MARY KATE TANSELLE

In the summer of 2007 two important events took place. The first was the start of the educational journey of the students graduating from Sycamore this year. The second, the First-Generation iPhone was launched by Apple.

Little did we know at the time we would

grow up alongside the iPhone. As it adapted to the modern times, improved its software, made mistakes, and learned from them, so did we. As the iPhone added new elements to its home screen, we added classmates and friends to

our home, Sycamore. As the iPhone compiled data and improved its memory functions, so did we. As the iPhone broke records and surpassed the competition, so did we. But how?

Now, I would like for you all to imagine a scenario. We are all smartphones. Our parents knew that; that’s why we all ended up at Sycamore. We came with the hardware, but we needed programmers to help us develop our internal software. Enter: Sycamore School and its wonderful developers, our teachers. In Early Childhood classes, our teachers installed the basics. Everything from learning how to share at snack time, which perhaps even today we sometimes struggle with, and playing the cup game with Senora Hollander, learning all of our colors in Spanish. In Lower School things got more serious as the teachers layered on apps that built upon those basic functions. And by 4th grade, we were being prepared for Middle School. With assignments like Ecology Fair, our project applications were heightened. Of course, it wasn’t always serious in 4th grade. I remember Ms. Hillman’s 50th birthday when Ms. Fischl had all of the students -help her hang signs all around the room that said, “Caution! 50 year-old having a senior moment.” on them. Ms. Hillman walked

in that morning and just busted out laughing. We kept those signs up for about a week after her birthday had passed, just to mess with her.

But 4th grade had to come to an end, and that could only mean one thing. Middle School. Here, the developers took over and fine-tuned our software so that

we would be able to do incredible things in the future. We can now compete with the best technology out there - through events like the spelling and geography bees, Math competitions and Destination Imagination. With History Day, I don’t think I have ever learned so much from

one single project not just about my topic, but about how to write a paper, MLA citations, and how to deal with the pressure of competition. For me, History Day was a highlight of 6th grade. On the other hand, being attacked by sand fleas at Sea Camp was not.

Now, in this world where we are all smart phones, you will see many different folders. They’re labeled musicians, artists, athletes, comedians, and leaders. Every folder contains achievements and memories of students who are gifted in that area. Claire is breaking Sycamore track and field records. Emma is earning her amazing Caroline D. Bradley high school scholarship. Weber and Aisha are there making us laugh uncontrollably through their jokes and funny moments. And I’d like to think I’m there too, as a thoughtful leader, student, and friend. We are all there, contributing to the Sycamore Class of 2018.

Now, open up the photo app where you will see more folders. They are labeled love, learn, and laugh. Love and Learn are a compilation of hundreds of photos and memories. Laugh is made up of thousands of moments like Gabe’s Bar Mitzvah, capture the flag, and school dances.

Open up Messages. To our class, there are years of group texting filled with birthday wishes, heartfelt messages, and plenty of inside jokes and laughing emojis. Yes, there are some messages that created drama too, which perhaps also created some grey hairs for Ms. MacDougall. But those dramatic moments were just as important as any others, helping us learn and grow.

Now, this all seems wonderful, just like our class, right? Like every iPhone, there are some rules. A User Agreement, for the Class of 2018. If we want to

continue to use this technology, if we want to continue to grow and thrive as students and people, we must agree to comply with these requirements.

MARY KATE TANSELLE

// We agree to honor the foundation and memories made at Sycamore, and stay connected with our classmates and the school.

// We agree to continue to pursue excellence to help us reach our full potential.

// We agree to be fearless in the pursuit of our dreams, no matter what obstacles may stand in our way.

// We agree to be a part of and give back to our community.

After 11 years, I have seen a lot of changes at Sycamore, and I can see that all of those changes happened for a reason. To all of the developers here at Sycamore, thank you for the wonderful teaching, guidance, and support over these past 11 years.

And a special thank you to Mrs. Prince, my wonderful advisor and someone I’ve been able to rely on to always push me toward that next audition.

To the class of 2018: we made it. The

battery on our phone is almost gone, but ready to be recharged for the next stage of our lives. Maybe we’re too competitive at times, or maybe we make jokes when we’re not supposed to, but I want you to know that I am thankful for each and every one of you, for all of the laughs and memories you’ve given me, for accepting me for exactly who I am, and for pushing me to be the best version of myself that I can be. n