Graduation Speech

---

Hello to everyone who is reading this. From parents to teachers to students to the District 67 staff. I want to thank you. I want to thank all of you for giving me the opportunity to learn, to play, to discover the world in ways I couldn't have thought of. Before I get into my speech, I wanted to thank the teachers at Hynes.

Teachers like Ms. Johnson, Mrs. Reiner, Mrs. Sadkin. Mr. Step, and, and Mr. G in Hynes who taught me the basis on how to be kind, caring, and respectful to others. Who taught me that you should try and tackle your fears, no matter how big they are. Who taught me that it's not bad to step out of your comfort zone, and to be daring. I learned to give it my all, no matter how daunting a task was, and that being respectful to others is a trait that will reward not only you, but others as well. Without my teachers at Hynes, I wouldn't know basics like reading, writing, calculating, and caring. Really, thank you.

For my friends and teachers at Golf, you are best people anybody could have to guide them through not only school, but life as a whole. Whenever I was down or need something to just lighten me up, you guys were always there.

In 5th Grade I was lucky to still have my friends from Hynes, and we were able to get closer together as a result of staying within the same class for the entire day. Surprisingly, even though that was the way of school all the way up that point, I never felt like I wanted a break from it. I can remember Mrs. Moss, my 5th grade teacher, and how she used to tell the class about Wrigley, her dog. I remember the Science Fair and how I took on the task of creating a scale prototype of a shoe rack/coat hanger, which I modeled with a little bear. 

In 6th Grade, we had a change in the way of school, because we had to switch classes for every subject of ours. I made some friends from this change, and I'm still grateful to have them now. 6th Grade was a year of familiarity, however, at the same time there was a difference in the way we knew each other. I feel like there was a slight difference about how we interacted, like the way we talked, how we thought of each other. It was like we matured, but we were still the same people we were for the past 7 years. 

7th Grade, in my opinion, was the biggest change that we had in the district in terms of friendships and classes. I was with the same people I was with previously, yet there was still that same feeling of disconnection with some people. Friends I was with earlier left for other classes, and I almost stopped communicating with them. At the same time I made friends that I have very close relationships with, so the vibe of 7th Grade echoed that of 6th. In the same year I met some of the most influential teachers I have had so far. I had to take on the challenge of learning a new language, taking the Constitution Test, and exploring new places in Camp MacLean. Throughout all this I had friends who had my back no matter what it took, and teachers willing to support me at every end and corner. 7th Grade was also the year I took on sports, one of the best things I could ever decide to do in my life.

8th Grade was the quickest year, yet it was the densest year, filled with all sorts of events and antics. Being in Mrs. Joyner's class was one of the best things to happen in the district, as I got to know a class that would redefine the unexpected. From all the inside jokes to the tomfoolery that was always present, even during tests. Everyone knew that this was the class to turn to when we wanted to "woot woot turn up". When she wasn't here, we always talked through classroom, expressing our confusion and sadness as to why we were missing out on so much. From concerning Mr. Gilman with the pandemonium we caused, to personally going through the stress of interviews and Model U.N., which now I look back on with warmth in my heart, because Mrs. Joyner was there to go with me through it.

Mrs. Conejo dealt with the random spurts of wildness and pranks we pulled in her class, from dancing at the front, to death stares stronger than lasers, to ears that didn't quite seem normal. She entreated upon us the importance about being kind and aware of yourself and others, understanding our thoughts about the seriousness of presentation of issues as serious as it.

Mr. Carris' class was filled with sarcastic humor and moments of pure joy, pranking others and making bets with everyone on who would win what. The table that I sat at was one of loudness, but in my defense we had some good moments. (Not exactly appropriate for this post :)  )

In Mr. Carro's class we cracked puns and weren't afraid to be honest about what we thought, imploring for information on how the real, "grown-up" world works. Taking a class and transforming it into a lesson about taxes and mortgages may not sound like the most exciting thing, but it was a wacky departure from the hubbub that took place in his class.

Going to Camp MacLean for the second time was something I looked forward to for the entire year. The first time was fun and a mystery to nearly all of us at first, but now that we would have familiarity with the camp and the activities in it, another door was opened to the things that we could do. Thinking about anything but looking down on the High Ropes course, lounging around and gaping at all the food we had in the Main Lounge, running from wasps while fishing, and acting like we were on the insane root at midnight, were just some of the most memorable events at Camp.

My time at District 67 was one that I will never, ever let get away from me, no matter how many memories I make after this year. It was a time that shaped my being and mind, my knowledge and awareness, my relationships and feelings. I will miss, and cherish the time I had at District 67, Thank you.

---