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8th Grade Graduation Speeches: A Rite of Passage and a Window into the Future
By Dr. Evelyn Reed, PhD in Educational Psychology & Curriculum Development
Published by EduScholar Press, a leading publisher of educational research and resources.
Edited by Mr. David Chen, veteran editor with 15+ years of experience in educational publishing and curriculum design.
Summary: This article explores the often-overlooked significance of 8th grade graduation speeches, analyzing their impact on students' development, the subtle industry of speechwriting and coaching that surrounds them, and their potential implications for future communication skills and leadership capabilities. It examines the evolution of these speeches, the challenges faced by young speakers, and the opportunities they provide for personal and professional growth.
Keywords: 8th grade graduation speeches, middle school graduation, graduation speeches, speechwriting, public speaking, student leadership, communication skills, educational industry, speech coaching
The Unsung Power of 8th Grade Graduation Speeches
While high school commencements often dominate the conversation surrounding graduation speeches, the 8th grade graduation ceremony marks a significant milestone. It signifies the culmination of years of elementary and middle school education, a transition to high school, and a crucial step in a young person's journey towards adulthood. 8th grade graduation speeches, therefore, hold a unique and often underestimated power. They represent not just a public speaking exercise, but a powerful opportunity for self-reflection, growth, and the development of crucial life skills.
More Than Just Words: The Developmental Impact
The preparation and delivery of an 8th grade graduation speech offer numerous developmental benefits. Students grapple with formulating coherent thoughts, structuring arguments, and effectively conveying their ideas to an audience. This process hones their critical thinking, writing, and public speaking abilities—skills that are highly valued in all aspects of life, from academic pursuits to professional careers. The experience fosters confidence, resilience, and the ability to overcome stage fright, contributing significantly to a student's overall self-esteem and emotional maturity. Furthermore, selecting a topic, conducting research, and crafting a speech encourages independent learning and problem-solving skills.
The Evolving Landscape of 8th Grade Graduation Speeches
The content of 8th grade graduation speeches has also evolved over time. While traditional themes of gratitude, remembrance, and future aspirations remain relevant, today's speeches often reflect a broader range of perspectives and concerns. Students address issues such as social justice, environmental awareness, and mental health, demonstrating a growing social consciousness and a desire to engage with important societal issues. This shift mirrors broader societal trends and indicates the increasing maturity and awareness of young people.
The Industry Around 8th Grade Graduation Speeches
While often unseen, a subtle industry exists around 8th grade graduation speeches. Speech coaches, writing tutors, and even professional speechwriters are increasingly in demand, offering guidance and support to students aiming to deliver impactful addresses. This demand highlights the growing recognition of the importance of effective communication skills, even at the middle school level. The increasing professionalization of this area suggests a potential for further growth and specialization within the educational support sector.
Challenges and Opportunities
The process of preparing and delivering an 8th grade graduation speech is not without its challenges. Students may struggle with writer's block, time management, or overcoming stage fright. The pressure to create a memorable and meaningful speech can be significant. However, these challenges provide valuable learning experiences, fostering resilience and problem-solving skills. The opportunity to learn from mistakes, refine their message, and ultimately succeed in delivering a compelling speech builds character and strengthens their confidence.
The Long-Term Implications
The skills honed through the preparation and delivery of an 8th grade graduation speech have long-term implications. Effective communication, critical thinking, and leadership qualities cultivated during this process are transferable to various aspects of life, academic success, and future career paths. The experience of addressing a large audience builds confidence and poise, laying the groundwork for future leadership roles and public engagement. The ability to articulate thoughts clearly and persuasively is a valuable asset in any field.
Conclusion
8th grade graduation speeches, often overlooked, represent a significant milestone in a student's development. They provide valuable opportunities for growth in communication, leadership, and self-confidence. The increasing demand for speech coaching and support services further underscores the importance of these speeches within the broader educational landscape. By fostering these essential skills early on, we empower students to become confident, articulate, and engaged members of society.
FAQs
1. How long should an 8th-grade graduation speech be? Ideally, between 3-5 minutes.
2. What are some good topics for an 8th-grade graduation speech? Consider themes of friendship, overcoming challenges, future goals, personal growth, or societal issues.
3. How can I help my child write their 8th-grade graduation speech? Offer support, brainstorm ideas, provide feedback on drafts, and practice delivery.
4. Is it okay to use humor in an 8th-grade graduation speech? Yes, but ensure it's appropriate and relevant to the occasion.
5. What if my child is nervous about giving their speech? Practice, positive self-talk, and deep breathing exercises can help alleviate anxiety.
6. Are there resources available to help students write graduation speeches? Yes, many online resources, books, and writing tutors offer guidance.
7. Should an 8th-grade speech focus on the past, present, or future? A balanced approach, incorporating reflections on the past, the present experience, and aspirations for the future, is often most effective.
8. What is the role of the teacher in supporting students writing their speeches? Teachers can provide guidance on structure, content, and delivery, and offer feedback on drafts.
9. How can I find a speech coach for my child? Check with your school, community centers, or search online for local speech coaches specializing in youth public speaking.
