{"id":28327,"date":"2025-05-29T13:46:38","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T13:46:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=28327"},"modified":"2025-05-29T13:46:38","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T13:46:38","slug":"high-school-valedictorian-stripped-of-the-title-after-graduation-ceremony-sparking-online-outrage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=28327","title":{"rendered":"High School Valedictorian Stripped of the Title After Graduation Ceremony, Sparking Online Outrage"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36 ContentRenderer_paragraph-first___d_VF\">While school officials cited time limits and protocol, what Austin Tran actually said on stage has drawn praise rather than criticism, and offers no hint of the controversy that followed.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__wIGWH\">\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">A high school valedictorian in Kansas has had his title rescinded by school officials after delivering an unapproved speech during his graduation ceremony. The move has triggered widespread public backlash and an outpouring of support for the student.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div class=\"EmbedFacebook_embed-facebook-container__Q860l\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"fb-post fb_iframe_widget\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/photo.php?fbid=3526920937605849&amp;set=a.1795285454102748&amp;mWidth=350&amp;mHeight=534&amp;dWidth=600&amp;dHeight=534\" data-testid=\"photo\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"\" title=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/v14.0\/plugins\/post.php?app_id=493078077833106&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Df0c3ae3bec6f993bb%26domain%3Dnews.amomama.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fnews.amomama.com%252Ff07f2ca3cb5025f10%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;container_width=600&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D3526920937605849%26set%3Da.1795285454102748%26mWidth%3D350%26mHeight%3D534%26dWidth%3D600%26dHeight%3D534&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sdk=joey\" name=\"f954e277e94387c6a\" width=\"1000px\" height=\"1000px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Austin Tran, a senior at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Wichita,\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1sxdaGNd62VfuyHLh73RpgXt5J92aTYLU\/mobilebasic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1sxdaGNd62VfuyHLh73RpgXt5J92aTYLU\/mobilebasic\">delivered a speech<\/a>\u00a0during the May 18, 2025, graduation that exceeded the allotted time and included personal reflections not present in the version he had submitted for approval.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Although attendees described the speech as emotional and heartfelt, the school asked Austin to return his valedictorian medal and removed the title from official school records.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__wIGWH\"><span class=\"AdvTitle_text__hRK31\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__BxSU_\">\n<div class=\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\" data-slot-type=\"1\" data-position=\"in_article_2\" data-code=\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_intext_02\">\n<div id=\"in_article_2\" class=\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div class=\"EmbedFacebook_embed-facebook-container__Q860l\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"fb-post fb_iframe_widget\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/photo.php?fbid=3478773882420555&amp;set=a.1795285454102748&amp;mWidth=350&amp;mHeight=348&amp;dWidth=600&amp;dHeight=498\" data-testid=\"photo\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"\" title=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/v14.0\/plugins\/post.php?app_id=493078077833106&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Df96e5ae85efa6a235%26domain%3Dnews.amomama.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fnews.amomama.com%252Ff07f2ca3cb5025f10%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;container_width=600&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D3478773882420555%26set%3Da.1795285454102748%26mWidth%3D350%26mHeight%3D348%26dWidth%3D600%26dHeight%3D498&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sdk=joey\" name=\"f2464ec12f1759474\" width=\"1000px\" height=\"1000px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Following the school&#8217;s decision, support for Austin grew rapidly online. An\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.change.org\/p\/ensure-austin-tran-receives-his-valedictorian-medal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.change.org\/p\/ensure-austin-tran-receives-his-valedictorian-medal\">initial petition<\/a>\u00a0demanding that Bishop Carroll reinstate his valedictorian status was signed by 9,795 people before being removed. A\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.change.org\/p\/ensure-austin-tran-receives-his-valedictorian-medal-727aa1b8-2bce-4c46-b540-14b444b6f1d5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.change.org\/p\/ensure-austin-tran-receives-his-valedictorian-medal-727aa1b8-2bce-4c46-b540-14b444b6f1d5\">new petition<\/a>\u00a0has since been launched, gaining over 4,400 verified signatures as of May 29, 2025.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">The school has not made a public comment on the decision. The Catholic Diocese of Wichita also declined to address the matter, citing school policy not to discuss administrative or disciplinary issues involving students.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__wIGWH\"><span class=\"AdvTitle_text__hRK31\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__BxSU_\">\n<div class=\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\" data-slot-type=\"1\" data-position=\"in_article_3\" data-code=\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_intext_03\">\n<div id=\"in_article_3\" class=\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div class=\"EmbedFacebook_embed-facebook-container__Q860l\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"fb-post fb_iframe_widget\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid05eLUWXfKZ9KzY1QdaKiXeR7j6JDpFjEaPH2KaD2VpKjgX1HcUhduESqWfdm6suNol?mWidth=350&amp;mHeight=611&amp;dWidth=600&amp;dHeight=803\" data-testid=\"post\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"\" title=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/v14.0\/plugins\/post.php?app_id=493078077833106&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Df6159f99f99434989%26domain%3Dnews.amomama.