Leo Blum Graduation Speech

Leo Blum – Graduation Address – June 9, 2021

Well, we’ve done it.  As we sit here today, our middle school careers are coming to a close right before our very eyes.  The next part of our journey lies ahead of us, and looking back on our past three years. I know we are definitely prepared to face whatever obstacles we may encounter on the road of high school.

Middle school was no doubt a tough journey.  In 6th grade, it was a step into new territory, a run forward when we had just mastered walking.  7th grade was much more familiar. Our 8th grade year began with the gradual realization that we were now the upperclassmen, concluded with the excitement of moving on to the first year of high school.

All throughout middle school, we took new chances academically with subjects and extracurriculars, and chances socially of branching out and creating new friendships and creating stronger bonds with old ones. We’ve all experienced new atmospheres, and we’ve all experienced true achievement.

Well, one thing is certain: we would not have had this true achievement without help and support along the way.  The vast amount of knowledge that we hold today is credit to all of our teachers: who taught us curriculum inside the classroom, and life lessons outside of it.  Thank you to Ms. Daniels and Ms. Tillman, to Mr. Seymour and Mr. Friedman, to Ms. Freeman and Ms. Hamilton, and to Mr. E. Thank you to the Student Council who gave us students a chance to make a difference in the school. Thank you to the parents, from picking up a student after a sports practice or early morning drop-offs to volunteering and chaperoning major school functions, occasions, and events — the parents have always been there, always behind us 1000%.  Thank you to all who have made our middle school career and experience what it is today and what it will be as we look back upon these memories.  Thank you, in helping us pursue our dreams and goals, and making it possible to progress forward with poise and solidity.

All the paths we took, all the decisions we made — they all helped us to realize who we were and who we wanted to be.  We learned not to follow in others footsteps, but to create our own.  Middle school was a chance for us to shine once more; it was a time to discover how to stand up for our own beliefs.  We didn’t let our fears of belonging prevent us from showing our true selves.  Finding yourself amidst in a sea of so many conformities, friendships, and relationships — it was a tough lesson to learn and even harder skill to gain, but sure enough we have set our own trends and goals…not to let anyone discourage us.  Middle school gave us a chance to learn to love ourselves, walk with confidence, and live without holding back.

With the next four years to define who we are once more, we will never forget what we have learned within these school walls; we will never forget the chances we took, the small to major transformations we’ve all undergone, and the opportunities that gave us a chance to realize aspirations; the memories we have created together in this school can never be erased, and now we sit here awaiting what the future holds.