When I was in high school, the girls chosen to speak at graduation were always exemplary students whose parents were also “choshuve” members of the community.
In fact one of my sisters was told by a teacher that she really wanted my sister to speak at graduation; she’s an excellent student and a fine girl besides; however school staff insisted on choosing another girl whose father is a prominent Rosh Kollel.
Actually none of my family members enjoy putting together speeches nor delivering them; so my sister was quite happy to be relieved of that pressure.
She did receive a reward at graduation, and my parents were very proud.