Continuation Speech

Hi, my name is Chapin Benway and I would like to thank you all for coming to our 8th grade Continuation Ceremony. I am honored to be presenting to you tonight as one of the valedictorians of the 8th grade class at Homestake Peak. When I transferred to Minturn Middle School in 6th grade, I was very apprehensive about starting a new school where I didn’t know anyone. However, there was no need for me to be worried. All of the students and staff welcomed me and made me feel as if I had always been a part of the community. Throughout the past three years we have all formed close friendships and created many memories. Whether it was normal classes or various fieldwork expeditions, we all formed a bond through these experiences that is irreplaceable. As a class we have worked hard to prepare ourselves for high school. We all have accomplishments to be proud of, such as 2,000 hours of community service. We have worked hard to exemplify our community traits and keep our grades up. Even though some of us may be going to different high schools or even moving out of state, we will always be connected. I would like to thank my peers for giving me a great middle school experience.
We wouldn’t be where we are today without the help from our teachers and families. As an expeditionary learning school we do a lot of hands on activities. I would like to thank our teachers for helping us learn a lot and making it fun at the same time. They are the ones who organized activities like the Tenth Mountain Division hut trips and The Civil War Reenactment. Both of these experiences have taught me about important lessons in greater depth than I would have learned in a classroom. I am extremely grateful to have had these opportunities. I know that the teachers work above and beyond the normal work day to make these opportunities possible for us. We are grateful and appreciate their time and dedication. Our parents also deserve our thanks and recognition. Many of us take the life our parents have given to us for granted. Few of us realize the sacrifices they have made to get us to this point. Therefore, I would like to thank our parents who have supported all of our endeavors.
The following quote from Abraham Lincoln reminds me that each day brings a new opportunity and it is our responsibility to make the most of every single day. Abraham Lincoln said “In the end, it is not the years in your life that count. It is the life in your years.” Every single one of us has the potential to do great things. If we do not strive for excellence we will never reach our full potential. With determination and hard work we can all accomplish great things. Every day is a gift, not something to be wasted. I know that as a class we will continue to support each other through our high school years.
I have greatly enjoyed these three years and it is due to the amazing students and staff here at Homestake Peak. Thank you!