Laurel Hall Students EMBRACE Learning
|
|
CLASS OF 2023
8TH GRADERS |
|
|
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Greetings Laurel Hall Families!
It has been a great week. First, I would like to begin by reporting that, despite some chatter on the text chains, I am in pursuit of a Spanish teacher for the 2023-2024 school year. As reported earlier this year, along with safety, security and technology, Spanish will be brought back for next school year. Details of the program will unfold when the Spanish teacher is secured.
Most importantly, this week, our beloved 8th grade class participated in their commencement ceremony Thursday evening. In a word, it was – beautiful. I am excited to learn about all their future successes. They are shining examples of what we do best – educate brilliant minds. Next Tuesday, these rising 9th graders embark on their 10-day East Coast trip! Love and prayers to these wonderful students.
I share with you now, my farewell address to the Laurel Hall Graduating class of 2023:
We call this a graduation. We call it a culmination. The reality is that we are gathered here today to celebrate commencement. This is a beginning. Graduates, this chapter of your educational journey is over. Yet, the book is far from being completely written. This portion of your journey began some time ago, in the kinder years, with your parents bringing you to school, holding your tiny hand in theirs.
Now, you processed into this church, perhaps for one last time, and it is evident how much you have grown – physically…emotionally…and spiritually. Believe it or not, from “back then” until now, this phase, though not always easy, is in fact, the easiest part of your entire educational journey. Thankfully, you have traveled - through triumph and tribulation - with the support of your classmates and you have been fortunate to be guided by these amazing Laurel Hall educators and supported by your loving families. And to your families, and teachers, and even friends you owe a debt of gratitude. Therefore, it is appropriate now for you to stand, turn, and give them a wave and then remain standing through thunderous applause!
My address tonight is going to be a little different than usual. It is the address I was supposed to have given to the brilliant LHS inductees to the National Junior Honor Society a few weeks ago. Sadly, on the day of the induction, my 93-year-old father-in-law was taken to the hospital for what we thought would be catastrophic news. Things ultimately turned out fine for him. I was unable to attend the ceremony that evening. However, in preparing for tonight, I realized my NJHS speech is appropriate for the entirety of this remarkable class. I have known many of you since you were in the third grade, and I know how far you have come. You began mostly as wandering followers, and I have seen you emerge confident, often vociferous leaders.
At the induction ceremony, NJHS President Jake Fireman, who is also one of 12, 4.0 grade point average graduating valedictorians this year, had written:
“The price of leadership is sacrifice – the willingness to yield one’s personal interest for the interest of others.” Class of 2023, always be willing to sacrifice for others.
Jake also stated, “A leader will go forward when others hesitate.” Graduates, others will hesitate. You must move forward.
Finally, he said, “No matter what power and resources may exist in a school, community, or nation, they are ineffectual without the guidance of a wise leader.” Class of 2023, you must only make wise choices.
When I think about stories of greatness and leaders, I can’t help but think of ordinary people, doing extraordinary things. I think about the contribution and not the notoriety of the person. So, when I read the words about which Jake would speak, I thought of a leader, and hero and historical figure that many, or most of you, had not studied – a man most likely not commonly known. This man was named, Charles Joughin.
Charles Joughin was a baker on the ill-fated RMS, Titanic in 1912. When the Titanic began to sink, Charles Joughin didn’t think about saving himself. Instead, he began packing food and supplies for the lifeboats that would be used to save others. Rather extraordinary for a man to be engaged in service to others, on a ship that was literally sinking into the sea. Truly – “the price of leadership is sacrifice, the willingness to yield one’s personal interest for the interest of others.”
After he finished packing the lifeboats, Charles Joughin didn’t get in one. Instead, he helped others get in the boats. In fact, he even began throwing people onto lifeboats if they refused, or hesitated, to get on. Remember - “A leader will go forward when others hesitate.”
Charles Joughin was believed to be the last person left on the Titanic gripping the railing as the ship sank into the ocean. Miraculously, he survived for three hours in the 28-degree frigid Atlantic water before being rescued and surviving virtually unharmed.
None of us knew Charles Joughin, but we can admire him for his exemplary behavior. Every single one of us here tonight does know this wonderful class and the radiance each of them emits.
As Abraham Lincoln once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Class of 2023 - rising 9th graders, I want to thank you from the depths of my heart for leading by example.
You are all wise leaders…and the future is yours to shape.
Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
Best,
Jay
|
|
|
May 31 Elementary Instrumental Concert 6:30PM
Celebrating Pride Month with BIshop Bos 9:30AM
June 1 Elementary Spring Sing 9:00AM
June 2 Dance Showcase 3:30PM
June 7 5th Grade Culmination 5:30PM
|
|
|
HELP SUPPORT OUR BAND DIRECTOR
MR. WEIGAND
|
|
|
MAY SCRIPTURE
To watch over mouth and tongue is to keep out of trouble.
Proverbs 21:23
|
|
|
LAUREL HALL ONGOING FUNDRAISERS
|
|
|
|
Ways you can support Laurel Hall during the school year, are by (1) linking your Ralph's card to Laurel Hall, (2) designating our school as your charity on Goodsearch.
To benefit Laurel Hall, shoppers need a digital account that can be linked to the Ralph's Community Contribution program. Go here to set up your digital account. If you already have an online account with Ralph's, you can log in and then choose Laurel Hall as your designated Community Contribution school.
Our school receives funds for every search made through the site, so why not use it as your search engine? You can sign up for Goodsearch here. Be sure to designate Laurel Hall School as your charity.
|
|
|
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
|
|
|
|
INSTAGRAM: @thelaurelhallschool
TWITTER: @thelaurelhall
FACEBOOK: @laurelhallschool
|
|
|
|
|
