In Their Own Words: Excerpts from the Class of 2023’s Graduation Speeches

This spring, the Class of 2023 crossed the Auditorium stage and received their diplomas, marking their transition from students to alumni and concluding what for many of them has been a nine-year journey through the VCS curriculum. Some of them can trace their ties to the VCS community back even further; as Jessica pointed out in her opening remarks, a couple were hanging out on campus before they were even born. It’s understandable then that their graduation from VCS feels like moving on not just from a middle school but also from an extended family and second home. One of the ways we recognize the significance of Graduation for our 8th Graders is by letting them put it in their own words. The tradition of having each student deliver a speech at the Graduation ceremony is one that celebrates students’ individuality and gives them an opportunity to reflect on their VCS experience. In so doing, they also paint a remarkable portrait of the school and its community.

“VCS fueled me with academic ambition and a yearning for good.” —Akash S.

“So many different memories: building awesome structures and furniture in the old Woodshop, playing basketball and games we made up in the Big Yard, dressing up as my favorite superheroes for the Fall Festivals, going on field trips everywhere around the city, playing games with my friends until 5:30 in PlayGroup, and my friends having been with me the whole time is a blessing.” —Julian

K.

“I would like to thank all my teachers over the years, who have helped me grow into the person I am today. You all gave me the gift of feedback and I am better for your thoughtful words.” —Luke T.

“Everything I’ve learned here I can take with me to high school and beyond, whether it’s clear paragraphs and research paper outlines, or simply the skills I’ve acquired on how to advocate for myself and learn what I value in my life, education, and relationships.” —Sarah D.

“I feel like I will carry so many values with me into my future, one of them being community. VCS has taught me so much about community. When I was looking at high schools, one of the main things I would look for was a diverse and inclusive classroom.” —Mazzy W.

“VCS and my 8th Grade class has helped me to learn, has helped me to find my voice, to find my confidence. It has prepared me for high school.” —Addison L.

“Thank you to all of my teachers for always supporting and never doubting me. For challenging me and pushing me to levels I didn’t know I could reach.” —Laila H.

“One story that I was retold recently from that first year in Kindergarten was my teacher telling me to “let others play.” Upon reflection I now know that my teacher was trying to teach me about inclusivity. It might have not meant a lot to me then, but it means a lot to me now.” —Shui S.

“To my teachers and Advisors, thank you for knowing me.” —Miles L.

“I’ve learned how to stay true to myself, how to be kind and accepting of others, and how to be independent.” —Raina R.

“I am going to miss everyone and everything about this school.” —Mia G.

“This school has been my home, it will forever be my home, and now, as I leave, I hope the legacy of our beautiful 8th Grade class will linger on for future generations at VCS.” —John A.