6th Grade Graduation Speech

​Hi everyone my name is Tom.  I was born with a very rare condition called floating harbor syndrome.  Doctors told my parents I wouldn’t be able to talk but here I am 12 years later talking to you now.  They also said that I would grow differently and learn differently - but I never thought of myself as different, I just thought of myself as me.  At MMS I am able to just be me  - in fact I am encouraged to be me - we all are. 

I remember my first day at MMS  7 years ago - it seems like yesterday.  It was September 2nd 2014 and I was a shy 5 year old.  I still remember being so proud of  the cool backpack I had with an orange robot on the back and robot arms on the side.  I remember walking into the school on my first day and meeting my teacher, Miss Pam and all the kids in the class.  We made a circle on the rug and I don’t remember what else happened the rest of the day but what I do know is that day made me fall in love with MMS. 

I met some great friends in the Pelican class like Nick and Jens and Aiden.  They are still my best friends today.  We have had lots of laughs together in the last 7 years and I know we will always be there for each other.  

I am really grateful for the great teachers I have had, Miss Pam, Anna and Minnie.  They have encouraged me and introduced me to lots of interesting things. They made each day fun - I enjoyed coming to school every day. 

 I am also thankful for MB ( my nanny). She helped me with my social skills, my speech and my sense of humor - and now I am wicked cool!  Kidding.

I want to thank my Mum for finding MMS and for always being there to support me - even though she does worry a bit more than she needs to.  And my Dad who introduces me to all sorts of books and films and music and for making me laugh every day.

I am excited to go to Junior high with my friends and I am excited to make new friends too.  I am also sad to leave this campus.  It will be hard to leave after 7 years of fun but I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Thank you Marin Montessori for letting me be myself and thank you all for listening.


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