Commencement Corner: Bryce Dershem’s Inspiring Graduation Speech
Secret of Success: Being True to Yourself and Helping Others through Vulnerability
I was so excited to read about Bryce Dershem’s commencement speech this past weekend, as reported by the New York Times. This exceptional high school senior caused a stir this weekend at his school in Voorhees Township, NJ, when he chose to stick with his originally prepared speech, rather than go with the highly censored version that his principal had insisted upon. Bryce boldly went forward with his intention of sharing his traumatic coming-out journey with his fellow graduates.
Unfortunately, the principal of Bryce’s school was not supportive, and attempted to squash Bryce’s brave oratory, by first cutting out his microphone, and then, by coming up to the podium and physically taking his speech away from him. It was disappointing to see an educator, a person who is supposed to empower and champion young adults, squash this young man’s spirit in such a cruel, blatant way. Subsequent to the principal’s behavior, a crew member came up to the podium and provided Bryce with an alternate microphone, so he could continue.
I’m so proud of Bryce for standing strong and continuing with his speech, despite the resistance of his principal, who (it has been reported) had been discouraging throughout the entire drafting process. It’s so important that, in such a challenging time, we give young people a platform to express their feelings and perspective about life. We must teach them that censorship is wrong, not something to tolerate – that if aired respectfully, diverse views can and should be aired publicly. Bryce was respectful and inclusive, and it’s unconscionable that the principal would try to censor him for “not being broad enough” in his address. Bryce did indeed bring up an issue that is relevant to his peers (and indeed to all of us) – mental health and self-acceptance. To wit, a woman in the audience later praised Bryce for addressing mental health for high schoolers – her own son didn’t make it through his own struggle – and she tearfully expressed gratitude to Bryce Dershem for increasing awareness and embracing his queer identity. Especially during divisive times, it’s critical that we extend support to anyone who is (or feels) marginalized.
The truth is that our young people, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, are more vulnerable than ever. The pandemic has made so many of us feel much more lonely and disconnected. For young college-bound students, poor mental health can not only keep them from going on to college, but from surviving at all. We simply cannot stand idly by while so many of them are feeling isolated and depressed.
Bryce spoke of struggling with his queer identity and then suffering through anorexia and suicidal thoughts while getting stronger – and surviving. He thanked those who supported him and even stood strong, that day, against an adult who sought to silence him.
My most heartfelt support and love go out to Bryce, his family, and all of his graduating classmates. He said “I hope I leave you with belief…I hope you believe in the strength it took to survive these past few years…to believe in what we have to look forward to in the future.”
I was particularly moved by his quote from the Buddha, “You yourself deserve your own love and support.” It was a beautiful message, not just for students who identify as queer, but for all young people embarking upon this promising new era of their lives. It’s been a tough year; congratulations for sticking with your goals and making it through to the end of line! A special shout-out to Bryce, and good luck in your journey at Tufts University next year.
If you’d like to read more about Bryce Dershem and his empowering speech, you can read the New York Times article here: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/27/nyregion/new-jersey-valedictorian-lgbtq-speech.html
Or watch Bryce’s speech yourself on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxLwg9lsbqY&t=328s