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fnews.amomama.com%252Ff07f2ca3cb5025f10%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;container_width=600&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fanntravels2%2Fposts%2Fpfbid05eLUWXfKZ9KzY1QdaKiXeR7j6JDpFjEaPH2KaD2VpKjgX1HcUhduESqWfdm6suNol%3FmWidth%3D350%26mHeight%3D611%26dWidth%3D600%26dHeight%3D803&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sdk=joey\" name=\"fed344c85233e7614\" width=\"1000px\" height=\"1000px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">The controversy has prompted some Bishop Carroll alumni to return their academic honors in solidarity with Austin. Zachary Faber, the Class of 2003 salutatorian, returned his medal to the school, placing it on the sign in the front courtyard. In a statement shared with KWCH, Faber expressed his dismay.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">&#8220;If the medal I received as the salutatorian of Bishop Carroll&#8217;s Class of 2003 was not an award recognizing the hard work and dedication it took to earn, but a shiny ornament that can be swiped away by arbitrary, bureaucratic judgment, then it has become worthless,&#8221;\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxcarolina.com\/2025\/05\/22\/high-school-valedictorian-stripped-title-after-graduation-speech\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.foxcarolina.com\/2025\/05\/22\/high-school-valedictorian-stripped-title-after-graduation-speech\/\">said<\/a>\u00a0Zachary.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__wIGWH\"><span class=\"AdvTitle_text__hRK31\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__BxSU_\">\n<div class=\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\" data-slot-type=\"1\" data-position=\"in_article_4\" data-code=\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_intext_04\">\n<div id=\"in_article_4\" class=\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div class=\"EmbedFacebook_embed-facebook-container__Q860l\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"fb-post fb_iframe_widget\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid02PBX2UxN2xcbJQMT2ugYfeLhVHErV8eqE7ddUNrdyrEUrcZaUvJYdwAHL8eFMpU2il?mWidth=350&amp;mHeight=656&amp;dWidth=600&amp;dHeight=747\" data-testid=\"post\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"\" title=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/v14.0\/plugins\/post.php?app_id=493078077833106&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Df96d7fae8444037b1%26domain%3Dnews.amomama.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fnews.amomama.com%252Ff07f2ca3cb5025f10%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;container_width=600&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fanntravels2%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02PBX2UxN2xcbJQMT2ugYfeLhVHErV8eqE7ddUNrdyrEUrcZaUvJYdwAHL8eFMpU2il%3FmWidth%3D350%26mHeight%3D656%26dWidth%3D600%26dHeight%3D747&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sdk=joey\" name=\"fa6c5c2f7a30bb6ae\" width=\"1000px\" height=\"1000px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">&#8220;To restore its value, the medal I returned to Bishop Carroll today represents my support for a great young man and my disappointment in people I trust. Those in attendance at Bishop Carroll\u2019s graduation ceremony can bear witness to the fact that Austin&#8217;s speech was a touching and appropriate burst of color in a sea of beige pleasantries,&#8221; he\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxcarolina.com\/2025\/05\/22\/high-school-valedictorian-stripped-title-after-graduation-speech\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.foxcarolina.com\/2025\/05\/22\/high-school-valedictorian-stripped-title-after-graduation-speech\/\">concluded<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div class=\"EmbedFacebook_embed-facebook-container__Q860l\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"fb-post fb_iframe_widget\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0SukkUDzritEG6HtCvZDW1MhePQtU3eGcvCf9viYyYauniS1SEi2R5dNJCS2hpjw2l?mWidth=350&amp;mHeight=573&amp;dWidth=600&amp;dHeight=736\" data-testid=\"post\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"\" title=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/v14.0\/plugins\/post.php?app_id=493078077833106&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Dfad260a1ceab1841b%26domain%3Dnews.amomama.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fnews.amomama.com%252Ff07f2ca3cb5025f10%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;container_width=600&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fanntravels2%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0SukkUDzritEG6HtCvZDW1MhePQtU3eGcvCf9viYyYauniS1SEi2R5dNJCS2hpjw2l%3FmWidth%3D350%26mHeight%3D573%26dWidth%3D600%26dHeight%3D736&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sdk=joey\" name=\"fee4ac05c1074fd31\" width=\"1000px\" height=\"1000px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__wIGWH\"><span class=\"AdvTitle_text__hRK31\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__BxSU_\">\n<div class=\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\" data-slot-type=\"1\" data-position=\"in_article_1\" data-code=\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_intext_01\">\n<div id=\"in_article_1-0\" class=\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Lauren Dean, a valedictorian from the Class of 1983, also returned her medal, stating that it no longer held meaning for her. &#8220;When I saw that that award can be taken away so easily and for something so arbitrary and capricious, my medal just didn\u2019t have meaning to me anymore and so my reaction was, &#8216;Austin can have mine,'&#8221; she\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxcarolina.com\/2025\/05\/22\/high-school-valedictorian-stripped-title-after-graduation-speech\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.foxcarolina.com\/2025\/05\/22\/high-school-valedictorian-stripped-title-after-graduation-speech\/\">stated<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Lauren, like many others who heard the speech,\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxcarolina.com\/2025\/05\/22\/high-school-valedictorian-stripped-title-after-graduation-speech\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.foxcarolina.com\/2025\/05\/22\/high-school-valedictorian-stripped-title-after-graduation-speech\/\">said<\/a>\u00a0there was nothing wrong with it. &#8220;There was nothing offensive in there, nothing inappropriate. It was a genuine, heartfelt speech.