One of the highlights of commencement each year is the speech by a graduating student who has been selected by faculty and staff to represent the class. The college is now soliciting nominations for the 2013 student commencement speaker and anyone interested is invited to nominate an outstanding student.

To be considered students must be graduating with a grade point average of 3.5 or above. In addition to academic success, contributions to the college and/or the community in general will be considered.

To nominate a student, draft a letter to the student speaker selection committee explaining why your nominee would be a good candidate for student speaker and send it with the nomination form completed to Ernie Greenslade, director of public relations, Room E164, Haverhill Campus by Tuesday, April 9.

In your letter, you should address areas such as the extracurricular activities of your nominee; how your nominee contributed to the college and/or the community in which he or she lives and/or works; and the future educational and/or career plans of your nominee.

While only the completed nomination form and one letter of support is required, nominees can have up to four additional letters of support. Also, we encourage you to include copies of news coverage, special awards or other items of interest that you would like the student speaker selection committee to consider.

The information you submit as well as official transcripts will be considered by a committee of faculty and staff who will make recommendations to President Glenn. This is a very competitive process so please be sure that the materials you provide reflect the full scope of the individual you are recommending and clearly communicate why this person should be selected to represent the class of 2013.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Ernie Greenslade at 978 556-3862 or egreenslade@necc.mass.edu.