Related Articles
1. "Overcoming Stage Fright: Tips for 8th Graders Delivering Graduation Speeches": Provides practical advice and techniques for managing anxiety before and during the speech.
2. "Crafting a Compelling Narrative: Storytelling in 8th Grade Graduation Speeches": Explores the power of storytelling and narrative structure in creating engaging speeches.
3. "The Power of Persuasion: Rhetorical Devices in Middle School Graduation Speeches": Discusses effective rhetorical strategies for enhancing the impact of a speech.
4. "Finding Your Voice: Choosing the Right Topic for Your 8th Grade Graduation Speech": Offers guidance on selecting a topic that is meaningful, relevant, and engaging.
5. "From Script to Stage: Practicing and Delivering Your 8th Grade Graduation Speech": Provides tips on practicing delivery, managing stage presence, and handling unexpected situations.
6. "Beyond the Podium: The Long-Term Benefits of Public Speaking Skills": Explores the broader, long-term implications of developing strong public speaking skills.
7. "The Evolution of Graduation Speeches: A Historical Perspective": Examines how graduation speeches have changed over time and the current trends.
8. "Incorporating Technology Effectively in 8th Grade Graduation Speeches": Discusses the appropriate and effective use of technology in modern speeches.
9. "Parental Support and Guidance: Helping Your Child Prepare for Their 8th Grade Graduation Speech": Offers advice and strategies for parents to effectively support their children's speech preparation.
| 8th grade graduation speeches: You Are Not Special and Other Encouragements David McCullough Jr, 2014-05-01 An inspirational and timely reflection on the way we bring up children that will resonate with parents everywhere. 'Longtime high school English teacher McCullough scores an A+ with this volume for teens and parents. Rich in literary references and poetic in cadence, the author also offers plenty of hilarious and pointed comments on teens and today's society.' - Publishers Weekly So you think you're special? Well, think again: you're not. David McCullough Jr, a US high-school English teacher, found himself suddenly famous in 2012 when his commencement address to graduating high-school seniors went viral on Youtube. the main theme of that speech, 'You're not special', seemed to hit a nerve and validate a sense among people worldwide that something is deeply and fundamentally wrong with the way children are being raised today. From infancy, he observed, children are taught to believe they are unique and special, deserving of every advantage, destined for success. Consequently they learn to work hard and distinguish themselves for the sake of status and material reward rather than for the benefit of others - the larger community; the world. Success is defined as something almost entirely selfish. there is little attention or time given to the pursuit of education for the sake of wisdom, or even real happiness. Drawing from his long career as an educator and experience as a father of teenage boys, McCullough will expand upon the ideas laid out in his radical twelve-minute speech and argue that we can do better - as parents and as teachers - than fostering in our children a sense of privilege and entitlement. Watch the speech at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lfxYhtf8o4 Or read it at: http://theswellesleyreport.com/2012/06/wellesley-high-grads-told-youre-not-special/ |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout Rick Rigsby, 2019-02-05 A USA TODAY and Wall Street Journal bestseller! Learn how to live a life of character and integrity—by following the simple advice of a third grade dropout. Be inspired by the book behind Dr. Rick Rigsby’s viral graduation speech. After his wife died, Rick Rigsby was ready to give up. The bare minimum was good enough. Rigsby was content to go through the motions, living out his life as a shell of himself. But then he remembered the lessons his father taught him years before— incredibly simple, yet incredibly profound. These lessons weren’t about advanced mathematics or the secrets of the stock market. They were quite straightforward, in fact, as Rigsby’s father never made it through third grade. But if this man’s instructions were powerful enough to inspire one of his children to earn a Ph.D. and another to become a judge—imagine what they can do for you. While Rick Rigsby’s father was a third-grade dropout, he was a man who never hid behind any excuse. A man who never allowed his problems or lack of a formal education to determine his present or affect his future. A man who realized that destiny was a choice and not a chance. In Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout, Rigsby shares the simple lessons from his father that will transform your mindset, including: Remain true to yourself Think the best at all times Give your best regardless of the circumstances Keep standing no matter what Join Rigsby as he dusts off time-tested beliefs and shares his father’s impactful, far-reaching story—of how a life can be enhanced, of how a corporate culture can be changed, of how a family can be united—by living the simple lessons of a third-grade dropout. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Take This Advice Sandra Bark, 2005 Bark compiles the 40 most powerful, affecting graduation speeches delivered in the last 10 years by popular speakers such as Toni Morrison, Judy Blume, Mister Rogers, Al Franken, Gloria Steinem, Jon Stewart, and many others. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: This Is Water Kenyon College, 2014-05-22 Only once did David Foster Wallace give a public talk on his views on life, during a commencement address given in 2005 at Kenyon College. The speech is reprinted for the first time in book form in THIS IS WATER. How does one keep from going through their comfortable, prosperous adult life unconsciously' How do we get ourselves out of the foreground of our thoughts and achieve compassion' The speech captures Wallace's electric intellect as well as his grace in attention to others. After his death, it became a treasured piece of writing reprinted in The Wall Street Journal and the London Times, commented on endlessly in blogs, and emailed from friend to friend. Writing with his one-of-a-kind blend of causal humor, exacting intellect, and practical philosophy, David Foster Wallace probes the challenges of daily living and offers advice that renews us with every reading. