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Letter to Elementary School Graduates by Trustee Becky Buck

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Letter to Elementary School Graduates by Trustee Becky Buck

Photo of Trustee Becky BuckDear graduates,

I’m so glad to be able to write you this letter of congratulations as you celebrate this very special occasion! While I wish this was a speech and we were able to gather together to celebrate your accomplishments in person, this is a special time for you, your parents, grandparents, and teachers.

During these exceptionally difficult months, you’ve completed your Grade 8 year online and your family and friends want to celebrate all of your achievements. You’ve persevered and completed the toughest year yet of your education. As you head into summer, take a break and reflect on all the hard work that you put into getting to today.

Graduates, you should know that your loved ones are very proud of you. They have high hopes for you, and they believe in you, and you are making them proud by showing what you can do. This is an important occasion for you and for them.

My hope for you and your family is that you’re finding moments to grow as a family. COVID-19 has meant a lot of restrictions, but the silver lining is that we get to spend more time with the people who mean the most to us. Play that board game, go for a walk, talk about the important things and invest in your relationship.

Graduates, you are stepping into a new stage of life. With each passing year, you have become a little more independent. When you started JK, you worked on the most basic things like learning how to zip up your own jacket. Now you’re mastering skills like algebra!

You’ve had great times – and maybe some tough times – at this school. But you did it and you succeeded! You’re ready for what’s next. There’s just one thing I’d ask you to do as you get ready for what’s next…

Promise yourself that you’ll make next year even better! Make the decision to work hard, persevere, ask for help, and discover your passions. Study hard and remember that you’re investing in yourself with every test you take and every book you read.

Also, don’t be in too big of a hurry to grow up! Life goes by much faster than you think. These days are sacred. Make them last! You have some pretty incredible moments coming up in the next few years. Enjoy them!

Congratulations to all of our graduates! Congratulations to all of our parents and guardians who have been instrumental in the journey! Finally, congratulations to all of our teachers who spent years pouring their wisdom into our graduates. It was worth the work!

I’ll leave you with this final quote from Arthur Ashe, as you look to the future and contemplate all that you want to do with it:

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

Well done, graduates!

Sincerely,

Becky Buck
Trustee, Wards 8 and 14

Updated on Monday, June 22, 2020.
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