8th GRADE GRADUATION SPEECH 2012 - Tandem Friends School

More documents

Recommendations

Info

There’s the story of zoetic Zoe whose name means “life” in Greek (looked that one up too), whose quiet, centered nature breathes life into everything she does almost in a spiritual way. Her open face and movement in her characterization in Godspell could teach us all to slow down and enjoy the moment. There’s the tale of convivial Carson learning to ride a unicycle for the first time in NYC…open and determined. It’s the story of how he courageously and happily struggled through tons of text in Godspell – how he brought strength, grace and some Big Lebowski humor to his role as Jesus. And how he patiently and regularly had to teach Heidi how to use her own computer. There’s the story of jazzy Jo, a force to be reckoned with in musical theatre, serious of purpose about her passions and life, reaching out to the world around her, enjoying friendships with peers and adults alike, making us feel the depth of her character through the music she makes. There’s the rhyme of caring Caroline, super human in many ways, able to leap tall buildings, move heavy furniture and take on any 8th grade boy with one hand tied behind her back. It’s the story of the joy she gets from animals and Black Box pillows and listening to stories and that it’s in her heart and soul to help clean and organize. There’s the story of knowledgeable Katie, book in hand, soaking up a story like a kitchen sponge, bubbly, entering a space with arms outstretched for a hug, with her own stories flowing trippingly off the tongue, enjoying words, images – all things that paint a picture and connect her to the world. There’s the story of energetic Eliza, making a place for herself on stage in Godspell with a new-found confidence and voice. And of how she went to Richmond to fight for women’s rights, creating fabulous t-shirts for the event, one of the youngest girls to ride the bus to the rally. And finally there’s the tale of jolly and just Jonathan, fancifully portraying what he loves most as Chicken Boy in Godspell. It’s the story of how he (along with Caroline, Katie, Eliza and Kai) were totally into the chicks housed in the science room, teaching Christine about the deep drive we all have to nurture. With Jonathan at the helm, every day during lunch the group sat with the chicks, held them in their hands, cuddled and fed them like a bunch of mother hens. Jonathan’s story is also about inviting his entire class to play in his tree house and roast marshmallows in his tee pee, generous beyond belief and bringing the 8th grade community together. And so, the individual stories come together and the epic tale of your class begins – of how you learned from each other how to create community. Not just any community, but a pretty darned special one. In choosing Godspell as your final show, I saw the potential in you to bring parables (more stories!) to life in a truthful and communal way. You transcended my expectations – working together to build not only a Beautiful City in the story, but to build a beautiful play for our community. The emotional depths to which
you went were far beyond your years – Carson and Tommy with Judas’s betrayal of Jesus and the rest of the cast in your heartfelt goodbyes and other honest moments. You collectively knew how to make these moments special. And in the end each and every one of you understood the importance of story and the purpose, power and pleasure of community far beyond the reaches of the stage. All of your teachers have felt your connection to community. Christine notes that during the Green Cup Challenge, you begged her to keep the lights turned off. You knew that little things add up to make a big difference. Carolena remembers how passionate you were about your passion projects, and how you nurtured Louie during your fifth grade year. Tom has felt your sense of community on the soccer field. This year, during the Love Feast, a large group of you worked so hard to serve coffee, cider and desserts to the audience. You served with energy and joy as you have on many service trips. On the NY Arts trip we were so impressed by how you all got along so well. Groups were constantly morphing - joyful and laughing no matter who was with whom. The stories from other teachers go on and on. Mark Drexel stated eloquently about you, “Like little kids they run for the swings in Central Park in NYC. Like compassionate adults they listen to the homeless before serving dinner in DC. They are on the road to growing up and doing it well.” So well put…thank you, Mark. You ARE on the road to growing up well and I’m thankful and honored that you have shared your stories with us here in the Tandem Middle School. I’ve loved being a part of your stories – singing with you at the Love Feast, dancing with you at Fuerza Bruta, playing with you at Jonathan’s house, staging a variety of stories with you on stage for the past four years. As you move on to your next phase (whether it’s here at Tandem or elsewhere), keep listening to tales, and keep making and telling your own stories. Your children, grandchildren and perhaps your students will thank you someday. Oh, and by the way, I’m NOT going to say something cheesy at the end of my speech like – “You Are the Light of the World” or “You Are the Salt of the Earth.” And I do have another riveting story to tell you about my childhood that you’ve never heard before (if you’re interested…). Congratulations, 8th grade class of 2012! Let’s hit Kings Dominion!
Page 1 and 2: 8th GRADE GRADUATION SPEECH 2012 We
Page 3: they might hurt themselves. But the

8th GRADE GRADUATION SPEECH 2012 - Tandem Friends School

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?