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Make Your Bed Admiral William H. McRaven, 2017-04-04 Based on a Navy SEAL's inspiring graduation speech, this #1 New York Times bestseller of powerful life lessons should be read by every leader in America (Wall Street Journal). If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. On May 17, 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven addressed the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on their Commencement day. Taking inspiration from the university's slogan, What starts here changes the world, he shared the ten principles he learned during Navy Seal training that helped him overcome challenges not only in his training and long Naval career, but also throughout his life; and he explained how anyone can use these basic lessons to change themselves-and the world-for the better. Admiral McRaven's original speech went viral with over 10 million views. Building on the core tenets laid out in his speech, McRaven now recounts tales from his own life and from those of people he encountered during his military service who dealt with hardship and made tough decisions with determination, compassion, honor, and courage. Told with great humility and optimism, this timeless book provides simple wisdom, practical advice, and words of encouragement that will inspire readers to achieve more, even in life's darkest moments. Powerful. --USA Today Full of captivating personal anecdotes from inside the national security vault. --Washington Post Superb, smart, and succinct. --Forbes |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Very Good Lives J. K. Rowling, 2015-04-14 J.K. Rowling, one of the world's most inspiring writers, shares her wisdom and advice. In 2008, J.K. Rowling delivered a deeply affecting commencement speech at Harvard University. Now published for the first time in book form, VERY GOOD LIVES presents J.K. Rowling's words of wisdom for anyone at a turning point in life. How can we embrace failure? And how can we use our imagination to better both ourselves and others? Drawing from stories of her own post-graduate years, the world famous author addresses some of life's most important questions with acuity and emotional force. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: The Last Lecture Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow, 2010 The author, a computer science professor diagnosed with terminal cancer, explores his life, the lessons that he has learned, how he has worked to achieve his childhood dreams, and the effect of his diagnosis on him and his family. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Oh, the Places You'll Go! Dr. Seuss, 2013-09-24 Dr. Seuss’s wonderfully wise Oh, the Places You’ll Go! celebrates all of our special milestones—from graduations to birthdays and beyond! “[A] book that has proved to be popular for graduates of all ages since it was first published.”—The New York Times From soaring to high heights and seeing great sights to being left in a Lurch on a prickle-ly perch, Dr. Seuss addresses life’s ups and downs with his trademark humorous verse and whimsical illustrations. The inspiring and timeless message encourages readers to find the success that lies within, no matter what challenges they face. A perennial favorite for anyone starting a new phase in their life! |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Raised by Turtles Tom Lambert, 2021-01-06 A collection of essays, some funny, some not written between 1992 and 2020. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Maya Angelou, 2010-07-21 Here is a book as joyous and painful, as mysterious and memorable, as childhood itself. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings captures the longing of lonely children, the brute insult of bigotry, and the wonder of words that can make the world right. Maya Angelou’s debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide. Sent by their mother to live with their devout, self-sufficient grandmother in a small Southern town, Maya and her brother, Bailey, endure the ache of abandonment and the prejudice of the local “powhitetrash.” At eight years old and back at her mother’s side in St. Louis, Maya is attacked by a man many times her age—and has to live with the consequences for a lifetime. Years later, in San Francisco, Maya learns that love for herself, the kindness of others, her own strong spirit, and the ideas of great authors (“I met and fell in love with William Shakespeare”) will allow her to be free instead of imprisoned. Poetic and powerful, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings will touch hearts and change minds for as long as people read. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings liberates the reader into life simply because Maya Angelou confronts her own life with such a moving wonder, such a luminous dignity.”—James Baldwin From the Paperback edition. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Certain Trumpets Garry Wills, 2013-05-28 This “beautifully written and reasoned” (Booklist) narrative by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Garry Wills examines what constitutes meaningful leadership, and why it is so essential to society. What makes a leader? How do we identify effective leadership, and how should—and shouldn’t—that power be used? In Certain Trumpets, Garry Wills presents portraits of eminent leaders including FDR to Ross Perot, King David, Martha Graham, and many others, offering an illuminating lens for studying society and ourselves. Dividing these portraits into sixteen leadership categories ranging from military to charismatic, intellectual, rhetorical, and elected, Wills highlights what makes each of his subjects unique, crafting along the way a distinct and incisive definition of leadership as a reciprocal engagement between two contrasting wills that serves to mobilize us toward a common good, and explaining why leadership is so often a contentious and emotionally charged subject. “A stunningly literate and thoughtful examination of what makes a leader…[and] a welcome antidote to some of the more egregious ‘management style’ drivel,” (Kirkus Reviews), Certain Trumpets is an inspiring and edifying tour through the history of an indispensable social art. