Middle School Awards Remarks - 2022

 

And while we are all certainly proud of your achievements--as you should be as well--I would like to take a moment to share with you what I believe to be a couple of  “key ingredients” for success, at any activity, at any level. 

First, while there are certainly many formulas for success, I believe that perseverance---hard work and persistence, if you will---are crucial for success.

As former President Calvin Coolidge so simply stated:

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.”

Speaking of hard work and persistence—I have shared this story before—I believe it captures these concepts so very well…As legendary filmmaker, George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars and Indiana Jones, recounts,

“When I was in film school, the big issue was ‘When are we going to get to make a movie?’...

They gave us 32 feet of 16mm film which was exactly 1 minute of film...I turned it into a 1-minute movie.

If somebody gave me 100 feet of film, I made a movie out of it...And the other kids basically didn’t. They had the same 100 feet of film. They had the same camera. And they just said, “When I am going to get to make a movie?’...

And I just kept making them.”

 Be persistent, students...Set your sights, stay focused, and go for it!

Your attitude, and your work ethic, are completely up to you. Use both to your fullest advantage.

Secondly, I encourage each of you to take time this summer to “stretch” yourself—try something new…Force yourself to think in new ways, and to try new things! Test yourself! 

Challenge yourself to experience something that you might not initially feel comfortable trying…

Maybe it’s as simple as tackling a tough read that you have been putting off…

Maybe it’s learning to play a new instrument…

Maybe it’s signing up for a new activity at camp…

Maybe it’s simply finding time to disconnect---putting away the mobile device and shutting off Social Media for a few hours, or even better, a few days…

Maybe it’s as simple as spending a few extra minutes each day on that Math Summer Packet…

Whatever the case may be, find something that forces you to think, stretches your mind, and grow, for, as Edna Ferber, noted playwright and novelist claims,

“A closed mind is a dying mind.”

Please remember today also to say “thank you”. 

You are supported and loved, and you have an entire Community behind you.

Don’t forget to let the people who have helped you know just how much you appreciate their support. You can never say “thank you” enough!

And while I’m speaking of gratitude, let me say “thank you” especially to our amazing Middle School Faculty and Staff---please stand! I am very grateful to all of you–and to you…And, Mr. Tolmach, and Mrs. Schael, Rev. Cassini—for all your leadership this year.

Thank you, as well, to all of our parents—your caretakers—those who have made Palmer Trinity a possibility, and who are always working hard to help you in so many ways…

Congratulations again, Middle School Falcons, to each of you for a great year, and as you continue on your journey; as you grow and develop.

And, remember---be persistent and be willing to “stretch”!

All the best for a most enjoyable---and challenging---Summer Break!