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div class=\"EmbedFacebook_embed-facebook-container__Q860l\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"fb-post fb_iframe_widget\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/photo.php?fbid=28172519169001925&amp;set=pcb.28172521522335023&amp;mWidth=350&amp;mHeight=662&amp;dWidth=600&amp;dHeight=806\" data-testid=\"photo\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"\" title=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/v14.0\/plugins\/post.php?app_id=493078077833106&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Df5f9f1123243269c3%26domain%3Dnews.amomama.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fnews.amomama.com%252Ff07f2ca3cb5025f10%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;container_width=600&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D28172519169001925%26set%3Dpcb.28172521522335023%26mWidth%3D350%26mHeight%3D662%26dWidth%3D600%26dHeight%3D806&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sdk=joey\" name=\"f06bbe8bdb5d02a47\" width=\"1000px\" height=\"1000px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__wIGWH\"><span class=\"AdvTitle_text__hRK31\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__BxSU_\">\n<div class=\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\" data-slot-type=\"1\" data-position=\"in_article_2\" data-code=\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_intext_02\">\n<div id=\"in_article_2-1\" class=\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Austin&#8217;s mother, Ann Nguyen Tran, shared her perspective in a public\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0228f8g6YNsnmxKS3YjyaQ11ted6BTHYqf6ESq8EX3XXXybwU2TTbuZGbkppG3b427l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0228f8g6YNsnmxKS3YjyaQ11ted6BTHYqf6ESq8EX3XXXybwU2TTbuZGbkppG3b427l\">Facebook post<\/a>\u00a0on May 21. She stated that Austin initially submitted a speech that was rejected because it did not meet specific criteria, including its length and lack of references to the Catholic faith. After receiving a revised set of guidelines, he submitted a second version that was approved.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div class=\"EmbedFacebook_embed-facebook-container__Q860l\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"fb-post fb_iframe_widget\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/photo.php?fbid=29987878234132667&amp;set=a.156771667670051&amp;mWidth=350&amp;mHeight=564&amp;dWidth=600&amp;dHeight=564\" data-testid=\"photo\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"\" title=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/v14.0\/plugins\/post.php?app_id=493078077833106&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Df17bd131126cd591a%26domain%3Dnews.amomama.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fnews.amomama.com%252Ff07f2ca3cb5025f10%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;container_width=600&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D29987878234132667%26set%3Da.156771667670051%26mWidth%3D350%26mHeight%3D564%26dWidth%3D600%26dHeight%3D564&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sdk=joey\" name=\"f1b4a2700a67cb7aa\" width=\"1000px\" height=\"1000px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">However, the night before graduation, he chose to revise the speech again to make it more personal and meaningful. Ann explained that her son stayed up all night rewriting it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__wIGWH\"><span class=\"AdvTitle_text__hRK31\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__BxSU_\">\n<div class=\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\" data-slot-type=\"1\" data-position=\"in_article_3\" data-code=\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_intext_03\">\n<div id=\"in_article_3-2\" class=\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">She\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0228f8g6YNsnmxKS3YjyaQ11ted6BTHYqf6ESq8EX3XXXybwU2TTbuZGbkppG3b427l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0228f8g6YNsnmxKS3YjyaQ11ted6BTHYqf6ESq8EX3XXXybwU2TTbuZGbkppG3b427l\">expressed<\/a>, &#8220;He wanted a personal and authentic speech that&#8217;s not AI generated nor compressed into a few minutes&#8230; so that his sincere message to his classmates can be delivered in the manner and tone that he wanted, rather than what was dictated.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div class=\"EmbedFacebook_embed-facebook-container__Q860l\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"fb-post fb_iframe_widget\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid02M1pMST2LZtQhA9AC2ZtTymfcSQTai1ue3LcoDixD3sZ3aiBiQPZV4LrDaA9r19x5l?mWidth=350&amp;mHeight=644&amp;dWidth=600&amp;dHeight=644\" data-testid=\"post\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"\" title=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/v14.0\/plugins\/post.php?app_id=493078077833106&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Df649ad88101d85cf8%26domain%3Dnews.amomama.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fnews.amomama.com%252Ff07f2ca3cb5025f10%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;container_width=600&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fanntravels2%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02M1pMST2LZtQhA9AC2ZtTymfcSQTai1ue3LcoDixD3sZ3aiBiQPZV4LrDaA9r19x5l%3FmWidth%3D350%26mHeight%3D644%26dWidth%3D600%26dHeight%3D644&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sdk=joey\" name=\"f7531db977fbb2021\" width=\"1000px\" height=\"1000px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Ann noted that administrators considered the last-minute changes, as well as a brief exchange between Austin and the vice principal before the ceremony, as disrespectful.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">She described how the family was preparing for an international trip and learned via email that the school had made a final decision to strip Austin of his title without first giving them a chance to discuss the matter or provide context.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__wIGWH\"><span class=\"AdvTitle_text__hRK31\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__BxSU_\">\n<div class=\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\" data-slot-type=\"1\" data-position=\"in_article_4\" data-code=\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_intext_04\">\n<div id=\"in_article_4-3\" class=\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div class=\"EmbedFacebook_embed-facebook-container__Q860l\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"fb-post fb_iframe_widget\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid02xUgScjLmKNdtQm2nyk2avXh9ChgtzP7P9zwmVrfFLdbMtcZbdXyWFr1isXD5V42cl?mWidth=350&amp;mHeight=540&amp;dWidth=600&amp;dHeight=669\" data-testid=\"post\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"\" title=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/v14.0\/plugins\/post.php?app_id=493078077833106&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Df61ab30a3cd2c0624%26domain%3Dnews.amomama.