Each year, my 8th graders write a graduation speech.  It is not optional.  Everyone does it.  Why?  Because it gives them a chance to reflect back on their time at school.  Some of them have been at Montgomery since they were three, and some of them have spent just one year with us.  Each one of them has memories that they have created regardless of the time spent here.  It is a time for my students to say what they need to say, thank who they need to thank, and, in some cases, make amends and honor each other.  This year, the speeches varied from a symbolic school bus ride, steps to writing a graduation speech, lessons learned, and a heartfelt story about a young man realizing what he had gained and what he was losing.  The students are ready to move on.  They have chosen their graduation speaker.  All that is left is to say goodbye.  But, I’ll save that for Friday….

I’ve chosen a quote from each graduate’s speech to create the video above and the slideshow below. Grab your tissues…