Teacher Appreciation Assembly Speech

Published: April 26, 2019

Revised:

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As some of you know, here at Harpeth Hall each eighth-grade girl is asked to give a speech to her fellow middle school peers discussing a story which develops the prompt “In this I believe”. At age 14, I spoke on my beliefs in the power of perseverance, a trait I then thought was the most vital thing to believe in. Although I still think having perseverance is necessary, I’ve come to change my perspective at age 18, and found that every ‘power’ we believe in, whether that be confidence, curiosity, integrity, among numerous others, are taught to us by the most important people there are to believe in.

That’s why today I’m saying hello and welcome to the faculty & staff, parents, students, and alumni. My name is Kate Pittman, and I believe in the power of teachers.

Now, this isn’t about me. This isn’t my moment to share my stories, it is instead our moment to share your stories. A time for me to speak on behalf of the greater portion of this auditorium, and reflect on the moments you’ve changed our lives, because you have.

We are blessed to be in a community where knowledge radiates from every person on campus. At Harpeth Hall, you don’t need a classroom, or the title “teacher” to make a difference in someone’s life. All it takes is a quick tutorial from the security team to learn not only a valuable life lesson in self defense, but also to recognize the strength within yourself.

And let’s not run from the truth here, everyone’s favorite part of the day is lunch. And that’s true not just because we love Sage dining, though their Tilapia bar is iconic, but because the smiles on the faces of those who make the food make our day. To Mr. Fox and the sage dining staff, we love you.

Let’s not fail to mention the people who constantly strive to make this school be better than it is, like Mrs. Hill, Ms. Lemon, and Ms. O’brien. The Winterim office, who set Harpeth Hall apart from all other schools because of the opportunities and inspiration they bring to our community. An unmatched College Counseling team who work tirelessly to keep us sane, and a group of counselors who do more for this school that we could even begin to imagine. Those who keep this school on track, like the advancement office, our moms at school, Mrs. Rogers and Ms. Sloane! And finally the Bear Cave, who can fix any problem thrown at them, and there’s a lot thrown at them!

This being said, I know of no other school whose classrooms pulse with such vivacious energy from both its students and its teacher as this one. Walls of the English hall plastered floor to ceiling with colorful posters and encouraging words. Science labs bursting with life, and a math wing buzzing with wonder. History discussions that carry onto the next class or break, because they contain material that genuinely interests the students. Language lectures that push us not to memorize, but to understand. A Performing Arts department that can evoke our deepest emotions. wellness coaches that make us stronger both physically and mentally, and a Fine Arts building that never ceases to amaze. These classrooms, filled with energetic life long learners ready to instill their knowledge of the world to the next generation, are what I think I’ll miss most next year.

Though we attend a school that prides itself on tradition, we are also fortunate enough to go to a school that welcomes change, and embraces every new person that enter. This year, the high school welcomed 11 new members of staff, and 9 in the middle school. New faces in every department, ranging from the maintenance team to the math department…great additions if you ask me!

While we’re on that tough topic known as math, I want to take a moment to thank, and personally apologize, to the entirety of the math department. Your support, extra effort, and kindness these past five years have empowered me to step into my next chapter ready to face whatever challenge is thrown my way

If my struggles in math taught me anything, it’s the importance, and simultaneous power, of numbers. So now, to show the strength in numbers, I will will pose a few questions to the girls in plaid, and ask you to stand when one applies to you (so for those of you who’s friends have fallen asleep, now’s the the time to wake them!). Girls, please stand if you have ever:

Had a member of the faculty ask you about life outside of the classroom because they genuinely care.

Been given an extension without any questions asked, even though the deadline was assigned to you weeks in advance

Accidently called your teacher mom, whether they be female or male, because their classroom is like a second home to you

If you’ve ever stopped and thought about how incredible our 191 members of staff at our placed beloved are

Teachers, there are 698 people standing before you, all of whom have had some aspect of their lives changed by you. If that’s not power, I don’t know what is. (Ladies, thank you, you can be seated)

If any educator has ever shown to me the power teachers possess, it’s Dr. Jack. Seeing that his impact far surpasses the four walls of my class, I turned to his students and colleagues to assist me in writing a toast, to the man who, who so many, means the absolute most.

And yes, it rhymes...anything less than over-the-top for this man would simply be a crime.\

“He’s a man with a mission,

A ‘need for order kind’ of guy.

Dr. Jack cares for my track career way more than I!

You gave dancing queens a lecture on us just cause.

He always wears a smile through whatever he does.

A singer, a song writer, and might I say a dancer too.

At cross country meets, he’ll pop through bushes out of the blue!

Papa John’s pizza orders made in secret,

APUSH students knocking on his door are sadly more than frequent.

The kennedys? Oh, he’s a pro.

Is there anything that Dr. Jack doesn’t know?

Our class is so lucky to have gained one more member.

Your song about great kings we will always remember.”

On a personal note I’d like to state

Being in your class made my year so great.

Next year, we’ll think of you often,

As you continue your adventures up in Wisconsin

You’ll finish that book,

And time with family you’ll be spending,

So set aside your worry, for is not the ending.

The light you’ve left here will never diminish,

because we carry with us the lesson you taught us:

How to never give up,

and we’re more than our flaws.

It’s my belief you deserve now a roaring applause.

So, before I melt into a puddle of tears,

I’ll finish my poem, give your ears a rest,

and wrap it up by stating: he’s simply best.

So now, without further ado,

thank you Dr. Jack for all that you do!

To my 98 sisters: the past is the present, and our futures, my dear dancing queens, are oh-so very bright indeed thanks to the teachers, faculty, and staff who come here each day ready to give us the tools we need to succeed in this world.

To the 698 young women before me: we are sitting in a room surrounded by the men and women we should aim to emulate. The kind of people this world needs more of. Today, I ask you to look around, and witness the power of your teachers. See the value in the strength they instill in you, and attempt to apply their knowledge in every aspect of your daily life. May we seek to become, to befriend, and raise people just like them.

And finally, to our teachers: One thanks will never be enough. A million thanks couldn’t come close to accurately expressing the appreciation we hold for in our hearts.

Our gratitude for you is endless, thank you.