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fnews.amomama.com%252Ff07f2ca3cb5025f10%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;container_width=600&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fanntravels2%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02xUgScjLmKNdtQm2nyk2avXh9ChgtzP7P9zwmVrfFLdbMtcZbdXyWFr1isXD5V42cl%3FmWidth%3D350%26mHeight%3D540%26dWidth%3D600%26dHeight%3D669&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sdk=joey\" name=\"fca1e8fe151334557\" width=\"1000px\" height=\"1000px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">She expressed concern that the decision might impact her son&#8217;s scholarship opportunities. &#8220;They asked him to return the medal and he will not be listed as the Valedictorian for the Class of 2025 on his transcripts or on any document or plaque at BC,&#8221; she\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0228f8g6YNsnmxKS3YjyaQ11ted6BTHYqf6ESq8EX3XXXybwU2TTbuZGbkppG3b427l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0228f8g6YNsnmxKS3YjyaQ11ted6BTHYqf6ESq8EX3XXXybwU2TTbuZGbkppG3b427l\">wrote<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div class=\"EmbedFacebook_embed-facebook-container__Q860l\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"fb-post fb_iframe_widget\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0228f8g6YNsnmxKS3YjyaQ11ted6BTHYqf6ESq8EX3XXXybwU2TTbuZGbkppG3b427l?mWidth=350&amp;mHeight=781&amp;dWidth=600&amp;dHeight=718\" data-testid=\"post\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"\" title=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/v14.0\/plugins\/post.php?app_id=493078077833106&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Df9b8f3ec9d09251f4%26domain%3Dnews.amomama.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fnews.amomama.com%252Ff07f2ca3cb5025f10%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;container_width=600&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fanntravels2%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0228f8g6YNsnmxKS3YjyaQ11ted6BTHYqf6ESq8EX3XXXybwU2TTbuZGbkppG3b427l%3FmWidth%3D350%26mHeight%3D781%26dWidth%3D600%26dHeight%3D718&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sdk=joey\" name=\"fe7346ea654998acc\" width=\"1000px\" height=\"1000px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__wIGWH\"><span class=\"AdvTitle_text__hRK31\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__BxSU_\">\n<div class=\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\" data-slot-type=\"1\" data-position=\"in_article_1\" data-code=\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_intext_01\">\n<div id=\"in_article_1-4\" class=\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Public responses to the controversy have been emotional and supportive of Austin. On the Facebook post by his mother, one person\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0228f8g6YNsnmxKS3YjyaQ11ted6BTHYqf6ESq8EX3XXXybwU2TTbuZGbkppG3b427l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0228f8g6YNsnmxKS3YjyaQ11ted6BTHYqf6ESq8EX3XXXybwU2TTbuZGbkppG3b427l\">commented<\/a>,\u00a0<i class=\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\">&#8220;Who&#8217;s running this school? This is the 2nd complaint I have heard this year. That&#8217;s a shame that they are thinking about themselves for 1 speech instead of how hard he worked for many years. Sounds very egotistical to me.&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/fvlVsErnkhkggcMxqko8Wt_BISV4G6GA7y7dGnZQAn0\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOWEzYjBhMjMyN2ZkYzlmYWYyZDk4ZDYwYWZhYTc4YzhlZmExMjdlOGFhNzFiYzJkNWExOThjOTQ2NjlhN2QwYy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTg2JmhlaWdodD0xMzQw.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/sv4nV-tMCEts4ejq3wbC88Z0qiNJhvBPJcTH5WGj0k0\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOWEzYjBhMjMyN2ZkYzlmYWYyZDk4ZDYwYWZhYTc4YzhlZmExMjdlOGFhNzFiYzJkNWExOThjOTQ2NjlhN2QwYy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTg2JmhlaWdodD0xMzQw.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/dAnnSsP_E24HI3lCYFDAqCzuhE0gvqcGzKv8ml3Xwx4\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOWEzYjBhMjMyN2ZkYzlmYWYyZDk4ZDYwYWZhYTc4YzhlZmExMjdlOGFhNzFiYzJkNWExOThjOTQ2NjlhN2QwYy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTg2JmhlaWdodD0xMzQw.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/bSTqrTndVRc--sSrQlJvOeEfVhWQIAe7_QjsHMCh2vk\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOWEzYjBhMjMyN2ZkYzlmYWYyZDk4ZDYwYWZhYTc4YzhlZmExMjdlOGFhNzFiYzJkNWExOThjOTQ2NjlhN2QwYy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTg2JmhlaWdodD0xMzQw.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/ii-tc4NOZX8qcdxFS5hHS3vi4AocCDQRTfuIrUHjvQk\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOWEzYjBhMjMyN2ZkYzlmYWYyZDk4ZDYwYWZhYTc4YzhlZmExMjdlOGFhNzFiYzJkNWExOThjOTQ2NjlhN2QwYy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTg2JmhlaWdodD0xMzQw.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.amomama.com\/9a3b0a2327fdc9faf2d98d60afaa78c8efa127e8aa71bc2d5a198c94669a7d0c.png\" alt=\"Austin Tran and his friend Hector are seen on their graduation day, dated May 15, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/anntravels2\" width=\"986\" height=\"1340\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">Austin Tran and his friend Hector are seen on their graduation day, dated May 15, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/anntravels2<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Another netizen\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0228f8g6YNsnmxKS3YjyaQ11ted6BTHYqf6ESq8EX3XXXybwU2TTbuZGbkppG3b427l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0228f8g6YNsnmxKS3YjyaQ11ted6BTHYqf6ESq8EX3XXXybwU2TTbuZGbkppG3b427l\">shared<\/a>\u00a0their personal experience at the ceremony.\u00a0<i class=\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\">&#8220;When I came up to you after graduation to tell you how amazing that speech was, I had no idea the controversy. I laughed and cried. I&#8217;m sorry you guys are going through this, but we stand behind you and he will always be in good standing with this community no matter the outcome [sic].&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/WB1Yk2U-PSLnvR-3eqR5Mnfzb8GSZHTYYJ7cf_afxDY\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYWIxNDcxYjkxMDhhMmEwY2JlNjFkMzkxYmJjN2ZkMjA2YTVjNTM1OTlmZTc0ODQ3MDc2ZjM3YTBkNjJmZjMzNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTk4JmhlaWdodD0xMzM4.