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Eighth Grade Recognition Day The Class of 2025 selected Middle School teacher Damon Hall as the faculty speaker for the Recognition Ceremony held on June 7, 2021.
Good morning parents, faculty, administrators, and most importantly, students. It is an honor to have the privilege to address the Class of 2025 at this special ceremony today. I don’t believe it is any secret how fond I am and have been of this group. 8th graders know how I love to show appreciation for my advisees and former advisees. I’ve often referred to my 8th grade history class as a group of all-stars. And to the dismay of some 7th graders, they’ve heard me sing the praises of the 8th graders far more than they ever desired to. Suffice to say, being your faculty speaker today is a great honor to me. One thing that I really admire about this group is your perseverance and optimism in the face of adversity. Sure, you conquered the comps and papers, tests and quizzes, projects and presentations that we’ve thrown at you. But you also survived the Fall Poko trip of 2019. Remember that? The nature gods imposed their will on you in the form of winds and heavy rains, but you still managed to make it an unforgettable trip. You’ve also made it through a year and a half of school in a worldwide pandemic. Throughout the quarantine, zoom classes, social distancing, and cancelled sports contests you’ve remained steady and strong, finding joy through one another. At this point, 80 million asteroids could crash down to earth, and I’m not sure it would stop you, but who could say for sure? As a group, I’ve found you to be very welcoming and accepting of one another and others. Many of you
Damon Hall addresses the Class of 2025 at their moving up ceremony on June 7. During his speech, he shared nuggets of wisdom with the rising ninth graders and reminded them to enjoy the journey.
were new to Hackley in 6th grade but now serve as ambassadors for the school, speaking to prospective students and families at open houses or meeting with faculty and administrative candidates to see how well they’d fit into this community that you now know so well. You’ve welcomed two new students to the grade the past two years and chose one to be a student speaker today, further illustrating this point. I know how hospitable this group can be from firsthand experience. I was new to the Hackley community last year and have been welcomed with open arms. I’ve been trolled, badgered, and asked about my rising moon sign...I know that these are all ways in which the Class of 2025 shows their love, so thank you. I also have a lot of respect and appreciation for the joy and talent that I’ve seen from the Class of 2025. I’ve been wowed by your musical talent, your athletic
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