8th Grader Evokes Presidential Candidates in Hilarious Graduation Speech

In his 8-minute speech, the Arlington Heights middle schooler impersonated Donald Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz, President Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
6/16/2016
Updated:
6/16/2016

A graduating eighth grader at Thomas Middle School in Arlington Heights, Ill., had the school in stitches with his graduation speech on June 7.

Jack Aiello, 14, along with his graduating class, had to write a graduation speech as part of an English assignment. The speeches were then evaluated by teachers and staff and three finalists were chosen to speak at graduation, according to NBC Chicago

Aiello was one of the finalists and his speech impersonating some presidential candidates, as well as Obama, was received with delight.

“I’ve decided that since we’re in the middle of an election year, that I would do my graduation speech in the style of some of the 2016 presidential candidates,” Aiello begins in the video, uploaded to YouTube.

In his 8-minute speech, the Arlington Heights middle schooler impersonated Donald Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz, President Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Sen. Bernie Sanders.  

The mimicry was unmistakable. 

“Politics has been something he’s been interested in for several years,” the teen’s father, John, told ABC News. “He’s always been good with impressions, so while watching along with his mom and I, he picked up phrases and mannerisms of the candidates.”

Aiello’s graduation speech did not only earn him a standing ovation, but he has been heaped with praise over the internet. 

“I have no doubt, we'll see this kid on Saturday Night Live in 2020. An amazing writer and talent! He was absolutely brilliant,” commented a YouTube user.

“Hilarious.. Great job 8th Grader,” wrote another. 

It’s safe to say the Chicago middle school graduate might fit right in on SNL ... or the White House.