Florida valedictorian with autism delivers inspiring ‘silent’ commencement speech

WINTER PARK, Fla. — The Valedictorian of the Rollins College graduating class of 2022 has a non-speaking form of autism, but that didn’t stop her from delivering an inspiring message to her fellow graduates in Winter Park, Florida.

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Elizabeth Bonker lost the ability to speak before she was two years old, according to WFTV.

After her family spent years searching for answers, Bonker eventually learned to communicate using a letterboard and later by typing.

On Sunday, Bonker received a degree in social innovation from the Rollins College of Liberal Arts.

The other four valedictorians who graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average unanimously chose Bonker to give the speech to the 2022 graduating class of more than 500 students.

She delivered her address Sunday using a text-to-speech computer program.

“God gave you a voice. Use it,” Bonker said in her speech. “And no, the irony of a non-speaking autistic encouraging you to use your voice is not lost on me. Because if you can see the worth in me, then you can see the worth in everyone you meet.”

During her time at Rollins, Bonker pursued public policy and advocacy interests. She also recently formed a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting GED programs and communication access for non-speaking people with autism worldwide.

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