Politics | high school White House Dangles Obama Commencement Speech Public school voted tops will land president By Nick McMaster Posted Apr 26, 2010 7:16 PM CDT Copied President Barack Obama speaks during a memorial service for the miners killed in the Upper Big Branch Mine, in Beckley, W.Va., Sunday, April 25, 2010. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) If your high school commencement speech was some guy from the Chamber of Commerce, the White House has a less nap-inducing alternative: The public school voted most dedicated to prepping its kids for college and career will get a graduation address from one Barack Obama. Six finalist schools are on the ballot, which is up for vote starting today as part of the administration's "Race to the Top." Check out this page to watch 3-minute videos and read essays from the finalists. The page also outlines the criteria for winning, which are quite detailed and perhaps require more than a 3-minute video to judge, Valerie Strauss points out in the Washington Post—though she concedes that the administration's heart is in the right place. Read These Next The Air Force has changed its tune on Ashli Babbitt. Open that wallet big time for a trip to Disney, if you can afford it. Minneapolis shooter had a plan—and grievances. A 'tense' clash with RFK Jr. led to CDC chief's trouble. Report an error