Imagine ten year old me walking through the doors of The Phoenix School, very obviously scared of the unknown ahead of me, my anxiety taking over like a heavy weight on my chest, touring a school after being homeschooled for my whole life. I knew it would be fine but I was very shy as I walked inside this unknown place. Art and engineering projects that didn’t seem like something you would do at school were everywhere. As my day continued I was treated as if I was a regular student like every other kid. That afternoon the school had a discussion and my hand shot up time after time. I was acknowledged for my answer, but mostly for my willingness and ambition to participate. That is how I think my Phoenix story started.
I’m a leader, I always have been, and pretty sure I always will be. Yes, I’ll make partners, yes I’ll speak first in group decision making, yes I’ll teach you how to tie your shoes, and help fit supplies in your bag. It’s what I’ve done for the past three years at Phoenix and a lot more as an eighth grader. My love for leading isn’t just natural though. The K-8 setting at Phoenix has taught me to recognize the joy of a little kid’s smile, the importance of inclusion and has helped me to realize that I want to be a teacher myself. Engaging as an older kid is where I flourish, hearing and seeing laughs and smiles fill the school, when I crack a joke or sneakily get the kindergartners to stack chairs when they don’t want to makes me full of passion for helping others. Miles, Ruben, and Rowan are the smallest in age, and size, this year but they have helped me and challenged me to prepare me in the largest way with all that I wish to do in the future. I wouldn’t be the same role model and happy older kid I am without them.
My leadership has also carried through to our EarlyAct Club. As Vice President last year and President this year, those roles helped me be the outgoing, independent leader I am and assist the school and those in need. I hope all of the next officers in the future can find the joy in being in charge of making important decisions and making an impact as much as I did.
The community at Phoenix is like nothing else I’ve experienced. I’ve been welcomed and been the welcomer often as the tour guide, which I will miss not meeting the new parents and families who don’t know what this school has to offer. The parents of kids of every age have always been so appreciative of how I’ve helped their kids, and I don’t think you all know how much being with your kids and knowing you has changed me. 
I hate making mistakes. Failure is terrifying. My struggles are something most don’t know about, so I hide issues as if I did something wrong. If I don’t do something right, I fail, so that’s why I keep it in as much as I can and let the bad get at me while others don’t see. Those inner challenges range from procrastinating homework, to convincing myself that I am in no way smart. My math journal makes me immediately nervous and prepared to hide my tears. It’s always been that journal I let sink to the bottom of my tub, filled with intimidating numbers and symbols and things I just don’t know. Attacking my confidence and just making me upset. My confidence and attitude towards math has had a large shift this year though, maybe it’s the special deal I have with Leslie, maybe I’m just changing, but, either way, I’m proud of how I’ve worked through those challenges. I’ve found new strategies for myself and trusted teachers with sharing how I felt. With a slight tear in my eye, of course, I’ve done things that make me very uncomfortable, and that’s great. Mistakes make me stronger and work harder. I’ve embraced challenges and worked around it now that I understand how it helps me.
As the year keeps going, eventually we prepare for the well known travel study trips. I’ve been anxious and endlessly excited since I found out that we go on trips. In sixth grade we went to St. John in the Virgin Islands. Pretty sweet school trip when you’re eleven right? Unfortunately, my trip was cut short so I could attend one of my dance competitions, but in order to go back home, I flew alone, no teachers, no parents, just me in my seat feeling fulfilled by the support. Last year’s trip was to Glen Canyon, Arizona. We were so much closer and 
supportive of each other and I hope that continues on through the travel study trips. For this year, of course, I was nervous about where it would be, everyone was, but during our scavenger hunt for the big reveal I had probably the biggest sigh of pure relief that it was my dream trip, Catalina Island. I cannot explain how much these trips and especially this year’s have an impact on my academics, connections and my entire life. Team bonding during activities we’ve never done like steering a brigantine ship, or emotionally supporting each other with self criticism over writing or paintings, and especially my perspective being expanded as large as it can get by traveling. All the 6-8s are kind and inspiring and I can’t wait to see you all become even more wondrous, thank all 8 of you for making these trips such a blast.
The feeling of saying goodbye seeps in as the traditions pass. It is at this moment that my very last Holiday Gifts, Readathon, May Day, Travel Study Trip, and others have become past memories. The flowers handed to me on May Day from the Kindergarteners and the flight home from Catalina Island made me realize that these rich experiences and my time at Phoenix was coming to an end. I never thought much about them until now…these were all goodbyes. This whole year was a goodbye, not just this moment, and to be honest, it’s really hard.
It all went by so fast, three whole years, but I only had little daydreams about who I’d be, here, today, saying this speech. I know who I am. I’m kind, a leader, ambitious, prepared, but especially ready, ready to say my bittersweet goodbyes, ready for my next school, and all that I wish to do after that. So thank you, Leslie, Barbara, Dave, Mike, Mistral and all the other spectacular adults and of course my fellow students. Thank you Phoenix, I’m ready to go, but I won’t forget all that you taught me and all that I have had the honor of leaving behind.
Dear Audrey…you have the ability to make all people feel valued, using your natural gifts of good humor, friendliness, and warmth to be the role model you are. No one else knows better how to organize a multi-aged group and mold everyone’s ideas, no matter how crazy they may sound, into a quality final product, a true collaborator.
You are curious, kind, introspective, and always ready to be helpful. You can often be seen and heard, which reflects your joy and willingness to lead our community to make us all strive to be more compassionate and selfless. You have become a skilled leader, an admission’s tour guide extraordinaire, and an exemplary role model.
Remember to be bold, taking your values of kindness, sensitivity, creativity, and cooperation that have grown to be a leader of the pack. Leave behind the idea that something might be too hard, too much of a challenge, or just uncomfortable. Instead, show up, keep learning and growing, and continue to become your best self. Take your cheerful, caring nature with you to make your mark on the world. We know you’ll make it a better place for all of us.
Love, Leslie, Mike, Dave, Mistral and everyone at TPS!