Jonae, a SMPA 8th grader is having a big week. She is celebrating a birthday and graduating this week. That means participating in a beloved Saint Martin de Porres Academy tradition, the Birthday Speech.
The student whose birthday it is works with a staff member to draft a speech to share with the student body at Morning Gathering. The speeches reflect upon where they were a year ago, where they are now, and where they see themselves in the future. They also reflect upon challenges, who has helped them, who has inspired them, and their hopes for this year.
Jonae said the main people who helped her to get where she is today are, “… my mom, [and my teachers] Ms. Anderson, Ms. Marello, and Mr. Jones because they challenge me to believe that I can do anything I put my mind to.”
“Things come your way in life that may be very challenging, but I was able to handle every challenge.” Shared Jonae, “I learned I was stronger than I thought.”
She said she hopes that her class will enjoy and celebrate their last week of school together and all be successful in high school. And she reminded her fellow students, “Each year will be hard as you go to the next grade, but your SMPA community will always be there for you.”
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