,הורים, מורים, סבים סבתות, משפחות יקרות

Dear Class of 2020,

Today’s graduation is so meaningful to all of us not just because we’ve reached this significant milestone, but because of the unique tale it tells. It tells a story about a courageous a group of Grade 8 students who have learned to embrace and navigate change with resilience. Graduates, you began your 8th grade year by adapting to changes in your space, from the renovations of our building to sharing your school with the Kamin elementary students. And you have concluded the year with further unprecedented changes, transitioning from in-school community learning to distance learning from home. So today we celebrate the narrative you have created at a time of such uncertainty, a narrative of stumbling blocks and breakthroughs, individual choices and personal transformations. It’s your tale of growth and gratification.

The most liberating takeaways from this global pandemic is that you can conquer your fears, you can meet challenges with confidence , you can stretch yourselves far beyond your comfort zones, you can take risks, be resourceful and think flexibly and creatively. You can move forward while the world seems to be standing still.

We have all been pushed past our complacency, and we want to harness our newfound mindsets and newly-discovered skill sets. We want to look back at this time with pride and say, “We have graduated in year 2020 and we haven’t just allowed this time to influence us; we have influenced this time. We have revised the world’s preconceived notions of what has previously been considered ‘possible.’ We have learned, we have flourished, we have prevailed.”

I remember flying overseas and hearing the announcement upon arrival, “Be careful when you open the overhead compartment. Contents may have shifted in flight.” Today, at the completion of our eight-year journey, we are proud to say that our contents have certainly shifted in flight. All of you graduates have arrived standing straight on your own two feet, accomplished, knowledgeable, with a clear sense of direction. So much growth has happened for all of you! Except, growth never just “happens” to anybody. It takes commitment, focus, perseverance and lots of effort. Congratulations graduates! You have worked hard and done what it takes to MAKE growth happen.

As you move ahead, I hope you’ll hold onto your רוח to your spirit, your hearts that are open and ripe for inspiration. May you always navigate your personal trail of choices with clarity and ease, and be guided by our Torah values and by your inner sense of justice and truth.

I want to take this time to recognize our committed faculty, our supportive Board and the loyal parents of our special graduates who have partnered with AHS during this difficult time, on one common unwavering goal: to uphold our education and to continue nurturing the minds, hearts and souls of our children.

Dear parents, as you collect your nachas today, fill yourself up with all the joy and encouragement that this graduation brings to you. Nachas is a pleasure that a person can indulge in as much as he wants; there’s no such thing as “overindulgence.” Yes, it’s hard that this ceremony is happening over zoom, but it allows us to “zoom” into the gifts and opportunities that are inherent in the process that led up to this unique graduation. May we all celebrate future milestones in good health, as one collaborative, interdependent, connected community.

מזל טוב ובהצלחה רבה לבוגרי מחזור תש”ף!