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/uapS1AR-Ymlc0f-H0VWgCxUKpLILPPQObAfx004prGM\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYWIxNDcxYjkxMDhhMmEwY2JlNjFkMzkxYmJjN2ZkMjA2YTVjNTM1OTlmZTc0ODQ3MDc2ZjM3YTBkNjJmZjMzNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTk4JmhlaWdodD0xMzM4.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/91cZeVhPUsdp_LKXxn9Sy2bWC4jm5vgW_EV-aCX3dGQ\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYWIxNDcxYjkxMDhhMmEwY2JlNjFkMzkxYmJjN2ZkMjA2YTVjNTM1OTlmZTc0ODQ3MDc2ZjM3YTBkNjJmZjMzNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTk4JmhlaWdodD0xMzM4.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/9YE_CZQCdrEAPenIcFuPc2Ej-I4rTY6N_2oIxGlk9Ng\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYWIxNDcxYjkxMDhhMmEwY2JlNjFkMzkxYmJjN2ZkMjA2YTVjNTM1OTlmZTc0ODQ3MDc2ZjM3YTBkNjJmZjMzNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTk4JmhlaWdodD0xMzM4.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/J5pnkWcGn0CBUFRqrUd6ExLj4kvSL-uT8ll0oVbBJRU\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYWIxNDcxYjkxMDhhMmEwY2JlNjFkMzkxYmJjN2ZkMjA2YTVjNTM1OTlmZTc0ODQ3MDc2ZjM3YTBkNjJmZjMzNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTk4JmhlaWdodD0xMzM4.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.amomama.com\/ab1471b9108a2a0cbe61d391bbc7fd206a5c53599fe74847076f37a0d62ff337.png\" alt=\"Austin Tran on his graduation day, dated May 15, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/anntravels2\" width=\"998\" height=\"1338\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">Austin Tran on his graduation day, dated May 15, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/anntravels2<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__wIGWH\"><span class=\"AdvTitle_text__hRK31\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__BxSU_\">\n<div class=\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\" data-slot-type=\"1\" data-position=\"in_article_2\" data-code=\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_intext_02\">\n<div id=\"in_article_2-5\" class=\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">One person\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0228f8g6YNsnmxKS3YjyaQ11ted6BTHYqf6ESq8EX3XXXybwU2TTbuZGbkppG3b427l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0228f8g6YNsnmxKS3YjyaQ11ted6BTHYqf6ESq8EX3XXXybwU2TTbuZGbkppG3b427l\">wrote<\/a>,\u00a0<i class=\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\">&#8220;This is absolutely shameful and does not show accordingly at all. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that speech very true and straight to the heart [sic].&#8221;\u00a0<\/i>Another\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0228f8g6YNsnmxKS3YjyaQ11ted6BTHYqf6ESq8EX3XXXybwU2TTbuZGbkppG3b427l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0228f8g6YNsnmxKS3YjyaQ11ted6BTHYqf6ESq8EX3XXXybwU2TTbuZGbkppG3b427l\">added<\/a>\u00a0simply,\u00a0<i class=\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\">&#8220;Amen! Justice for Austin!&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Austin&#8217;s graduation speech, the focal point of his valedictorian title being revoked, has been widely described as personal, emotional, and sincere \u2014 but not controversial.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/h1EwvdwA-2RW6rWSYpkLyzzQ8_-ZFPqvz6W6a5uMX-I\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmNlYjQ5NGIzNGEwN2U0N2RkNDkxNmFkMWJhOTlhNTU4ZDBiYjk3NTdjMjI0ZjcwNzIxNjNmOGYzODQ0MDRmMC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAxNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTM0MA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/QXl2yaRGIjSSegctsvqAcdNdz1xUMYsgrDarICYYzCw\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmNlYjQ5NGIzNGEwN2U0N2RkNDkxNmFkMWJhOTlhNTU4ZDBiYjk3NTdjMjI0ZjcwNzIxNjNmOGYzODQ0MDRmMC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAxNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTM0MA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/uef-Fnb-CSEC9DC-KTZWPDfScp7B4l8cjNaVfmH-3oQ\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmNlYjQ5NGIzNGEwN2U0N2RkNDkxNmFkMWJhOTlhNTU4ZDBiYjk3NTdjMjI0ZjcwNzIxNjNmOGYzODQ0MDRmMC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAxNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTM0MA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/kCnDmMq7jyAz2Fauv82KTMGO0ITeCgwP4PMzDJpN_rw\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmNlYjQ5NGIzNGEwN2U0N2RkNDkxNmFkMWJhOTlhNTU4ZDBiYjk3NTdjMjI0ZjcwNzIxNjNmOGYzODQ0MDRmMC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAxNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTM0MA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/tzgcmsCUNWEXDvrfrEBTpkZj6rFXWRD6h3QwWN3Dus8\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmNlYjQ5NGIzNGEwN2U0N2RkNDkxNmFkMWJhOTlhNTU4ZDBiYjk3NTdjMjI0ZjcwNzIxNjNmOGYzODQ0MDRmMC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAxNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTM0MA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.amomama.com\/2ceb494b34a07e47dd4916ad1ba99a558d0bb9757c224f7072163f8f384404f0.png\" alt=\"Austin Tran is seen at the University of Notre Dame, dated April 6, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/anntravels2\" width=\"1014\" height=\"1340\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">Austin Tran is seen at the University of Notre Dame, dated April 6, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/anntravels2<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">The youngster opened his remarks by thanking everyone in attendance, including Bishop Kemme and various faculty members. He began with light-hearted acknowledgments to friends and classmates, joking about a missed trip to Fiji by his parents to attend the ceremony.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">He followed this with a heartfelt message to the Class of 2025, reflecting on their shared experiences and future uncertainties.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__wIGWH\"><span class=\"AdvTitle_text__hRK31\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__BxSU_\">\n<div class=\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\" data-slot-type=\"1\" data-position=\"in_article_3\" data-code=\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_intext_03\">\n<div id=\"in_article_3-6\" class=\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/VjNKNG8tTwIvPDEk6OQNCS3heVabq44g41DprOj7ZWM\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNDI0NGY0NDUzYzcwY2UxNzEwOTQyNWVkYWVjZGUwYjQwNzdjZTc5YjI0YWMxMTY0MGYxN2Y4ODI2ZTFlMzk2YS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTk2JmhlaWdodD0xMzM0.