'Never Leave a Hug Ungiven'

On June 5th, 2017, four years of extensive work culminated in my graduation from the John Dewey Academy of Learning with more than five credits above what was needed to graduate. I was afforded the opportunity to give a speech to my classmates and to our families, and I wrote a speech called 'Never Leave a Hug Ungiven'. You can see the video and read the transcript below.

"Never Leave a Hug Ungiven"

Congratulations to all of you for your hard work to get us to today.

I remember my first time walking into this building, a bright eyed eighth grader excited about a new charter. I wouldn't actually attend John Dewey for another year, but the word I used to describe it then is the same word I use today: Enchanting.

I shadowed Mr. Michael’s Advisory, on the day when Mr. Lee was subbing and I saw a world of pure imagination. Student's actually wanted to go to school! I saw a community, I saw a group of people who carried palpable passion for their academia, It was inspiring. I saw a group of staff and teachers who spend day in and day out as willing as anyone to ensure the success of their students. And I am happy to say, that's one thing that hasn't changed. As with any young school, our existence has been, how shall we say unique. We have hatched ducklings from eggs, we have had reptiles in class, we have had dogs in the lunch room, we have had Halloween Dances, and Harry Potter Proms. 

We are our own school, and despite the challenges we face everyday, we are one student body. Our faces may change, our trends may falter, but the spirit of cooperation among us all is a defining facet of our existence. 13 Long years ago, I and most of my classmates started school, in 2004, I know, we're ancient. And on that September day, I don't remember much, I was five after all, but I remember my Kindergarten Teacher telling us we would be the class of 2017, and that the time until we cross the stage may be years away, but it will come faster than you can ever imagine. And all these years later, all I can say is they were SO right.

Each year seems to have gone faster than the last, and this last one has been just a blur. You go to work, you go to school, and you hang out with your friends, and you wake up one morning, and suddenly the last dregs of High School are slipping through your fingers. Somedays it feels like your trying to catch smoke. You try to remember everything, every touch, every smell, every sound. The way your room changed throughout the year, the sound of your friends laughter. You burn it into your mind in the hope that it will make the time go a little bit more slowly.

I leave you Today with some advice:

·         I know sometimes it feels like everything hurts, but at the end you're going to realize all that pain taught you lessons.

·         You are better for who you are, and the mistakes you made are vital.

·         Cherish whatever advisory you are in, because Ms. Molly's is what you make it, and it's made up of all who are left.

·         Play as many games as you can, even if you're always the werewolf.

·         Enjoy your time with Mr. Lee and Ms. Molly, Senior Year is the time to lean on them.

·         Never leave a hug ungiven.

·         Not everything is what it seems.

·         Quell your God Complex if you find one growing.

·         The staff are not the enemy, they are always here to help you and there always looking our for YOUR best interest.

·         We are the future of this great planet, we are the World. 

We are the Doctors.

We are the Lawyers

We are the Astronauts

We are the Soldiers

We are the finest this school has to offer, we made it through four of the best and worst years of our life. May God Bless You, and May God Bless the Class of 2017.