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: The Leader in Me Stephen R. Covey, 2012-12-11 Children in today's world are inundated with information about who to be, what to do and how to live. But what if there was a way to teach children how to manage priorities, focus on goals and be a positive influence on the world around them? The Leader in Meis that programme. It's based on a hugely successful initiative carried out at the A.B. Combs Elementary School in North Carolina. To hear the parents of A. B Combs talk about the school is to be amazed. In 1999, the school debuted a programme that taught The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Peopleto a pilot group of students. The parents reported an incredible change in their children, who blossomed under the programme. By the end of the following year the average end-of-grade scores had leapt from 84 to 94. This book will launch the message onto a much larger platform. Stephen R. Covey takes the 7 Habits, that have already changed the lives of millions of people, and shows how children can use them as they develop. Those habits -- be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, think win-win, seek to understand and then to be understood, synergize, and sharpen the saw -- are critical skills to learn at a young age and bring incredible results, proving that it's never too early to teach someone how to live well. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: You Can Do Anything George Anders, 2017-08-08 In a tech-dominated world, the most needed degrees are the most surprising: the liberal arts. Did you take the right classes in college? Will your major help you get the right job offers? For more than a decade, the national spotlight has focused on science and engineering as the only reliable choice for finding a successful post-grad career. Our destinies have been reduced to a caricature: learn to write computer code or end up behind a counter, pouring coffee. Quietly, though, a different path to success has been taking shape. In You Can Do Anything, George Anders explains the remarkable power of a liberal arts education - and the ways it can open the door to thousands of cutting-edge jobs every week. The key insight: curiosity, creativity, and empathy aren't unruly traits that must be reined in. You can be yourself, as an English major, and thrive in sales. You can segue from anthropology into the booming new field of user research; from classics into management consulting, and from philosophy into high-stakes investing. At any stage of your career, you can bring a humanist's grace to our rapidly evolving high-tech future. And if you know how to attack the job market, your opportunities will be vast. In this book, you will learn why resume-writing is fading in importance and why telling your story is taking its place. You will learn how to create jobs that don't exist yet, and to translate your campus achievements into a new style of expression that will make employers' eyes light up. You will discover why people who start in eccentric first jobs - and then make their own luck - so often race ahead of peers whose post-college hunt focuses only on security and starting pay. You will be ready for anything. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Make Good Art Neil Gaiman, 2013-05-14 THIS BOOK IS FOR EVERYONE LOOKING AROUND AND THINKING, NOW WHAT?” Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed commencement address, Make Good Art, thoughtfully and aesthetically designed by renowned graphic artist Chip Kidd. This keepsake volume is the perfect gift for graduates, aspiring creators, or anyone who needs a reminder to run toward what gives them joy. When Neil Gaiman delivered his Make Good Art commencement address at Philadelphia’s University of the Arts, he shared his thoughts about creativity, bravery, and strength. He encouraged the fledgling painters, musicians, writers, and dreamers to break rules and think outside the box. Most of all, he encouraged them to make good art. The speech resonated far beyond that art school audience and immediately went viral on YouTube and has now been viewed more than a million times. Acclaimed designer Chip Kidd brings his unique sensibility to this seminal address in this gorgeous edition that commemorates Gaiman's inspiring message. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Education for Life J. Donald Walters, 1997-06-15 Here is a constructive alternative to modern education. The author stresses spiritual values and helping children grow toward full maturity learning not only facts, but also innovative principles for better living. This book is the basis for the Living Wisdom schools and the Education for LifeFoundation, which trains teachers, parents and educators. Encouraging parents and educators to see children through their soul qualities, this unique system promises to be a much needed breath of fresh air. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: The Everything New Teacher Book Melissa Kelly, 2010-03-18 Being a great teacher is more than lesson plans and seating charts. In this revised and expanded new edition of the classic bestseller, you learn what it takes to be the very best educator you can be, starting from day one in your new classroom! Filled with real-world life lessons from experienced teachers as well as practical tips and techniques, you'll gain the skill and confidence you need to create a successful learning environment for you and your students, including how to: Organize a classroom Create engaging lesson plans Set ground rules and use proper behavior management Deal with prejudice, controversy, and violence Work with colleagues and navigate the chain of command Incorporate mandatory test preparation within the curriculum Implement the latest educational theories In this book, veteran teacher Melissa Kelly provides you with the confidence you'll need to step into class and teach right from the start. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: The Gettysburg Address Abraham Lincoln, 2022-11-29 The complete text of one of the most important speeches in American history, delivered by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. On November 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln arrived at the battlefield near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to remember not only the grim bloodshed that had just occurred there, but also to remember the American ideals that were being put to the ultimate test by the Civil War. A rousing appeal to the nation’s better angels, The Gettysburg Address remains an inspiring vision of the United States as a country “conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Grit Angela Duckworth, 2016-05-03 In this instant New York Times bestseller, Angela Duckworth shows anyone striving to succeed that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent, but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit.” “Inspiration for non-geniuses