Continuing what has become a national trend this year, Belton High School Salutatorian Mitch Anderson (above) came out during his commencement speech last Thursday, according to KTEM News Radio 14. Belton is just south of Temple on Interstate 35 between Waco and Austin. From KTEM:
The ceremony took place at the Bell County Expo, in Belton on Thursday, with the largest graduating class in Belton High School’s history. But the young teen said he was undaunted by the massive crowd. …
He said no one, not even his parents and close friends, knew he was gay prior to the speech. So far, the teenager said reaction has been positive.
“I’ve received so much support and kindness,” Anderson said of fellow classmates and others. “Knowing that [people] found the speech inspirational has been really amazing.”
Anderson said his parents knew nothing of his plans to come out that night, and have were extremely supportive afterwards.
“[My mom said] ‘I love you’,” and I said “I love you too,” he said. “Dad hugged me.”
The station also posted the full text of Anderson’s speech. Read it by going here.
