Hoggard valedictorian responds to controversy surrounding graduation speech

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Hoggard High School valedictorian at the center of a graduation speech controversy is speaking out, saying he rejects antisemitism and that the message of his speech was intended to be one of hope and optimism.

In a statement released Wednesday, Kyler Hosek said he was distressed that a quote used in his commencement address overshadowed the message he hoped to convey to his classmates.

“My speech was about hope and optimism,” Hosek said. “As my classmates and I start a new chapter in our lives, I wanted to encourage them to remember that every person has value and that we all have the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of others… I want to be clear that I reject antisemitism and hatred in all forms,” he said. “Those beliefs do not reflect my values.”

The controversy stems from Hoggard High School’s graduation ceremony, where Hosek told graduates, “As my biggest inspiration once said, every human being has something of value that they bring to the table.”

Following the speech, graduate Sara Rudeseal interrupted the diploma ceremony and said that Hosek’s quote came from a 2022 interview featuring Kanye West. Rudeseal claimed the quote omitted the final portion of the original statement, which included the phrase “especially Hitler.”

The incident sparked debate online and prompted questions about New Hanover County Schools’ process for reviewing student speeches.

On Tuesday, Superintendent Christopher Barnes released a statement saying the district “unequivocally rejects and condemns any messages of hate, discrimination, antisemitism, or other harmful ideologies associated with any individual or public figure.”

Barnes said the speech underwent the district’s standard review process before the ceremony and that administrators did not identify the connection during that review.

In his statement Wednesday, Hosek asked the public to view his remarks within the broader context of the speech.

“I ask that people consider my remarks in their entirety and extend the same grace and understanding to me that I would want to show to others,” he said.