But this was no regular assembly at Concord High School. It was the first this year by the Presidential Campaign Club, which has invited candidates to speak since 1988. And the students tuned in when US Senator Lindsey Graham took the stage, using self-deprecating humor to engage with students.
"High school," Graham said . "It was the best eight years of my life."
But much of his speech was a mix of doomsday address and inspirational narrative. He talked of losing his parents at a young age, leaving him to raise his 13-year-old sister. "Just don't take life for granted," he said. "If you're loved, you're lucky."
When Graham asked the students if they planned to join the military, many raised their hands. And while he talked about the sense of purpose he found in the Air Force, he told them that if he becomes president, soldiers would return to the Middle East.
"We're going to kill every terrorist we can find," he said.
It was a theme he returned to during the Q&A, when asked about his position on same-sex marriage. Saying that he "accepts" the Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex unions — although he thinks it should be a states' rights issue — Graham said there was something else students must focus on.
"Here's what I want you to realize," he said. "Gay or straight, black or white, rich or poor, Republican or Democrat, wedding cake baker, Baptist preacher, or gay couple, ISIL will kill you all."
Some parroted "will kill you all" in response. Some giggled. Others looked taken aback. The applause was tepid.
When he asked if the students thought same-sex couples should be allowed to marry?
Nearly every hand in the room was raised.
Akilah Johnson can be reached at akilah.johnson@globe.com.