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/7aunmbawacjcUxkpcpIQKDcDfViiU5P1cOHBzSLPCLM\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNDI0NGY0NDUzYzcwY2UxNzEwOTQyNWVkYWVjZGUwYjQwNzdjZTc5YjI0YWMxMTY0MGYxN2Y4ODI2ZTFlMzk2YS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTk2JmhlaWdodD0xMzM0.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/HSSVh7TWL_18aqS9ryWi3R2WuzpWdSHlpD22hzq5k1g\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNDI0NGY0NDUzYzcwY2UxNzEwOTQyNWVkYWVjZGUwYjQwNzdjZTc5YjI0YWMxMTY0MGYxN2Y4ODI2ZTFlMzk2YS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTk2JmhlaWdodD0xMzM0.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/iN48tu59k3EJIB_yFcF05xlyKe5U5ey93M6f2hqTJw8\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNDI0NGY0NDUzYzcwY2UxNzEwOTQyNWVkYWVjZGUwYjQwNzdjZTc5YjI0YWMxMTY0MGYxN2Y4ODI2ZTFlMzk2YS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTk2JmhlaWdodD0xMzM0.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/UBJvRdPzJanVGa4OnAMWU7Vaej5m7qWs9Xhzo_UnRWM\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNDI0NGY0NDUzYzcwY2UxNzEwOTQyNWVkYWVjZGUwYjQwNzdjZTc5YjI0YWMxMTY0MGYxN2Y4ODI2ZTFlMzk2YS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTk2JmhlaWdodD0xMzM0.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.amomama.com\/4244f4453c70ce17109425edaecde0b4077ce79b24ac11640f17f8826e1e396a.png\" alt=\"Austin Tran is pictured at the University of Notre Dame, dated April 6, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/anntravels2\" width=\"996\" height=\"1334\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">Austin Tran is pictured at the University of Notre Dame, dated April 6, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/anntravels2<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Austin\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1sxdaGNd62VfuyHLh73RpgXt5J92aTYLU\/mobilebasic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1sxdaGNd62VfuyHLh73RpgXt5J92aTYLU\/mobilebasic\">admitted<\/a>\u00a0to writing the speech late at night \u2014 &#8220;as of Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 at 1:38 A.M.&#8221; \u2014 and described his struggle to summarize four years of emotions in just a few minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">At one point, he\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1sxdaGNd62VfuyHLh73RpgXt5J92aTYLU\/mobilebasic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1sxdaGNd62VfuyHLh73RpgXt5J92aTYLU\/mobilebasic\">confessed<\/a>, &#8220;Frankly, I&#8217;m not sure what I&#8217;m doing,&#8221; and\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1sxdaGNd62VfuyHLh73RpgXt5J92aTYLU\/mobilebasic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1sxdaGNd62VfuyHLh73RpgXt5J92aTYLU\/mobilebasic\">added<\/a>\u00a0later, &#8220;It&#8217;s okay to not know, to admit that you have no clue what&#8217;s going on, to ask for help, because a lot of the time, no one knows what&#8217;s going on.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div class=\"EmbedFacebook_embed-facebook-container__Q860l\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"fb-post fb_iframe_widget\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid02oYUjD58ACwDrJrVH5yHTRhA15g85rhKGQt222yM5qqYN6FTVKzc4GqkAZC71SbEVl?mWidth=350&amp;mHeight=683&amp;dWidth=600&amp;dHeight=683\" data-testid=\"post\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"\" title=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/v14.0\/plugins\/post.php?app_id=493078077833106&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Df79e3e54ec80c16a1%26domain%3Dnews.amomama.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fnews.amomama.com%252Ff07f2ca3cb5025f10%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;container_width=600&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fanntravels2%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02oYUjD58ACwDrJrVH5yHTRhA15g85rhKGQt222yM5qqYN6FTVKzc4GqkAZC71SbEVl%3FmWidth%3D350%26mHeight%3D683%26dWidth%3D600%26dHeight%3D683&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sdk=joey\" name=\"fcb589f58df6de9a4\" width=\"1000px\" height=\"1000px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__wIGWH\"><span class=\"AdvTitle_text__hRK31\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__BxSU_\">\n<div class=\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\" data-slot-type=\"1\" data-position=\"in_article_4\" data-code=\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_intext_04\">\n<div id=\"in_article_4-7\" class=\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">The speech wove in gratitude toward his teachers, classmates, lunch staff, and parents. Austin expressed deep appreciation for the care and support he had received during his time at Bishop Carroll.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/irOsqUTSuRmxr7zvQZfFG9nYr8KomM5CwrltAZJEHHo\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWI0NWY2NWQ1ZjBhZDYyYzczYmExMjUxZmQ1YjRiMjkxYzZiODkzYWRiY2Y4ODNlOGI4NzZiNjBmNDY1MzA1Ni5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAwNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTM0MA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/toD7UQTeJugOXe2Xu3KvzRD-9-EaHLHMEvBFnRZVmpM\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWI0NWY2NWQ1ZjBhZDYyYzczYmExMjUxZmQ1YjRiMjkxYzZiODkzYWRiY2Y4ODNlOGI4NzZiNjBmNDY1MzA1Ni5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAwNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTM0MA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/6D90QWwGqBd74YtnVW59pCcakSI8UV9qyTOmrQ2FtqI\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWI0NWY2NWQ1ZjBhZDYyYzczYmExMjUxZmQ1YjRiMjkxYzZiODkzYWRiY2Y4ODNlOGI4NzZiNjBmNDY1MzA1Ni5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAwNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTM0MA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/0B5SBJtmUVY6caGOdvi-VBqlBNA0oJ5ozK7C1yV4MhU\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWI0NWY2NWQ1ZjBhZDYyYzczYmExMjUxZmQ1YjRiMjkxYzZiODkzYWRiY2Y4ODNlOGI4NzZiNjBmNDY1MzA1Ni5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAwNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTM0MA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/Yk4uS8tveEPlSsjaVHBPiBoMWY6-8i4GEG-6B4uRAoo\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWI0NWY2NWQ1ZjBhZDYyYzczYmExMjUxZmQ1YjRiMjkxYzZiODkzYWRiY2Y4ODNlOGI4NzZiNjBmNDY1MzA1Ni5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAwNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTM0MA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.amomama.com\/1b45f65d5f0ad62c73ba1251fd5b4b291c6b893adbcf883e8b876b60f4653056.png\" alt=\"Austin Tran is seen in a picture shared on May 6, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/Austin Tran is seen at the University of Notre Dam, dated April 6, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/anntravels2\" width=\"1004\" height=\"1340\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">Austin Tran is seen in a picture shared on May 6, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/Austin Tran is seen at the University of Notre Dam, dated April 6, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/anntravels2<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">One quote\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1sxdaGNd62VfuyHLh73RpgXt5J92aTYLU\/mobilebasic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1sxdaGNd62VfuyHLh73RpgXt5J92aTYLU\/mobilebasic\">included<\/a>, &#8220;To the teachers&#8230; who let us get a glimpse of their own personal lives and formed relationships with us&#8230; thank you, thank you, thank you.