Henry Adams once wrote "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." This is so true, every teacher here has taught us much more than the textbook curriculum. Every teacher here tonight has given us students something we will use or remember for the rest of our lives. I really don't think people understand or appreciate the time and effort our teachers have put into us. So tonight I'm not going to give everyone advice on the future, I'm not going to tell you how life is a journey we've just begun, and I'm not going to brag about how great the class of 2006 is. Since we have eight outstanding Valedictorians this year, I'm sure all of those bases are already covered. So instead, I'm going to take a few minutes here to thank some of the teachers and staff that have made a difference in my own life, and by doing so I hope that everybody present tonight will see how important each and every teacher and staff member is at Amos High School.
I'd like to start out by thanking Mr. Addington. Not only is he the Clay and Ceramics teacher at AHS, he is the wisest man I know. I have asked him so many questions this year, and he has always helped me figure things out, but instead of letting me be lazy and simply telling me his answers, he asks me the questions and makes me think it out. Mr. Bassett is the smartest man I know. He keeps the entire school district's computer network up and running, he created a computer program that lets kids and parents check their grades from their home computers, as well as another program that he sold to the government. While doing all this, he still made extra time to help me survive his Windows 2000 class since I hadn't taken the required prerequisites and was pretty lost. Mr....
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...already talked about, and the ones that I did not get a change to mention, but I don't have time. Parents and people of the community, please see what great people these teachers are, and remember how much of their lives they give freely to their students. Teachers, whether you know it or not, you have affected each of us so much. The people that I have talked about are only teachers on my own list of important people at Amos High School. Every single student in a cap and gown right now has their own list, every one of you has impacted someone's life, and we will never forget you. Without your time and effort, none of us would be where we are today, and none of us would have been the leaders that we will turn out to be. You have made our experience at Amos High School truly great, and it will be hard to say goodbye, but from the graduating class of 2006, thank you.
When I was in elementary school, I loved to read. I was a total nerd back then ... okay maybe I still am, but one thing has changed. Now I don't so much like reading. My favorite poet was Shel Silverstein, who wrote "Where the Sidewalk Ends." He seemed like he was a total hippie, but that's cool because I like hippies. My grandma is a recovering hippie. I like her too. Anyway, Shel Silverstein wrote about the coolest things. He wrote about magical erasers, eating whales and a boy with long hair flying away from people who were taunting him. He captured all of the things that I loved without knowing that I actually loved them. Now you may ask, how does this hippie relate to our graduation? Well, he wrote a poem entitled "Traffic Light" and this is how it goes:
Good evening. Some of you out there may not realize this but those of you who attended Suntime Middle School have been with this guy for the last seven years. I would like to ask you all, not just Suntime Middle School grads and who all else, to join me in thanking Mr. Weather for his patience and dedication to the success of our education over the years. We are the Class of 2000. The first graduating class of the new millennium. The past four years have been pretty wild. We started out as a bunch of rats in a small cage, but as time went by we learned and matured and became big rats in a new small cage, but in any case, the cage door is now opening; the handlers turning us wild things loose. As we leave "Where the Wild Things Are," home to some of the best cat fights, fist fights and food fights this side of the Cascades, I have a little surprise for all of you sitting in front of me here tonight in your caps and gowns … we ain’t seen nothing yet!
Class of 2012, as we sit here this evening, I would like you to take a look at the classmates sitting around you. Many students have given countless hours of time, energy, and passion to worthy cuases that they have been a part of throughout high school. However, those aren't the only students deserving of recognition this evening. We have students here tonight, who have taken a stand for what they believe in, not even hesitating to compromise their reputations.
Thanks Miss Smith for making Science, History, Art, Drama, and Tech amazing classes. You are a wonderful teacher who makes learning fun, and I appreciate that. Furthermore, thank you Mr. Rague. Without your help, this speech would not have been written. You push every single one of your students to do their best since you know what all of us are capable of. Also, thank you Mr. Hall. I look forward to gym every Wednesday and Monday since you make it extremely amusing. Thank you to Mr. Block as well for helping me understand math better and for leading the 7/8th grade girls to winning the championship. Lastly, thank you Mrs. Rague. Before health class started, I did not know much about the heart, the food groups, the lungs, etc., but with your help I am basically a pro on all of the subjects. Thank
I have been a classroom teacher with the same school division (and its legacy divisions) for twenty two years. I have therefore, been an active participant and witness to the multitude of changes and growth that have enveloped the realm of education and my school division. My role in the classroom has mainly included English and Arts instruction at the grade 11 and 12 levels. I have considered it an honor to be one of the last teachers involved in a student’s K-12 education and have deeply recognized this important leadership role, guiding our students by way of instruction and by example, through their final educational stretch and empowering them to be leaders themselves. I feel that I have helped to create a society of learners where students are being constantly challenged, where they experienced meaningful personal and educational growth and were empowered to celebrate their accomplishments whether they were big or small.
