Dear 8th Graders

Congratulations 8th Graders!  

You are quickly creeping up on your graduation day, and I wanted to send out a special post to you.  

I wanted to say that I am sorry that this year - your last with us here at Crossett Brook - has been interrupted, but I also wanted to say that I am proud of you for making it work! 

I wanted to say that I know it's strange that this important moment in your life isn't being honored with all the usual traditions and celebrations, but I also wanted to recognize that honoring you in a different way will be historic and something that you will always remember!  It also doesn't mean that you are any less appreciated, admired, or loved by all of us here at Crossett Brook!  

I want to say that because now is where you are, this moment seems so big and so important, and there may be sadness attached to the loss of the normal traditions.  These feelings are normal and valid and important to recognize.  Once you pay attention to these feelings and sort through them, I would ask you to also consider that this won't be your only opportunity to be recognized as a graduate.  You will all go on to graduate from high school, and you will all have to opportunity to choose a college or other post-secondary programs like a technical school, military experience, or something else.  You'll be recognized as you accomplish each big milestone in your life, and when you are, you may look back on your middle school promotion and remember it fondly for the unique experience it was.

I want to say congratulations to you all for getting to this point because it is certainly an important moment, but I also want to recognize that the way forward is so much bigger and will offer you the real beginnings of the life you choose for yourselves.  

I want to say thank you for being an awesome class!  You are hard-working, creative, musical, athletic, smart, caring, humorous, unique, spunky, determined, good-leaders, deep thinkers, gritty, loyal, self-directed, goal-oriented, friendly, kind, and just plain amazing!  I hope that all of your hopes, wishes, dream, and goals come true and that you invest in yourselves, your futures, and your human potential!  If you ever need someone to remind you of the awesome people you are, just come visit us back in Cougar Country!  

With love and respect,

Mrs. Hempey  

  


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