Page 31 - Priorities 65

Mr. Schlaak called their generation “Generation Z,” currently the largest generational group in the US, making up 26% of the population. He explained that Generation Z people, “communicate with video and movies, rather than simply by text or voice,” and “as a group, you are against the concept of photoshopping and the idea of changing yourselves to be more ‘perfect.’ You will go forward as the most educated and diverse generation in American history.”
Student speaker Maya Blevins provided a comical futuristic look at what will become of the Class of 2020 in the year 2028 when the summer Olympics would occur. She described it this way. “U.S. Water polo team captain, Justin Wood got out the pool long enough to give an interview on his new gill and fin transplants, performed by doctor Grant Whitman.” Maya continued to predict, “The Olympians were honored with a trip to the White House to have dinner with the newly elected President Bobby Barbagelata. His Vice President, Carla Tamer, who is widely know to be running the country quietly from behind the scenes, is working closely with the CIA and FBI co-directors, Luke and Dimitri.”
Ally Sinclair, second student speaker, said, “The middle school years are some of the most important years of our lives. We’ve learned, we’ve laughed, we’ve grown and we’ve bonded. Middle school was an experience filled with so many memories. I can’t imagine myself making these memories with anyone else.”
PE teacher and coach David Moseley was chosen by the class to give the graduation address. Moseley’s normally playful personality became serious and focused as he told the class, “Upon finding out I was to be your speaker a few weeks ago, I must say the fear and trepidation of being the best possible speaker hit me like a ton of bricks.” His demeanor then quickly lightened up as he explained how he found the “sign” that he was ready to be the graduation speaker. “I told myself, stop and get a chicken egg roll at Panda Express because you cannot find answers to life’s questions on an empty stomach.” he said. “Now I’m at Panda. I get two egg rolls of course, and the sales clerk gives me a fortune cookie. Being quasi-superstitious, I decide to eat the cookie and see the words of wisdom that fortune has to share. ‘You will be recognized and honored as a community leader.’ BOOM!”
Combining his love for sports and education, Moseley told the graduates, “Be willing to step out of your comfort zone to work towards a common goal with someone new. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish with others.” Closing out the ceremony, Moseley left them with some last words of wisdom. “Walk as if you have no where to go and reconnect with your surroundings. Wonder as if anything you think can be done and complete regardless of the outcome, because it is the journey that you will remember. “
“I told myself, stop and
get a chicken egg roll at Panda Express because
you cannot find answers to life’s questions on an empty stomach.”
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While the Middle School Choir sang the fitting song, “Thank You For Being a Friend,” the thirty-five eighth-grade students ceremoniously walked onto the stage in the Rothrock Performance Hall.
Middle School commencement speaker David Moseley.
MS GRADUATION