everywhere” (People). The daughter of a scientist who frequently noted her lack of “genius,” Angela Duckworth is now a celebrated researcher and professor. It was her early eye-opening stints in teaching, business consulting, and neuroscience that led to her hypothesis about what really drives success: not genius, but a unique combination of passion and long-term perseverance. In Grit, she takes us into the field to visit cadets struggling through their first days at West Point, teachers working in some of the toughest schools, and young finalists in the National Spelling Bee. She also mines fascinating insights from history and shows what can be gleaned from modern experiments in peak performance. Finally, she shares what she’s learned from interviewing dozens of high achievers—from JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon to New Yorker cartoon editor Bob Mankoff to Seattle Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll. “Duckworth’s ideas about the cultivation of tenacity have clearly changed some lives for the better” (The New York Times Book Review). Among Grit’s most valuable insights: any effort you make ultimately counts twice toward your goal; grit can be learned, regardless of IQ or circumstances; when it comes to child-rearing, neither a warm embrace nor high standards will work by themselves; how to trigger lifelong interest; the magic of the Hard Thing Rule; and so much more. Winningly personal, insightful, and even life-changing, Grit is a book about what goes through your head when you fall down, and how that—not talent or luck—makes all the difference. This is “a fascinating tour of the psychological research on success” (The Wall Street Journal). |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Drive Daniel H. Pink, 2011-04-05 The New York Times bestseller that gives readers a paradigm-shattering new way to think about motivation from the author of When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing Most people believe that the best way to motivate is with rewards like money—the carrot-and-stick approach. That's a mistake, says Daniel H. Pink (author of To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Motivating Others). In this provocative and persuasive new book, he asserts that the secret to high performance and satisfaction-at work, at school, and at home—is the deeply human need to direct our own lives, to learn and create new things, and to do better by ourselves and our world. Drawing on four decades of scientific research on human motivation, Pink exposes the mismatch between what science knows and what business does—and how that affects every aspect of life. He examines the three elements of true motivation—autonomy, mastery, and purpose-and offers smart and surprising techniques for putting these into action in a unique book that will change how we think and transform how we live. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Dumbing Us Down John Taylor Gatto, 2002-02-01 With over 70,000 copies of the first edition in print, this radical treatise on public education has been a New Society Publishers’ bestseller for 10 years! Thirty years in New York City’s public schools led John Gatto to the sad conclusion that compulsory schooling does little but teach young people to follow orders like cogs in an industrial machine. This second edition describes the wide-spread impact of the book and Gatto’s guerrilla teaching. John Gatto has been a teacher for 30 years and is a recipient of the New York State Teacher of the Year award. His other titles include A Different Kind of Teacher (Berkeley Hills Books, 2001) and The Underground History of American Education (Oxford Village Press, 2000). |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Speeches on Special Occasions , 1839 |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: A Mighty Long Way Carlotta Walls LaNier, Lisa Frazier Page, 2010-07-27 “A searing and emotionally gripping account of a young black girl growing up to become a strong black woman during the most difficult time of racial segregation.”—Professor Charles Ogletree, Harvard Law School “Provides important context for an important moment in America’s history.”—Associated Press When fourteen-year-old Carlotta Walls walked up the stairs of Little Rock Central High School on September 25, 1957, she and eight other black students only wanted to make it to class. But the journey of the “Little Rock Nine,” as they came to be known, would lead the nation on an even longer and much more turbulent path, one that would challenge prevailing attitudes, break down barriers, and forever change the landscape of America. For Carlotta and the eight other children, simply getting through the door of this admired academic institution involved angry mobs, racist elected officials, and intervention by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was forced to send in the 101st Airborne to escort the Nine into the building. But entry was simply the first of many trials. Breaking her silence at last and sharing her story for the first time, Carlotta Walls has written an engrossing memoir that is a testament not only to the power of a single person to make a difference but also to the sacrifices made by families and communities that found themselves a part of history. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Graduation Maya Angelou, 1989-09 As is usually the case with most graduation tales, this account focuses on growing up. With greater intensity than ever before, the narrator of the story is confronted with the fact that she is black. A surprising twist to the graduation ceremony helps her see what that fact means to her.--Page 2. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Grown and Flown Lisa Heffernan, Mary Dell Harrington, 2019-09-03 PARENTING NEVER ENDS. From the founders of the #1 site for parents of teens and young adults comes an essential guide for building strong relationships with your teens and preparing them to successfully launch into adulthood The high school and college years: an extended roller coaster of academics, friends, first loves, first break-ups, driver’s ed, jobs, and everything in between. Kids are constantly changing and how we parent them must change, too. But how do we stay close as a family as our lives move apart? Enter the co-founders of Grown and Flown, Lisa Heffernan and Mary Dell Harrington. In the midst of guiding their own kids through this transition, they launched what has become the largest website and online community for parents of fifteen to twenty-five year olds. Now they’ve compiled new takeaways and fresh insights from all that they’ve learned into this handy, must-have guide. Grown and Flown is a one-stop resource for parenting teenagers, leading up to—and through—high school and those first years of independence. It covers everything from the monumental (how to let your kids go) to the mundane (how to shop for a dorm room). Organized by topic—such as academics, anxiety and mental health, college life—it features a combination of stories, advice from professionals, and practical sidebars. Consider this your parenting lifeline: an easy-to-use manual that offers support and perspective. Grown and Flown is required reading for anyone looking to raise an adult with whom you have an enduring, profound connection. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Hey Black Child Useni Eugene Perkins, 2017-11-14 Six-time Coretta Scott King Award winner and four-time Caldecott Honor recipient Bryan Collier brings this classic, inspirational poem to life, written by poet Useni Eugene Perkins. Hey black child, Do you know who you are? Who really are?Do you know you can be What you want to be If you try to be What you can be? This lyrical, empowering poem celebrates black children and seeks to inspire all young people to dream big and achieve their goals. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Hot, Sour, Salty, Sweet Sherri L. Smith, 2008-02-12 Ana Shen has what her social studies teacher calls a “marvelously biracial, multicultural family” but what Ana simply calls a Chinese American father and an African American mother. And on eighth-grade graduation day, that’s a recipe for disaster. Both sets of grandparents are in town to celebrate, and Ana’s best friend has convinced her to invite Jamie Tabata–the cutest boy in school–for a home-cooked meal. Now Ana and her family have four hours to prepare their favorite dishes for dinner, and Grandma White and Nai Nai can’t agree on anything. Ana is tired of feeling caught between her grandparents and wishes she knew whose side she was supposed to be on. But when they all sit down for their hot, sour, salty, and sweet meal, Ana comes to understand how each of these different flavors, like family, fit perfectly together. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Speak Out, Call In Meggie Mapes, 2019 |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Seuss-isms Dr. Seuss, 1999-01 This delightful miniature book brings together the good doctor's wisest and wittiest sayings to provide a range of prescriptions for living. Dr. Seuss is credited throughout the world for making learning to read fun. But the forty or more books that he wrote and illustrated deliver so much more than just fun -- they bring exuberance, laughter, thoughtfulness and understanding to millions of readers, helping to prepare many a child for the chaos and complexities of life. With extracts from several of his best loved tales and illustrations of his favourite characters -- such as Horton the Elephant, the Lorax, the Grinch and the one-and-only Cat in the Hat -- Seuss-isms condenses all the wit and wisdom of Dr. Seuss into one volume, making it the perfect gift and an ideal keepsake for the doctor's numerous fans, young and old. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: When I Was the Greatest Jason Reynolds, 2014-01-07 From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds, a “funny and rewarding” (Publishers Weekly) coming-of-age novel about friendship and loyalty across neighborhood lines and the hardship of life for an urban teen. A lot of the stuff that gives my neighborhood a bad name, I don’t really mess with. The guns and drugs and all that, not really my thing. Nah, not his thing. Ali’s got enough going on, between school and boxing and helping out at home. His best friend Noodles, though. Now there’s a dude looking for trouble—and, somehow, it’s always Ali around to pick up the pieces. But, hey, a guy’s gotta look out for his boys, right? Besides, it’s all small potatoes; it’s not like anyone’s getting hurt. And then there’s Needles. Needles is Noodles’s brother. He’s got a syndrome, and gets these ticks and blurts out the wildest, craziest things. It’s cool, though: everyone on their street knows he doesn’t mean anything by it. Yeah, it’s cool…until Ali and Noodles and Needles find themselves somewhere they never expected to be…somewhere they never should've been—where the people aren’t so friendly, and even less forgiving. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Long Way Down Jason Reynolds, 2017-10-24 “An intense snapshot of the chain reaction caused by pulling a trigger.” —Booklist (starred review) “Astonishing.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A tour de force.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) A Newbery Honor Book A Coretta Scott King Honor Book A Printz Honor Book A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021) A Los Angeles Times Book Prize Winner for Young Adult Literature Longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature Winner of the Walter Dean Myers Award An Edgar Award Winner for Best Young Adult Fiction Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner An Entertainment Weekly Best YA Book of 2017 A Vulture Best YA Book of 2017 A Buzzfeed Best YA Book of 2017 An ode to Put the Damn Guns Down, this is New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds’s electrifying novel that takes place in sixty potent seconds—the time it takes a kid to decide whether or not he’s going to murder the guy who killed his brother. A cannon. A strap. A piece. A biscuit. A burner. A heater. A chopper. A gat. A hammer A tool for RULE Or, you can call it a gun. That’s what fifteen-year-old Will has shoved in the back waistband of his jeans. See, his brother Shawn was just murdered. And Will knows the rules. No crying. No snitching. Revenge. That’s where Will’s now heading, with that gun shoved in the back waistband of his jeans, the gun that was his brother’s gun. He gets on the elevator, seventh floor, stoked. He knows who he’s after. Or does he? As the elevator stops on the sixth floor, on comes Buck. Buck, Will finds out, is who gave Shawn the gun before Will took the gun. Buck tells Will to check that the gun is even loaded. And that’s when Will sees that one bullet is missing. And the only one who could have fired Shawn’s gun was Shawn. Huh. Will didn’t know that Shawn had ever actually USED his gun. Bigger huh. BUCK IS DEAD. But Buck’s in the elevator? Just as Will’s trying to think this through, the door to the next floor opens. A teenage girl gets on, waves away the smoke from Dead Buck’s cigarette. Will doesn’t know her, but she knew him. Knew. When they were eight. And stray bullets had cut through the playground, and Will had tried to cover her, but she was hit anyway, and so what she wants to know, on that fifth floor elevator stop, is, what if Will, Will with the gun shoved in the back waistband of his jeans, MISSES. And so it goes, the whole long way down, as the elevator stops on each floor, and at each stop someone connected to his brother gets on to give Will a piece to a bigger story than the one he thinks he knows. A story that might never know an END…if Will gets off that elevator. Told in short, fierce staccato narrative verse, Long Way Down is a fast and furious, dazzlingly brilliant look at teenage gun violence, as could only be told by Jason Reynolds. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Amelia's Notebook Marissa Moss, 2011-05-03 When Amelia’s mom gives her a journal for her birthday, she finally has a place to share her truest feelings at last! Nine-year-old Amelia’s mother gives her a blank notebook to write down her thoughts and tells her it will make her feel better. Why would a dumb notebook make me feel better, Amelia thinks. The only thing that will make Amelia feel better is going back to old house, her old school, and her old friends. Amelia does not—do you hear this!—want to move. But no one is listening to Amelia. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Look Both Ways Jason Reynolds, 2020-10-27 A collection of ten short stories that all take place in the same day about kids walking home from school-- |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Big Game Hunting Christopher Kai, 2015-04-08 |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Where I Was From Joan Didion, 2011-01-26 From the bestselling, award-winning author of The Year of Magical Thinking: In this arresting amalgam of memoir and historical timeline” (The Baltimore Sun), Didion—a native Californian—reassesses parts of her life, her work, her history, and ours. Didion applies her scalpel-like intelligence to California's ethic of ruthless self-sufficiency in order to examine that ethic’s often tenuous relationship to reality. Combining history and reportage, memoir and literary criticism, Where I Was From explores California’s romances with land and water; its unacknowledged debts to railroads, aerospace, and big government; the disjunction between its code of individualism and its fetish for prisons. Whether she is writing about her pioneer ancestors or privileged sexual predators, robber barons or writers (not excluding herself), Didion is an unparalleled observer, and this book is at once intellectually provocative and deeply personal. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: We the Students Jamin B. Raskin, 2014-07-03 We the Students is a highly acclaimed resource that has introduced thousands of students to the field of legal studies by covering Supreme Court issues that directly affect them. It examines topics such as students’ access to judicial process; religion in schools; school discipline and punishment; and safety, discrimination and privacy at school. Through meaningful and engagingly written commentary, excerpts of Supreme Court cases (with students as the litigants), and exercises and class projects, author Jamie B. Raskin provides students with the tools they need to gain a deeper appreciation of democratic freedoms and challenges, and underscores their responsibility in preserving constitutional principles. Completely revised and updated, the new, Fourth Edition of We the Students incorporates new Supreme Court cases, new examples, and new exercises to bring constitutional issues to life. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Public Speaking: 2nd Edition Laurie Rozakis, 1999-06-01 You're no idiot, of course. You can hold your own in water cooler conversation, are the life of the party at get-togethers, and have no problem firing a quick comeback at your smart-alecky friends. But when it comes to standing onstage in front of a group of people, you feel like you're the one in your underwear, not the audience. Don't hide behind the lectern just yet. The 'Complete Idiot's Guide to Public Speaking, Second Edition' helps you feel confident and build the skills you need to deliver winning speeches and presentations. In this completely revised and updated Complete Idiot's Guide, you'll find: -Professional guidance on identifying your audience and adapting to the situation. -Expert advice on effective wardrobe and body language. -Useful pointers on how to tell jokes. -Valuable tips on handling hecklers and negative audiences. -Cutting edge information on using Powerpoint and other visual aids. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Why School? Mike Rose, 2014-02-04 Why School? is a little book driven by big questions. What does it mean to be educated? What is intelligence? How should we think about intelligence, education, and opportunity in an open society? Drawing on forty years of teaching and research and a profound understanding of the opportunities, both intellectual and economic, that come from education (Booklist), award-winning author Mike Rose reflects on these and other questions related to public schooling in America. He answers them in beautifully written chapters that are both rich in detail and informed by an extensive knowledge of history, the psychology of learning, and the politics of education. This paperback edition includes three new chapters showing how cognitive science actually narrows our understanding of learning, how to increase college graduation rates, and how to value the teaching of basic skills. An updated introduction by Rose, who has been hailed as a superb writer and an even better storyteller (TLN Teachers Network), reflects on recent developments in school reform. Lauded as a beautifully written work of literary nonfiction (The Christian Science Monitor) and called stunning by the New Educator Journal, Why School? offers an eloquent call for a bountiful democratic vision of the purpose of schooling. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Against Schooling Stanley Aronowitz, 2008 Stanley Aronowitz passionately raises an alarm about the current state of education in the US. |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Great Myths of Child Development Stephen Hupp, Jeremy D. Jewell, 2015-02-23 Great Myths of Child Development reveals the latest evidence-based science behind the myths and misconceptions about the developing child. Shatters the most commonly-held child development myths Reveals the science behind such topical issues as twin-telepathy, sex-prediction, and imaginary friends Covers hot-button issues like childhood vaccines, spankings, “time-outs,” and breastfeeding of older children Features numerous pop culture references and examples drawn from popular TV shows and movies, such as Duck Dynasty, Modern Family and Mad Men Points to a wealth of supplementary resources for interested parents—from evidence-based treatments and self-help books to relevant websites |