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">He also\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1sxdaGNd62VfuyHLh73RpgXt5J92aTYLU\/mobilebasic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1sxdaGNd62VfuyHLh73RpgXt5J92aTYLU\/mobilebasic\">acknowledged<\/a>\u00a0his peers for shaping his identity, humor, and values over the years. &#8220;Thank you for my sense of humor, my mannerisms, and my memories from the past four years,&#8221; he said, later\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1sxdaGNd62VfuyHLh73RpgXt5J92aTYLU\/mobilebasic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1sxdaGNd62VfuyHLh73RpgXt5J92aTYLU\/mobilebasic\">noting<\/a>, &#8220;Thank you for everything. Thank you for saving my life.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/KRK4c6C84ff_Pbuw8hSx4qkHVgdVKFWIx6OIM95nnJo\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNzBlNDAzYWMxZGZkMTUxYTEyMTEwNjM1NzU4ODVhYmNiMTNlZjQ4MWE2NzNkOTE3YTE1ZDIwNDI3NjAxMjFhZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTg0JmhlaWdodD0xMzQw.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/8VwaYoxi3-9st3poIL_dKdVP2GOvRxWOEx_AUm6_QGg\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNzBlNDAzYWMxZGZkMTUxYTEyMTEwNjM1NzU4ODVhYmNiMTNlZjQ4MWE2NzNkOTE3YTE1ZDIwNDI3NjAxMjFhZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTg0JmhlaWdodD0xMzQw.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/1NicD2eGFsVRjJMWJnUcNAsfqHa0VwfqlMnyNd1tPvw\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNzBlNDAzYWMxZGZkMTUxYTEyMTEwNjM1NzU4ODVhYmNiMTNlZjQ4MWE2NzNkOTE3YTE1ZDIwNDI3NjAxMjFhZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTg0JmhlaWdodD0xMzQw.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/LXI97Z6vO75WD7FdT4q1d6fWIp7llrjDaqLo0TLD1kY\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNzBlNDAzYWMxZGZkMTUxYTEyMTEwNjM1NzU4ODVhYmNiMTNlZjQ4MWE2NzNkOTE3YTE1ZDIwNDI3NjAxMjFhZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTg0JmhlaWdodD0xMzQw.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/00hjoM00Tu3DjrMw7-MuuBwRoGgqLiyx8RPlbpQ6efI\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNzBlNDAzYWMxZGZkMTUxYTEyMTEwNjM1NzU4ODVhYmNiMTNlZjQ4MWE2NzNkOTE3YTE1ZDIwNDI3NjAxMjFhZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTg0JmhlaWdodD0xMzQw.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.amomama.com\/70e403ac1dfd151a1211063575885abcb13ef481a673d917a15d2042760121ad.png\" alt=\"Austin Tran is pictured onstage at Washburn University in Topeka, dated May 6, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/Austin Tran is seen at the University of Notre Dam, dated April 6, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/anntravels2\" width=\"984\" height=\"1340\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">Austin Tran is pictured onstage at Washburn University in Topeka, dated May 6, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/Austin Tran is seen at the University of Notre Dam, dated April 6, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/anntravels2<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__wIGWH\"><span class=\"AdvTitle_text__hRK31\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__BxSU_\">\n<div class=\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\" data-slot-type=\"1\" data-position=\"in_article_1\" data-code=\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_intext_01\">\n<div id=\"in_article_1-8\" class=\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">In closing, Austin encouraged his classmates to maintain their connections beyond graduation. He urged them not to let parting promises fade,\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1sxdaGNd62VfuyHLh73RpgXt5J92aTYLU\/mobilebasic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1sxdaGNd62VfuyHLh73RpgXt5J92aTYLU\/mobilebasic\">saying<\/a>, &#8220;Don&#8217;t let the, &#8216;let&#8217;s keep in touches&#8217; said in the parking lot after this graduation be wishful thinking.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">The speech\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1sxdaGNd62VfuyHLh73RpgXt5J92aTYLU\/mobilebasic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/u\/0\/d\/1sxdaGNd62VfuyHLh73RpgXt5J92aTYLU\/mobilebasic\">ended<\/a>\u00a0with a quote that had stayed with him since childhood, &#8220;Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn&#8217;t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines&#8230; Explore. Dream. Discover.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/INjIXROpp09M3yx0kM7JmigAFbH6BKSJCu2Zh0iYm84\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYmNiNTM5ZWRjZWI0YzAxMWRhZmFjNjlhYzY4NDRiNTk0ZDQxYjY0MGY2MTJkMWE5ZDc1OThhOTRkYTc3Y2RiYy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAwNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTMzMg.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/trPDcQaW5KFnbmnrNeHKJNra2Qvd3XZWhcWXlE7_CLc\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYmNiNTM5ZWRjZWI0YzAxMWRhZmFjNjlhYzY4NDRiNTk0ZDQxYjY0MGY2MTJkMWE5ZDc1OThhOTRkYTc3Y2RiYy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAwNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTMzMg.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/21igPPkmSAdVFh0S11DL_4Wse0vQNizL-2vMowVK-2E\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYmNiNTM5ZWRjZWI0YzAxMWRhZmFjNjlhYzY4NDRiNTk0ZDQxYjY0MGY2MTJkMWE5ZDc1OThhOTRkYTc3Y2RiYy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAwNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTMzMg.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/nrx14JWxBDZeSGea0EvK82h4XyFfUXsmmWPfM6siWPY\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYmNiNTM5ZWRjZWI0YzAxMWRhZmFjNjlhYzY4NDRiNTk0ZDQxYjY0MGY2MTJkMWE5ZDc1OThhOTRkYTc3Y2RiYy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAwNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTMzMg.