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Hope for the Future

December 12 2007 @ 04:05 PM

'Tis June...

Time for the interminable graduation ceremonies.

Been there, done that, been bored to tears.

Graduation ceremonies are so boring I skipped my own graduation when I was awarded my master's degree.

I barely made it through my childrens' ceremonies.

I have just returned from the most inspiring, touching, misty-eyed graduation ceremony I could ever imagine.

I can't wait to go again next year!  I am a new special education teacher at New Hope Academy (NHA), a middle/high school in Yardley and Doylestown.

I didn't have any of the graduating seniors in my classes.  However, because it's a small school I knew them.

I was deeply moved when I heard their speeches, many of them highlighting the depths of despair that brought them to NHA and their climb out of the darkness into the light.

They all spoke of the healing within and their ability to now go on and face challenges with what they learned at NHA.  Their words touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes.  Not because they were my students, but because they were youths with the courage to bare their hearts to the world.  Courage they learned at NHA.

Many arrived depressed, disheartened, totally shut down.  They left with a hope to achieve and a desire to excel.  The Class of 2007 bid a fond farewell to NHA of Yardley and Doylestown on Friday, May 25th Kim Tuleo gave the commencement address on diversity in life.

Tristan Biehn, Valedictorian, of Doylestown, spoke to fellow classmates, parents and students from both campuses, followed by Molly Finlay, Valedictorian, of Yardley.

Kay Krauss of Doylestown, Sarah Greenberg, Mollie Arye, Tom Searl, Kaitlin Estepp and Allison Goldman, all from the Yardley campus, read personal reflections, poems and reminisces.  The artwork of all NHA students who are graphically inclined was displayed.

Musically talented students performed several pieces, one being the song "For Good" from "Wicked," which summed up their time at NHA.  Who can say if I've been changed for the better? I do believe I have been changed for the better.  And because I knew you I have been changed for good.  Goodbye class of 2007.

They will never be another one like you.