Math teacher Josh Haynes knows a lot of students at MHS and has created great bonds with a lot of people while teaching at MHS. He was selected by several seniors to give one of  the graduation speeches Friday night.

“I was honored to be selected to give the graduation speech. I have told many of my classes what the rough outline of my speech would look like if I was chosen,” he said.

Haynes was an MHS graduate, finishing in the top 25 of the Class of 2013. Having such a strong connection with a lot of the students at MHS, he’s able to help them out with their battles and hopes they get a lot of inspiration from his speech.

“I want to give students the quotes and lessons that I picked up once I left Merrillville High School. I want them to have a beginning point so that they can navigate the world a little easier,” Mr. Haynes said.

Speaking in front of the graduates’ families and friends can be very intimidating but he is up for the challenge. 

“I’m excited for the opportunity. I hope that everyone can take something from the speech,” Mr. Haynes said.

Coaching track and field and soccer and  knowing a lot of students at MHS has helped him create bonds. 

“Without those bonds, I wouldn’t have been voted to give the speech or know how to write a speech that will appeal to so many,” Haynes said.