The Journey Ahead

Allison Joseph Pendleton ’06, vice president of Clover Group, turned her thoughts to her days as a student at EFS and how much promise the journey ahead holds for our graduates as she addressed the Class of 2022 on June 15.

"While 2006 feels like just yesterday to me, and I imagine to most of the parents and grandparents in this audience as well, I cringed a bit when I realized that today’s graduates had yet to enter the world," she started. "When initially asked to be this year’s graduation speaker, I confess that I found myself a bit apprehensive. Aside from the general trepidation I have for public speaking, I wondered what wisdom I have to impart. Upon further reflection, I realized the answer lies in my own journey through Elmwood Franklin School and, though I hate to say it, the many, many years beyond."

By her own admission, Allison was nervous, sad, and of course, excited as she sat on stage in The Johnston Theatre for her graduation. "For those of you worried that the road ahead won’t be easy, you’re right; it won’t always be. You will be pushed out of your comfort zone on more than one occasion, and like everyone else in this great big world, you will struggle. But fear not because Elmwood Franklin has prepared you to face adversity head-on."

Following are excerpts from her address to the EFS Class of 2022.

It was in 2006 that I was seated in this very room, getting ready to walk across the very same stage. I felt what I imagine are a lot of the same emotions as this year’s graduates. Excitement about high school and the opportunity to meet new people. Nervous about once again being a small fish in a big pond. Sad about leaving, worried that friendships might not last as we moved forward down different paths. Class of 2022, while I will admit that many things have changed in the last 16 years, please know that these feelings and doubts have been had by many Elmwood Franklin graduates before you and will be felt by many after you. If there is one thing I can leave you with today, it is my hope that I can quell some of these fears and provide you with a sense of peace regarding your journey at Elmwood Franklin finally coming to an end.

The late great C.S. Lewis once said, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” Mr. Lewis was correct—as you move throughout life, you are forced to leave behind many things. But rest assured, Class of 2022, that the friendships you have made here at EFS are not one of them. Choosing different high schools does not mean the end of a friendship. It means waiting all week for that sleepover with the girls, or pick-up hockey game with the guys, looking forward to those special Friday movie nights and Sunday football games. Instead of your circle of friends shrinking, you will find that it greatly expands. The friendships you have made here at EFS are life-long bonds; nourish these, and you might find yourself standing up with your best friend since Prep II as she marries the love of her life, just like I will have the honor of doing this September. Your fellow graduates are more than just classmates; they are your family. And just like family, you’re stuck with them—wherever you may go in life—they will always be with you.

Of course, moving up to high school comes with other challenges besides social ones. Some of you may be worried about the level of classes—will they be too difficult? Take a deep breath, my friends, because I can confidently say that as Elmwood Franklin graduates, you will be the most academically prepared students at any high school in the greater Buffalo area. This goes beyond knowing the basics of Algebra I or how to structure a thesis statement properly. You have been taught how to think critically, to know your own mind, and not to be afraid to speak up. And so, I urge you to use your voice; be the loud and proud students that Elmwood Franklin has given you the skills to be. You have all the tools in your toolbox. Simply be confident that you know how to use them.

There will be people who doubt you—adults and peers alike. This is where another pillar of your Elmwood Franklin education will come into play: your strong, honorable character. Elmwood teaches you to hold yourself to the highest ethical standard. You have learned always to treat others with respect and, perhaps more importantly, to lead by example. You learned firsthand how to be leaders as “big brothers or sisters” to nervous fifth grade students entering the Upper School. Again, as captains of the Blue & Gray Teams (GO BLUE!), you learned how to lead others in friendly competition, and whether you win or lose, to do it with grace and good sportsmanship. Prior to being drafted by Buffalo in 2018, Bills quarterback Josh Allen said, “If you don’t want to believe in me, that’s OK, because I’ll make a believer out of you.” Turn the doubters into believers. Allow them to see your character shine through your actions, for as cliché as it sounds, actions do speak much louder than words.

High school, college, and life beyond will throw a lot of challenges your way. For those of you worried that the road ahead won’t be easy, you’re right; it won’t always be. You will be pushed out of your comfort zone on more than one occasion, and like everyone else in this great big world, you will struggle. But fear not because Elmwood Franklin has prepared you to face adversity head-on. Take these last two and a half school years, for example. An unprecedented global pandemic forced you as students to adapt to a new way of life. Your learning practices shifted to fit with the everchanging CDC guidelines, and you did not miss a beat. You put on the masks when you needed to, buckled down, and got to work. As you sit here today, you should be incredibly proud not only of the hard work you put into your education but on being able to face such a great challenge with poise and maturity well beyond your years. This is just another way you have met and even exceeded Elmwood’s expectations as leaders of the school community—and so I say “kudos” to each and every one of you.

Finally, for those of you worried that today might be “goodbye,” I’d like to point out that goodbyes are often final. While Elmwood Franklin will no longer be the place where you spend your days, faculty and staff alike will always welcome you back with open arms. The school song very clearly and appropriately states, “Give a cheer for Elmwood Franklin School. The school belongs to you and me.” Whether you visit next year, five years, or ten years from now, you will still be able to walk through these halls and feel the same sense of belonging you felt throughout your time here. Like it is for me and so many other proud alumni, Elmwood Franklin School will always be your home away from home. And so, Class of 2022, I encourage you to come back as often as you’d like. But above all, I urge you to think of today’s ceremony not as a goodbye but as an open-ended “I’ll see you later.”

Your fellow graduates are more than just classmates; they are your family. And just like family, you’re stuck with them— wherever you may go in life— they will always be with you.”