Yellowknife (May 16/05) - On graduation night, often much attention is paid to the class valedictorian. But how does a student get the chance to speak on behalf of his or her peers?

Sir John Franklin valedictorian Adam Hassan delivers his speech during the school's graduation ceremony on May 14.

At Sir John Franklin, Adam Hassan delivered his speech to his 122 fellow graduates this past Saturday.

"It's not really based on marks," says the 17-year-old Hassan. But having won a scholarship at the University of Alberta for his 95 per cent academic average, Hassan is clearly no slouch in the classroom.

Principal Anne-Mieke Cameron says the school has a list of criteria for nominees to meet, including being in good academic standing; being an important part of the Sir John community; being a good public speaker; and having the ability to represent the uniqueness of their class members.

Three teachers and 10 students must sign each nomination form.

"It isn't just a popularity contest," says Cameron, adding the students have such good taste in choosing their representatives, she has never withdrawn a name from contention during her eight years at Sir John.

Though Hassan skimmed through copies of some older speeches, he says most of his inspiration came from within.

"I pretty much just sat down at my computer and I just brainstormed a couple of things that I could possibly write about," says Hassan, who finally settled on the theme of success.

While drafting the address, Hassan met with Cameron a number of times.

"She doesn't actually change that much of the content, they were more or less grammatical changes," Hassan says.

St. Patrick high school is holding its graduation this weekend.

"We definitely proofread them," says grad co-ordinator Coleen McDonald of the speeches. While not often, McDonald says speeches have been vetoed in the past, though more because of offensive topics than language.

St. Patrick's students also nominate the classmate they want to see speak on their behalf.

This year, the 100 St. Patrick's graduates chose Dominic Debogorski to represent them on the podium.

He could not be reached for an interview on Monday.