Tuesday, September 16, 2008

My Memoir


Graduation
The feeling was great yet scary being watched by hundreds of people. It was a hot sunny day. Everyone shielded their eyes with their programs squinting to see the principal at the podium. I would now like to let Alex Barnes take the podium and present his speech about what Francis Parker Elementary means to him said the principal. I grabbed my typed speech in one hand and slowly walked up to the podium. I stepped onto the little step. I was feeling very nervous and yet a sense of pride because my speech had been chosen to be read at graduation. I scanned the sea of faces searching for my parents. I saw them under the giant shady tree smiling at me. I took a deep breath and started speaking. I spoke for a while feeling the pit in my stomach. But eventually my nervousness melted away and I felt myself relaxing. I was actually having a good time. At some comments the assorted parents, teachers, and staff laughed. I felt great knowing I'd gotten the privilege to present my speech. I read until the end,thanked the audience for listening, and stepped off the podium. The crowd broke in to applause. I walked back to my seat next to my friends. I felt such a sense of success and relief. During the rest of the graduation ceremony I was up in the clouds feeling great. I just sat and waited to walk up to the principal shake is hand and receive my elementary school diploma. When the time came I walked up to him, looked him right in the eyes, and gave a good hard handshake. After the graduation ceremony I slowly made my way through the crowd to my parents at the far end. When I got to them I gave them a hug and they told me how proud they were of me. We then walked out to the big green athletic field and the graduation party. I didn't really want to go. But I expected it would be a long time until I saw my friends and teachers again. So I went anyway. After the party I said a final goodbye. Then I walked out the big entrance gate with my parents. We got into the car and started the drive home. I undid the annoying tie I'd been wearing for the over three hours and draped it over my neck. As we drove home I thought about all the experiences I'd had at this school and thought about next year where I'd be going to a school called High Tech Middle. I'd have to make new friends and completely readjust myself. But I felt ready for anything after that speech. I looked out the window and thought about the new adventure I'd get to have at my new school.

1 comment:

Heather said...

Hi Alex-

Someone at school forwarded your blog. It is great to see your writing on the web. Please stay in touch.

Mrs. Gray