Today I gave a speech in front of the entire student body, parents, and leaders in the community at my high school's senior award ceremony. I wanted to share it with you:
It is my privilege and honor to stand
here today and address you one final time as my students before your big
graduation day!
Throughout this year, I've felt that we've been kindred spirits of sorts because 10 years ago, I sat where you are now (points in general direction of where I sat). And
even though a decade has come and gone, not a lot has changed:
- Dr. Morgan is still the principal.
- Mr. Shirley is still school superintendent.
- I too was a Cloud Kid.
- I wouldn't have survived geometry without my composition notebook.
- And I can fold papel hamburger or hot dog style like a boss!
As a teacher, it
is easy to become discouraged in today’s current educational climate between
testing….more testing, RIGOR, and politicians continually changing the game in
the name of reform. I am told my value as a teacher can be quantified
mathematically using a formula no one can explain. With all of that being said,
I want you to know that being your teacher this year has reminded me why I
teach—for those moments when I see you grow not just as a student, but as a
person. I teach for those “A’ha moments” when you get it or the look of pride
and accomplishment on your face when you succeed. You have inspired me
and I thank you for that.
I hate the idea
that when it comes to books, learning or problems, hard is often seen as the
opposite of fun. In my mind and in my classroom, I try for both. It’s strange
to me that we should be so quick to give up when we are so willing to grapple
for centuries if necessary with a single level of angry bird. Sometimes you
will face difficulties not because you’re doing something wrong, but because
you’re doing something right. And sitting here in this moment is apart of the
right.
A couple of the
highlights from this year for me and maybe yourself include: 6140, Meeting
Shaggy and Scooby, Seaworld adventures, volunteering, when in doubt of the
answer to a question you can always say Skinner or Chomsky, or perhaps it was Chase
eating that really old “the cheez it” that was hanging around my room. I think some
of you might have addiction to cats or selfies. And this school year now holds
the record for egg baby “accidents.”
Okay, so enough
with the sentimentality and the walk down memory lane. The reason I am up here
today is to present the Psychology Volunteer of the year award. There were
seven students this year who qualified by completing between 21- 27 hours of
Volunteer work at Bushnell Elementary School through my Psychology and
Sociology courses. All of which are deserving of recognition! The cooperating teachers
described your class as the best volunteer group ever.
This year’s
recipient maintained straight A’s in not only my courses and multiple AP
classes while maintaining a job outside of school. She has exhibited
commitment; responsibility and a stellar work ethic that will help her continue
to be a success as she moves on to USF to pursue a career in medicine. She was
my head shrink and I extremely proud of this young lady. Please join me in
recognizing Miss Leighanne H.
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