also as a call to action for the graduates to forge their own destinies.