Classmates of Sef Scott had hardly ever heard him speak a word all throughout high school. So it came to a shock to them — as well as his father and relatives — when he got up to speak at his graduation.

“I would imagine that to the seniors that know who I am that it is entirely unexpected that I would be standing here giving a speech,” he said. “Just by my being here speaking to all of you — me — that alone is unexpected.”