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/mIOPobDJ0vC09_rxbT-3ovM2ZaZJtcdAyhyATJVI4PA\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYmNiNTM5ZWRjZWI0YzAxMWRhZmFjNjlhYzY4NDRiNTk0ZDQxYjY0MGY2MTJkMWE5ZDc1OThhOTRkYTc3Y2RiYy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAwNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTMzMg.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.amomama.com\/bcb539edceb4c011dafac69ac6844b594d41b640f612d1a9d7598a94da77cdbc.png\" alt=\"Austin Tran is seen sitting on the staircase, in a photo shared on May 6, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/Austin Tran is seen at the University of Notre Dam, dated April 6, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/anntravels2\" width=\"1004\" height=\"1332\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">Austin Tran is seen sitting on the staircase, in a photo shared on May 6, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/Austin Tran is seen at the University of Notre Dam, dated April 6, 2025 | Source: Facebook\/anntravels2<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">According to a\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/web.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid02FoxgoWaNPmSU75HpiAoHo8azscS4czPfUAYhZudqSj54mYZDNPmsJWB6MCUPLagnl?_rdc=1&amp;_rdr#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/web.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid02FoxgoWaNPmSU75HpiAoHo8azscS4czPfUAYhZudqSj54mYZDNPmsJWB6MCUPLagnl?_rdc=1&amp;_rdr#\">Facebook post<\/a>\u00a0by his mother, Ann, dated May 15, 2025, Austin held multiple academic honors and leadership positions: he was National Honor Society President, Chess Club President, co-founder of the Asian Heritage Club, an AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Finalist, Kansas Governor\u2019s Scholar, and recipient of the Mgsr. Arthur Barth Scholastic Award.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__wIGWH\"><span class=\"AdvTitle_text__hRK31\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf AdvSlots_adv-square-wrap__BxSU_\">\n<div class=\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\" data-slot-type=\"1\" data-position=\"in_article_2\" data-code=\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_intext_02\">\n<div id=\"in_article_2-9\" class=\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">He also earned a Cum Honore Diploma, was a State Scholars Bowl Champion, and a three-time State Chess Winner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div class=\"EmbedFacebook_embed-facebook-container__Q860l\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"fb-post fb_iframe_widget\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid02FoxgoWaNPmSU75HpiAoHo8azscS4czPfUAYhZudqSj54mYZDNPmsJWB6MCUPLagnl?mWidth=350&amp;mHeight=744&amp;dWidth=600&amp;dHeight=796\" data-testid=\"post\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"\" title=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/v14.0\/plugins\/post.php?app_id=493078077833106&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Dfb8541a693248bb0e%26domain%3Dnews.amomama.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fnews.amomama.com%252Ff07f2ca3cb5025f10%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;container_width=600&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fanntravels2%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02FoxgoWaNPmSU75HpiAoHo8azscS4czPfUAYhZudqSj54mYZDNPmsJWB6MCUPLagnl%3FmWidth%3D350%26mHeight%3D744%26dWidth%3D600%26dHeight%3D796&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sdk=joey\" name=\"f3d6a688f963fa6f7\" width=\"1000px\" height=\"1000px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Another post, dated May 6, 2025,\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0uk7EpSj4vAZgeqUtk88thgGYfLNrRN8DQJGtP3e6pzavL6JxkHD4RVv2xDMYoLpCl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0uk7EpSj4vAZgeqUtk88thgGYfLNrRN8DQJGtP3e6pzavL6JxkHD4RVv2xDMYoLpCl\">celebrated his selection<\/a>\u00a0as a 2025 Governor&#8217;s Scholar, recognizing him among the top academic one percent of Kansas high school seniors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div class=\"EmbedFacebook_embed-facebook-container__Q860l\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"fb-post fb_iframe_widget\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/anntravels2\/posts\/pfbid0uk7EpSj4vAZgeqUtk88thgGYfLNrRN8DQJGtP3e6pzavL6JxkHD4RVv2xDMYoLpCl?mWidth=350&amp;mHeight=675&amp;dWidth=600&amp;dHeight=747\" data-testid=\"post\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"\" title=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/v14.0\/plugins\/post.php?app_id=493078077833106&amp;channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Dfbc6fa0b946b47b9a%26domain%3Dnews.amomama.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fnews.amomama.com%252Ff07f2ca3cb5025f10%26relation%3Dparent.parent&amp;container_width=600&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fanntravels2%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0uk7EpSj4vAZgeqUtk88thgGYfLNrRN8DQJGtP3e6pzavL6JxkHD4RVv2xDMYoLpCl%3FmWidth%3D350%26mHeight%3D675%26dWidth%3D600%26dHeight%3D747&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sdk=joey\" name=\"ff77c1914e58e225c\" width=\"1000px\" height=\"1000px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"fb:post Facebook Social Plugin\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Despite these accomplishments, it was the few added lines and sincere tone of his farewell message that led to disciplinary action, not its content. Austin&#8217;s speech remains widely circulated and praised in his community, with many still expressing disbelief that it led to the stripping of his title.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; While school officials cited time limits and protocol, what Austin Tran actually said on stage has drawn praise rather than criticism, and offers no hint of the controversy &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":28328,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28327","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28327","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=28327"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28327\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28329,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28327\/revisions\/28329"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/28328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=28327"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=28327"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=28327"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}