Graduation Speech for Rising Sixth Graders

by Jay Barbour


 

Hello, fifth graders! Or should I say, hello, sixth graders? Because today's the day you warp ahead a year, at least in the scheduling computer. But we know it doesn't happen in one day - you've been building to this moment for a long time. And you had lots of support along the way! So, welcome also to all the parents and families who have come today as well. Your parents are the people who know you the best in the whole world - even if that seems hard to believe at times, it's true. They've helped you become the people you are today, and they've done a great job. After all, you wouldn’t be here without them, on the brink of incredible adventures in middle school and beyond. So, please join me in thanking your parents.

Today is the day that everything changes. Of course, you all know that, but do you really understand what it all means? The official definition of graduation is to complete a class or course of study. That’s it - the whole definition. Not very impressive...on the surface.

However, graduation means more than that. It means growing, it means changing, it means moving on. School has a huge impact on that, but a lot of it is just on you - how will YOU forge your future in middle school and beyond?

Today, this ceremony might seem like it's all happening too fast, or it might seem like it's never going to end, but all your lives you'll remember it - you can draw strength from memories of events like today. And your next three years of middle school will be a time to remember, the gateway to transitioning into your true, authentic self. And you will build that self from the foundation you have experienced in elementary school - knowledge, skills, and memories that you will take with you and keep your whole life. This is the power of graduation, not some diploma or report card or award. it's a forging of your SELF into an even more awesome version of who you are inside.

Do you remember your visit to Shiloh Middle the other day? I bet it was a day you had been looking forward to for weeks. I remember watching you all walk down the hall and thinking, here they come, the next generation. The kids who will blossom into the leaders of tomorrow. The kids who will run the world when I'm old and grey. Wow, I said to myslef, they will be in charge when I'm ready to retire...I better go speak with them and let 'em know a thing or two.

I hope you left Shiloh Middle excited for what is to come, and I know many of you will attend General's Camp this summer and learn even more about middle school. One thing you need to remember is that sixth grade is a bit of a reset for your status. In fifth grade you've been the oldest, the wisest, and unquestionably the coolest kids in elementary school. When you walked down the hall, younger kids stepped to the side and felt honored when you even glanced at them to them. You've enjoyed the best lunch time, the most exciting activities, and the most freedom.

Well, I've got news for you. In middle school you will no longer be top dog. And that's a good thing. Middle school is designed to ease you into your more mature self during sixth grade and ensure you are experts in awesomeness by the end of eighth grade. Middle school is designed to set you up for high school success. You will still enjoy more freedom than younger kids, though with freedom comes responsibility. It's time to up your game and get into a more mature frame of mind. Now that you have proven you can handle the basics, you are ready to meet our elevated expectations. We'll give you plenty of support at first, and then gradually expect you to assume your rightful place as mature leaders of tomorrow. You can do it - I know you can - because all that you have experienced leading up to today has prepared you for this moment.

Today, you will graduate together - in a matter of minutes, really - leaving behind fifth grade, leaving behind a great elementary school, and some awesome educators. Your teachers, your administrators, the school staff - these adults have been your guides, your tutors, your cheerleaders, your instructors - shaping your future and building you up. Please join me in thanking them.

Now it's time for you to make the leap into being your own guide, to finding your own true path to excellence. Make no mistake - we have awesome educators at Shiloh Middle who will be there for you. Teachers who know how to help you become smarter, deeper, better people. Shiloh Middle teachers are committed to bringing out the best in you, and no matter what class you take, what club, sport, or activity you are part of, you will have a mentor, coach or teacher standing by your side.

However, as you get older, you will not always like what every adult brings your way. You may not always perceive the method to your teacher's madness. But that’s life in the real world. What’s important is how you handle that situation. How you handle THAT situation will in large part determine whether or not you will be successful. And a key decision for you is this - will you be an arrogant, angry kid who thinks the world owes you everything? OR will you be a vivacious, thankful learner who figures out how to make the most of your opportunities? The arrogant, angry kid can't fully learn. Never changes. Never fully tries new things to grow as a person. This kind of kid will never become great. However, the gracious, thankful learner listens and tries new things, is eager to learn. This kid will grow as a person and be gracious to others. This kid will reach his or her potential and lead the world one day. I'm trusting you to make this choice - the choice to be great AND gracious - because literally, the future depends on it. MY future depends on it, since, like I said, you'll be in charge when I'm old and grey. I need you to choose the path to awesomeness. It's on YOU to make the most of your opportunities. It's on YOU to seize the day.

You can do it, and I'll be excited to be with you at Shiloh Middle to witness your greatness!

Will Middle School be fun? Sometimes. Will it be easy? No, I'm sure it won't. I mean seriously, as I mentioned, with your increased freedom comes increased responsibility. But hey, that's life, right? Ya gotta keep moving and growing forward always. And in the end, Middle School will help you step fully into your authentic self as YOU take charge of YOUR future. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "What lies behind us, and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us."

Teachers and staff, I am grateful for your tremendous service! You truly are Leading By Example!

Parents, I am humbled by the depth of your support! Thank you for sharing your wonderful children with us!

Students, I'm proud of you and what you have accomplished so far!

It's time, today, to end the first part of your educational journey and enter the middle passage. You are ready. Here, now, today—you become Middle Graders - and that's awesome! 

Congratulations to you all!