8th grade graduation speech

Part of the reason I decided to blog again was this year's 8th grade graduation speech.  I started with a poem and then added my words.  After the graduation, many parents asked me for a copy of the speech, and many of them said I should put it on my blog.  So, below is my speech given to the 2013 St. Charles 8th grade graduating class. 

Poem:  The Bottom Line

                    Face it
    Nobody owes you anything.
What you achieve, or fail to achieve
                 in your lifetime
         Is directly related to what
               you do or fail to do.
No one chooses his parent or childhood,
But you can choose your own direction.
            Everyone has problems and
                  obstacles to overcome,
But that too is relative to each individual

             Nothing is carved in stone!
     You can change anything in your life
            If you want to badly enough.
Excuses are for losers!  Those who take responsibility
                              for their actions
                    are the real winners in life.
              Winners meet life challenges head on
              Knowing there are no guarantees, and
                              give it all they've got
                          and never think it's too late
                                       or too early
                                           to begin.
                             Time plays no favorites
                 and will pass whether you act or not.

                             Take control of your life
                        Dare to Dream and take risks.....
                                         Compete!
              If you aren't willing to work for your goals,
                               don't expect other to.
 
                             BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!

Speech:

Part One:

This first section reminds me of the many obstacles you have overcome in the many years you have been at St. Charles:  sports teams, lots of homework, higher standards.  Think back to the many goals you have set for yourselves, did you accomplish them?  If not, are you on the way to accomplishing them?  What obstacles have you overcome?

Part Two:

This second section makes me think of the life challenges you have faced in your years at St. Charles, and the many life challenges you will face for the rest of your life.  Did you meet those challenges, head on?  Are you prepared to face those challenges that are coming down the road?  When you face that challenge are you going to jump off the road and let life pass you by, or are you going to meet that challenge?  There are few guarantees in life, but one guarantee every parent, teacher, adult will guarantee, is you will be met with a challenge and I believe you all have been given the skill to meet any challenge.

Par Three:
This last section almost give s me shiver down my spine when I read it.  I feel that we have prepared you all to take control of your life.  We have prepared you to dream big and shoot for the stars.  If you do not reach the stars, maybe you can land on the moon.  As you leave St. Charles, you will have new horizons to pursue.  I hope you will chase your dreams and goals.  I hope you will take the risk.

The very last sentence of this poem is "Believe in yourself!"

I want you to think back to every teacher at St. Charles that graced your path, From Mrs. A in preschool to Mrs. G in 8th grade.  Are you thinking?  Every one of those teachers believe that you have what it takes to do whatever you want in life.  Chase those new horizons, shoot for the stars, believe in yourself, and live your dreams.  It has been my honor to have such a wonderful 8th grade class.  Good Luck in all you do.