As a long-time substitute teacher, Tutoring Club business co-owner and Rotarian in Scotts Valley, I was invited by the Scotts Valley High School graduating Class of 2026 to be their keynote speaker, an unexpected honor of a lifetime.
On May 28, I gave the speech to the students, parents, family, teachers, school board members and the superintendent. I cannot adequately express how much this meant to me.
Below is my speech as another way of saying “Thank You” to the students who invited me and to those who tolerated my attempt at expressing my gratitude.
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Good afternoon, Class of 2026, families, distinguished educators and guests. My name is Randy Klein, and I’m a very frequent substitute teacher over the past many years who steps in when other teachers are ill or have an emergency that keeps them from being with their students. So, I’m not gifted to see you students as often as your full-time dedicated teachers.
When your fellow senior leadership students asked me to speak today, I looked behind me to see who else they might be talking to. I am only a “sub!”
But standing here today—after seeing your faces in many different classes, all the years that you have been here, and in so many extracurricular places—like drama, music, sports, Rotary Interact, clubs, ASB, KStreet and a myriad of community service opportunities—all this has evolved into one of the greatest invitations of my life. So, thank you for this incredible honor. I am grateful for your respect, integrity, compassion and indeed … kindness for this invitation. I promise to keep this short and simply tell you how much your gifts mean to me.
Over the years, I have loved “teacher movies” like “To Sir, With Love,” “Mr. Holland’s Opus” and “Dead Poets Society.” Those “movie teachers” expanded their students’ lives in incredible ways. Today—you have made me feel like one of those teachers. You have given me my “O Captain! My Captain!” moment. But my path to this podium is built on the shoulders of the incredible educators here today—and over the past ~15 years.
I especially want to thank Naomi Lyall, retired SVHS physics teacher. Years ago, before any of you students arrived, Naomi survived a serious snowboarding accident and yet miraculously awakened from a long coma—after we feared we might lose her. I volunteered to substitute for her for what I expected would be a short month or so. Once Naomi awakened, she supported and believed in me as I stayed all of the rest of the semester.
Without the support of your science department—and those trusting physics students—it would be unlikely that I would be standing up here today. And to the about 350 SVUSD educators, thank you for your kind support, too.
Seniors, throughout all your years at SVHS, I’ve had the privilege of standing in many of your classrooms, mispronouncing your names: A-A-ron, B-la-kay, De-Nice, O’-shag-nassy.
Thank you for the grace you have shown me—and especially for laughing at the “Dad Jokes” I used to start each class with a few, like: “How do you comfort an English teacher?” Can you tell me? Answer: There, their, they’re.
Whether they were actually funny or you were just being polite, your smiles, your laughter and sometimes even your applause made my day.
In the real story of Scotts Valley High, you, the Class of 2026, are the lead characters. During all your past four years, I have seen you take on challenges, navigate highs and lows, and grow into who you are today.
Some of you even trusted me with your own personal stories, a priceless gift!
And I have seen your kindness—even when you thought no one was watching, I was.
Being a substitute teacher has given me these unique views. For example, as freshmen, you have shown these behaviors: Respect—By listening to others and cleaning up after yourselves. Integrity—By returning all sorts of things others have accidentally left behind. Compassion—By checking up on upset classmates. Kindness—By helping teachers and peers.
In your Sophomore Year: Respect—By defending others respectfully. Integrity—By accepting more responsibility. Compassion—By supporting struggling students. Kindness—By volunteering to help others.
In your Junior Year: Respect—Standing against bullying. Integrity—Being fair in the face of conflict. Compassion—Mentoring younger students. Kindness—Helping, without recognition.
And now, in your Senior Year, with lasting impact, you have shown: Respect—By creating a place of welcome at SVHS. Integrity—By making ethical choices under pressure. Compassion—By supporting students in serious need. Kindness—By leaving a positive legacy through your daily actions.
From where I stand, the future looks incredibly bright because it belongs to you. Thank you for welcoming me into your 2026 high school class and graduation. As you leave today, remember this:
1) How you treat people defines your legacy.
2) Believe in yourself—you are capable of far, far more than you think.
3) Be grateful.
4) Laugh often—and help others laugh, too.
5) Keep your promises.
6) Tell people you love them… and as you step into your future, be kind, like your Falcon mascot, RIC, has reminded you every day on those posters pasted on all of your classroom walls.
I will be cheering for you from every dimension as you give the world all that you have. I love you all!
Now go out there and, as you have done for me today, DO GOOD THINGS.
