One of the best new traditions of the past few years is something simply called “the senior speech.”  On a voluntary basis, seniors with something to say can sign up to deliver a prepared speech to the whole Upper School in Town Hall.  Their speech is reviewed ahead of time by senior class dean, Gabe Bernstein, who may suggest some edits or adjustments.  Typically, the speeches are 5-7 minutes in length, and they always focus on something that the student feels strongly about.  Usually they are self-reflective, as the student takes stock of something pivotal in his or her life, revealing an “ah-ha” moment or a process by which they have gained perspective.  By the end of the year we hear between 12-15 of these speeches.  Again, because these are given on a voluntary basis, the student passion is evident and the overall content has been really impressive.  Not only do I commend these students for public speaking in front of 450 people, I also admire the way they speak with conviction on a topic of their choice.  The reception has been tremendous, and I know the whole Upper School community looks forward to hearing the speeches.

 

Just a week ago, senior Jess Brown was the speaker and her message about truly enjoying high school rather than stressing about every test, paper and project, or trying to perform for the sake of grades, resonated with all of us.  She reminded us all to pursue our genuine interests and be true to ourselves. Coincidentally, our new college counselor Bob Claggett followed up with his own personal story in which he advised students not to over-plan their lives as his career has followed an unexpected path.  Good advice for everyone that day.

 

At the same Town Hall, there was also a series of inspiring announcements from service-based groups.  In addition to a guest presenter from the non-profit called Water for Life (helping to bring clean drinking water to remote parts of Kenya), we heard from Amnesty International, AfricaAid, GSA (Gender & Sexuality Alliance), and Students HOPE, which held its major event last Saturday, December 9.  (Please see the link to an article about that: https://www.coloradoacademy.org/page/ca-news?pk=922474&fromId=163122)

It’s great to see students take charge of these clubs and organizations and be able to express their commitment to their causes and inspire others to get involved.  For example, The Amnesty International Club will be holding its annual WRITE FOR RIGHTS on Friday, December 15.  This event encourages students to write letters on behalf of political prisoners or others whose basic human rights are being infringed upon. 

 

Town Hall successfully brings the whole Upper School community together with senior speeches serving as a unique opportunity for students to express their views.