Semanovich and Mrs. Mahiaini for what they’ve done. I want to thank Coach Cam, even though we don’t like the dreaded mile, for making us stronger and bringing discipline into our lives. Thank you Mrs. Miller for staying with us for all our Water of Life years. I enjoyed being in Mouse Squad with you and especially loved putting the computer together. I’d also like to remember the people who have left the school.
Good evening, and thank you for accompanying our 8th grade promotion. Thank you to the Rock Falls District #13 board members, superintendent Mr. Arickx, Mrs. Palmer, Mr. Calkins, Mr. Rude, and Mr. Ackman. We also give a big thanks to our parents and our teachers. Our parents have helped us with everything we have been through and they have been there to support us with through our struggles in life so far. Some of us wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for our teachers. They have put extra time and effort into us so we could be here today, also teachers all throughout our school career have tried to help us succeed so we can make it to the next stage in our life. Sincerely thank you to everyone that has put their time and effort to help us succeed. Next we would like to congratulate the 8th grade class of 2018 for getting this far and helping each other in every way you guys have to proceed to the next
Today, as we graduate, with degree nearly in hand, I challenge each of you to make a difference in whatever you do. Remember that life didn't end when we re-entered school. Life continued throughout our program. Even when stretched to the limit, life only got more challenging. And now, graduating, life only changes pace. Our degree completion is not really an ending as much as a new beginning as we re-enter our lives of work and home. We thank all of our family, friends, instructors and co-workers who helped see us through this process. Thank you for this opportunity and good luck to you all.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to Reed High School staff. Reed is the home to admin and teachers who put students before themselves, these individuals would do anything to protect us. They have blessed us with knowledge and that is the best gift. There is one special person in this room who I dearly respect, Kellie Kareck. Ms. Kareck is a woman who is extremely passionate about what she teaches, a lady who makes sure every student is successful, and an advocate who has helped many of us receive scholarships.
Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Today is the day where each of the people behind me start a new journey as this part of our lives come to an end. With the help of many of you in the stands and your influence on my friends and peers, I know everyone of us is set out to do something extraordinary. I want to start of first by thanking my friends, coaches and teachers, my community, and most importantly, my family. There is no doubt that all of you have helped me in any way to get to where I am today.
Before I start my speech I would like to thank the Rotary Club, My teachers: Mr. Gonzalez, Mrs. Manuel, Ms. Soun and Mr. Bui, and My principal Mrs. Berry for recognizing me. When I was younger I believed in fairy tales, Fairies, Mermaids, Monsters and Magic, but trust me when I say I never thought I would get the honor to be in front of all of you talking about my plans for the future and what motivates me to be the best I can be everyday at school. My story starts at berlyn, I was at berlyn from kindergarten through second grade, and at the time my teachers did not motivate me to do well in school. Every single day I dreaded going to school because it didn’t benefit me in any way. However, in second grade we were given the G.A.T.E test, which I passed and soon was transferred to Edison Academy in 3rd grade.
Good evening esteemed Board Members, Colleges, Friends, and Family, I stand before you humbled and honored to receive this award. An award which represents an achievement in my field of work as an educator. But it was by no mean an easy task to achieve alone. It’s said that it takes a village to raise a child, the same can be said about raising an educator.
After a hiatus, I compose this missive just to let you know that you are an excellent teacher and have inspired me to continue learning with an open and positive mind. Speaking personally, I immensely enjoyed your matchless guidance as you gave me many ideas for my classroom teaching. I appreciate all your hard work and it meant so much to me. I am truly touched by your generosity, spirit, and willingness to get out of your way to help your students. It was so kind of you to speak favorably about me all the time during my Post Graduation days. It was just what I needed and those pats meant a lot for me and enabled me to continue with my course.
Now I would like to take the time to thank everyone who has helped me get this far. First of all, thank you to all the teachers. None of us would be here without you always pushing our academic abilities to the fullest. Jessica Parker a.k.a. my partner in crime as Mr. Tri would refer to us. You made everyday coming to school worthwhile. Hillary Laswell, who would leave third period to go steal flowers from horticulture and give them to Mrs. Granillo with me. My brother Jeramie who always said, "If anyone is mean to you, I'll take care of it." My Mom, thank you for always believing in me and putting up with me when I was a real jerk.
Let me begin by saying that I am very honored to be addressing the County High School Class of 2012 as students of this institution for the last time. We've spent these last four years creating some serious memories: four years of chieftain power, leaking roofs, questionable Homecoming skits, and musical principals. Four years of good teachers, bad teachers, new teachers, old teachers. Four years of youth, music, growing up and breaking free. Four rubber chickens, four yearbooks, four ASB presidents and four chubby bunnies.