| 8th grade graduation speeches: Motivating Black Males to Achieve in School and in Life Baruti K. Kafele, 2010-02-12 One of the most vexing problems confronting educators today is the chronic achievement gap between black male students and their peers. In this inspiring and thought-provoking book, veteran educator Baruti K. Kafele offers a blueprint for lifting black males up and ensuring their success in the classroom and beyond. Motivating Black Males to Achieve in School and in Life offers proven strategies for getting black male students in middle school and high school to value learning, improve their grades, and maintain high standards for themselves. The author shows how simple but powerful measures to instill self-worth in young black males can not only raise these students' achievement, but also profoundly alter their lives for the better. This book will help you to help students * Reverse the destructive effects of negative influences, whether among peers or in the popular culture; * Surmount adverse conditions at home or in their communities; * Participate in mentorship programs with successful black male adults; and * Take pride in their heritage by learning about great figures and achievements in black history. Whether your school is urban or rural, all-black or mixed, you'll find this book to be an insightful resource that addresses the root causes of low achievement among young black males and offers a clear path to overcoming them. |
News & Announcements: 06/2025 | Eighth Circuit | United States …
Jun 5, 2025 · The court will be conducting in-person oral arguments June 9 – 13, 2025, in St. Louis, MO and St. Paul, MN. The public may listen to the live audio portion of these arguments …
General Search | Eighth Circuit | United States Court of Appeals
General Search options allows you to find case information if you know a party name, attorney name or a case number.. Information found may include opinions, opinions descriptions, oral …
8th Circuit - Pattern Jury Instructions
This Jury Instructions Builder is intended to serve as an aid to practitioners and the District Courts throughout the Eighth Circuit in preparing instruction packets for trial with the understanding …
United States Court of Appeals
Arkansas State Conference NAACP v. Arkansas Board of Apportionment, 86 F.4th 1204 (8th Cir. 2023)reh’g denied, , 91 F.4th 967 (8th Cir. 2024), we held that § 2 of the Voting Rights Act …
Argument Calendars | Eighth Circuit - United States Court of Appeals
United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit Steven M. Colloton, Chief Judge
United States Court of Appeals
applicable federal poverty line. § 1098e(a)(3). If such borrowers select Id. IBR, their monthly payments would be limited to one-twelfth of that 15%.
Judges | Eighth Circuit | United States Court of Appeals
The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals is made up of Active Judges and judges who have retired to Senior status but remain on the bench. Vacant seats on the Court are filled by Judges …
Rules & Procedures | Eighth Circuit - United States Court of Appeals
Federal Rules/Policies. Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. Eighth Circuit Rules/Policies. Local Rules of the Eighth Circuit, June 2024. Plan to Expedite Criminal Appeals - Revised November …
Oral Arguments | Eighth Circuit | United States Court of Appeals
Oral arguments are available in MP3 Format.. Search Options for oral arguments are listed on the left. For cases argued since September 2009, arguments can be found by searching with the …
United States Court of Appeals
United States Court of Appeals For the Eighth Circuit _____ No. 24-2767 _____ Deidre Sherell Jackson lllllllllllllllllllllPlaintiff - Appellant v.
News & Announcements: 06/2025 | Eighth Circuit | United States …
Jun 5, 2025 · The court will be conducting in-person oral arguments June 9 – 13, 2025, in St. Louis, MO and St. Paul, MN. The public may listen to the live audio portion of these arguments by …
General Search | Eighth Circuit | United States Court of Appeals
General Search options allows you to find case information if you know a party name, attorney name or a case number.. Information found may include opinions, opinions descriptions, oral …
8th Circuit - Pattern Jury Instructions
This Jury Instructions Builder is intended to serve as an aid to practitioners and the District Courts throughout the Eighth Circuit in preparing instruction packets for trial with the understanding …
United States Court of Appeals
Arkansas State Conference NAACP v. Arkansas Board of Apportionment, 86 F.4th 1204 (8th Cir. 2023)reh’g denied, , 91 F.4th 967 (8th Cir. 2024), we held that § 2 of the Voting Rights Act (“the …
Argument Calendars | Eighth Circuit - United States Court of Appeals
United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit Steven M. Colloton, Chief Judge
United States Court of Appeals
applicable federal poverty line. § 1098e(a)(3). If such borrowers select Id. IBR, their monthly payments would be limited to one-twelfth of that 15%.
Judges | Eighth Circuit | United States Court of Appeals
The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals is made up of Active Judges and judges who have retired to Senior status but remain on the bench. Vacant seats on the Court are filled by Judges appointed …
Rules & Procedures | Eighth Circuit - United States Court of Appeals
Federal Rules/Policies. Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. Eighth Circuit Rules/Policies. Local Rules of the Eighth Circuit, June 2024. Plan to Expedite Criminal Appeals - Revised November …
Oral Arguments | Eighth Circuit | United States Court of Appeals
Oral arguments are available in MP3 Format.. Search Options for oral arguments are listed on the left. For cases argued since September 2009, arguments can be found by searching with the …
United States Court of Appeals
United States Court of Appeals For the Eighth Circuit _____ No. 24-2767 _____ Deidre Sherell Jackson lllllllllllllllllllllPlaintiff - Appellant v.
