As you read look for: metaphor, simile, onomatopoeia, personification, oxymoron and/or alliteration. Holly put on the beautiful charcoal gown and placed the cap on her head like a crown. Her four years of school had reached the final chapter, and she would be walking across the stage to receive her diploma today. This was a bittersweet moment. While she would be celebrating her success as a star student, she would also be saying so long to her friends. She was honored to be selected as valedictorian. When she reached the podium, the words leapt off the paper. Her voice cracked with emotion as she talked about how quickly time had flown by. She also mentioned many of the marvelous memories they made as a class.