Last night, I was at Stackpole Field. I was celebrating the graduation of the Class of 2013. As I watched the ceremonies, I began to think about the past two months of my life and how frantic they have been. So much has happened and I've had over 20 clock changes to contend with...I really haven't had a chance to stop and reflect. Graduation made me realize that I needed to do that...So here goes:
I have become increasing impressed with Mr. Jason Merrill over the past six months. We both started at Saugus High School at the same time and I've always respected his work ethic and his ability to work with all students...especially those who struggle at times. Jason, however, has worked extra hard over the past few months and, to me, it all culminated with one of the most impressive graduation speeches I have ever heard. Mr. Merrill is not known for his oratory skills or his commanding presence behind a microphone, but perhaps he should be. His speech encapsulated so much and was delivered in such a manner that many SHS graduates actually stopped, listened, and felt what he had to say. Some of the kids, and maybe a few of Mr. Merrill's colleagues, wept because of his words. He quoted a passage that I thought was very true of the world in which we live. I found the passage online. It is called "The Paradox of Our Age" and it has been attributed to the Dali Lama, George Carlin, and even a Columbine High School Student. Mr. Merrill did the research and believes it was written by a Pastor from Washington State.
I am posting a YouTube video with the words on it...but Mr. Merrill's presentation was much more impactful.
As I sat there, thinking about these words...in fact, all of his words, I realized how lucky we have been to have Mr. Merrill at Saugus High School this year. I've already thanked him privately, but I am now doing so publicly. This year has been so crazy and many people have chipped in, but Jason has gone above and beyond.
I also thought about this class. For the past 13 years, I've worked at Saugus High School. In my second year, I started teaching 9th graders. From that point forward, I have seen Freshmen come into our school. I've seen them grow into mature young adults. I've seen them leave our school, as graduating Seniors, and become productive members of our community and our world. The Class of 2013 is a special class for me. They shouldn't be...not because of who they are, but because of extenuating circumstances that were way out of their control. You see, as Freshman, the Class of 2013 students that were enrolled in my history class only had me for half of a year. Ms. Alongi came to SHS and student taught them. Then...by the time I could teach them again, I had left teaching to pursue an Administrative position for the Saugus Public Schools. I didn't really have the opportunity to get to know these kids as well as I could have...but they are special to me nonetheless. There are so many of them that will stick out in my memory for many years to come.
The world in which we live is different from when I graduated in 1995. Social Media has made it possible to keep in touch with the ancillary people from our past. Our virtual friendships have led to real-life reunions. This spring, via Facebook, I have seen so many of my former students graduate from their respective colleges. It really makes me proud. I don't know how many of the Class of 2013 I will keep in contact with. I don't know if I will see them graduate from their colleges in four years. I do know that they have taught me some very valuable lessons. The most importance of which is that I am a teacher.
It seems ironic that it took kids to teach me that I am a teacher when I was their teacher...or maybe its just confusing, but to me, it is very clear. Without going into too much of an explanation, I will just thank them for the lesson. I needed it...and I cannot wait to return to the classroom next year.
Teaching is such a rewarding profession, but it also can be a somewhat lonely one too. Every year, a group of young people come walking into your life. They sit down and look at you all year long. You teach them the important content that the state prescribes. But much more than that transpires. You build, along with them, incredibly important relationships. You teach them more than history, chemistry, or statistics. You give them examples of how to live their lives. The bonds that are built between teachers and students have never been more clear to me than this year. The teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary and in Moore, Oklahoma gave everything for their students. A classroom becomes a family. You get a sense of when some students are struggling at home and you try to help those who are in need. These families are sometimes dysfunctional, but for 180 days (roughly) you are family. Then...as the summer starts to roll in...your family disappears. Sometimes you are reunited with some of your former students and sometimes you never see them again. One of my favorite movies is To Sir, With Love. This movie, made in 1967, showcases the sentiments I am expressing. Sidney Poitier begrudgingly takes a teaching job in London's East End. The year changes him and changes his kids...and then they graduate.
...and then we do it all over again.
Hope I didn't get too deep. Just needed to sit and write a bit...
Mr. Lavoie, currently in awe of the Class of 2013...Congrats and Good Luck!!! You've made us very Proud.
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