Apply to be a Student Speaker

This is the process for selecting a Commencement speaker to represent North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College.

1. The Commencement Committee prompts the directors of student leadership and the deans of student development to begin the process for selecting a commencement speaker for their college.  
2. The Student Leadership Team promotes the opportunity (with support from college communications) for eligible students at their campuses to apply. Then they select and interview at least three candidates based on the process, timeline, and qualifications outlined on this website. 
   • Student Leadership team reviews applications using a scoring rubric (found in the accordions below) and selects 3-5 finalists 
   • Finalists are asked to interview (see interview questions in the accordion below) and deliver a passage from a previous year's Commencement speech to Student Leadership and College Communications teams
   • Student Leadership, College Communications, and a Commencement Committee representative select the student speaker from the list of finalists 
     • Note: If a member of Student Leadership is graduating and would like to be considered, they may remove themselves from the selection process and apply like others. 
3. Once the Commencement speaker is identified, the student's contact information is conveyed to College Communications and the Commencement Committee for follow up. 
4. Communications directors help finalize the student's speech and coach student speaker. 
5. Commencement Committee coordinates the scheduling and recording of the commencement address. 
6. Commencement Committee organizes day of event activities for student speaker (where to sit, what to do on stage, etc.). 

March

April

May

• Completing a BAS, AA, AS, AAS or certificate;
• Applying for graduation and will complete all necessary credits by the end of spring quarter; 
• Minimum 2.5 GPA or higher;
• Must be available for a first-round interview; 
• If selected as speaker, must be willing to commit to practicing speech with communications team, record address on camera, attend and participate in Commencement event in June; and 
• Applicant may not participate in any portion of the selection process.

• Have comfort and ease representing the college in a large audience (around 4,000 guests);
• Comfortable being filmed on camera; and 
• Comfortable mingling with local dignitaries and donors. 

A completed application must include the following: 

• A completed Student Speaker Application Form;
• A copy of college transcript;
• Names of (3) faculty and/or staff members as references (they will be contacted);
• Written statement that includes:
  • A paragraph explaining your desire to speak at Commencement; and
  • A paragraph describing the proposed content of  your address.
• Biography for the printed Commencement program; 
  • Describe who you are, what you've accomplished, future goals, etc. This will be included and may be edited for the printed program if selected. 

Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, April 12. 

The application period for 2024 is now closed. 

• Question 1 - Tell us a bit about yourself. 
• Question 2 - What does North Seattle/Seattle Central/South Seattle mean to you? 
  • Who has motivated or positively influenced you at your college? 
  • What have you gained from your experience here? 
  • If you were to recommend your college to a prospective student, what would you tell them? 
• Question 3 - How would your speech speak to all North Seattle/Seattle Central/South Seattle graduates? What special/unique message would you give that would leave a lasting impression? 
• Final - Read a speech passage from a previous Commencement address. 

View or download the scoring rubric (drafted by Student Leadership).