To push Heron Flyers forward, Principal Amy Whitten started by looking back.
At Heron School’s 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony today, Whitten said that when she arrived at the school two years ago, today’s departing 8th-graders were in 6th grade and she was struck by their enthusiasm, kindness and energy.
Coming to Heron was one of the best career decisions she ever made, Whitten noted.
Over the past two years, Whitten said, she has been impressed by the students’ commitment to learning, their sense of humor, their exuberance – in dancing and performing, for example. She’s watched students raise controversial issues, question each other, and try to make sense of who they are, where they’re headed, and what kind of world they live in.
Her message was simple: Keep pushing. She reminded the large crowd of students, parents, families and friends of a famous saying that if your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.
“Dream big and soar high, Flyers,” she urged the 8th-graders.
During the Promotion Ceremony, awards were given to one exemplary student in each department, ranging from Math to Science to Physical Education. Whitten gave out several awards, too, including a Principal’s Award and two Perseverance Awards.
Student leader Kobe Van Nort also spoke to the crowd, recounting favorite memories of his nine years at Heron, including a time when his arm was broken and he couldn’t go to recess as a 3rd-grader, so his whole class volunteered to play computer games with him instead.
“We’ll never forget what it means to be a Flyer,” he said.
Koby quoted from Dr. Seuss in urging students to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead:
“You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So … get on your way!”
