Graduation toast for a grandchild

Make this speech your own

Copy the script into your own document, then replace every bracketed marker with a true detail. The examples below are fictional prompts, not facts about anyone. Change or remove any sentence that does not fit your graduate.

The // mark means pause; do not read it aloud. Use the default script, or swap in one of the openings or closings below. Do not add every alternative to the same speech.

With the fictional examples filled in, the default script is 236 words. At 125 words per minute, that is about two minutes. Your own details and pauses will change the time, so read your finished version aloud and time it.

Details to gather

TITLE — What does your grandchild call you? Fictional example: grandpa

GRANDCHILD — What name does your grandchild want you to use? Fictional example: Jordan

[EARLY_MEMORY] — What memory from when they were small would you like to share? Write two or three sentences. Fictional example: When Jordan was five, we spent a whole afternoon building a bird feeder that never attracted a single bird. Jordan said the birds just hadn't read the sign yet.

TRAIT — What have you watched grow in them over the years? Fictional example: a curiosity that never quits

SCHOOL — What school or program are they graduating from? Fictional example: Riverside High

NEXT — What comes next for them? Fictional example: a year of service work before college

WISH — What do you wish for them? Fictional example: good friends, good work and the courage to keep asking questions

Introduce yourself

Hello, everyone. I'm GRANDCHILD's TITLE, and I've been looking forward to this day for a long time. Longer than GRANDCHILD has, I think. //

Share an early memory

One memory I will always treasure is this. [EARLY_MEMORY] // Even then, I could see TRAIT. //

Say what you've watched grow

Over the years, I've had the joy of watching that grow. I've loved the place I've had in your life. Through our everyday routines and your big milestones, I've had so many reasons to cheer for you. Every phone call, every visit and every school update, I wanted to hear about all of it. And I am so proud of you, GRANDCHILD. // I want to thank GRANDCHILD's parents, too. You raised a kind, thoughtful person, and I've loved watching you do it. //

Look ahead

Graduating from SCHOOL is a big step, and next comes NEXT. Wherever you go, keep being who you are, and the people you meet will be lucky to know you. Try new things, ask for help when you need it and call me now and then. //

Close with the toast

So please join me. To GRANDCHILD: I wish you WISH. Congratulations, and remember, you will always have a fan in me.

Two optional openings

Good afternoon. I'm GRANDCHILD's TITLE, and I've been told I have two minutes. I've been saving these words for years.

Hello, everyone. I'm the proudest TITLE in the room, and I'd like to say a few words about GRANDCHILD.

Two optional closings

To GRANDCHILD, with all my love and pride. Congratulations.

Please join me in congratulating my grandchild, GRANDCHILD. I couldn't be prouder.

Prepare a version you can say

Ask the family when the toast fits best, such as just before the cake or the meal.

Print the toast in large type. Reading it is perfectly fine; the words matter more than the delivery.

Look at your grandchild for the last line.

Proud without embarrassing them

Choose a childhood memory your grandchild would be happy to hear in front of friends. Leave out grades, comparisons with cousins and anything private.

Keep the toast suitable for every age in the room, with no reference to drinking.

Questions before the day

What does a grandparent say at a graduation party? Share a memory from when your grandchild was small, say what you've watched grow in them and offer a wish for what's next.

How long should a grandparent's graduation toast be? About two minutes, like this script.

Can I read the toast instead of memorizing it? Yes. Large print helps, and nobody expects you to memorize it.