Transcript of High School valedictorian gives emotional speech in midst of tragedy

Finally, tonight, America Strong, the valedictorian who summoned his strength at the most difficult moment. When Alamhajjic walked onto the stage to deliver his graduation speech.

Hello to all the graduates, families, and staff.

Few in the audience knew about the pain in his heart.

I didn't know if I could give my speech. I knew I had to, but I didn't know if I could.

But the valedictorian at early College High School in Carrollton, Texas, had an important message.

At the beginning of the spring semester, my family received the news that my father had cancer. My father died yesterday, May 15th, 2024. I attended his funeral today, right before graduation. That's why my shoes are muddied. That's why my arms are shaking.

Alam delivering the speech just 45 minutes after burying his father, who passed away following a five-month battle with pancreatic cancer, something he mostly kept private until now.

My dad was a hard-working guy. He always did everything he could to provide for us.

Standing tall on that stage to honor his father, an immigrant from Bosnia who at one time delivered Domino's pizzas to help the family get by.

I looked in the audience and I saw people who were touched by what I was saying. Suddenly, I didn't feel so alone. That's when I knew I could get through it.

Alam ending with this heartfelt message about perseverance and love.

I'm going to go to college and I'm going to spend every hour of every day working as hard as I can to achieve all of my goals because that's what he wanted, and I'm going to do it for him. I don't want all of you to look to your loved ones and say you wouldn't do the same.

Wow. Your father would have been proud, and we are, too. Thanks so much for watching tonight. I'm Wade Johnson in New York. Have a great night.