It All Started With Hello [Book One In The Hello Series]

Chapter 47- Graduation

The graduates sat down and we walked to our seats. Alexa, Isis, and I held hands as we sat, did the Pledge of Allegiance, Behrman Greed(that Shahid Reece messed up), and Juno's welcome speech until it was Alexa's turn to do her Salutatorian speech. She was nervous so her speech wasn't as great as she did in Mr. Carter's class, but the idea came across. That we all grew up here, and we're a family. When she sat down everyone cheered for her.

O. Perry Walker High School's choir sang two songs for us that had Isis and I almost in tears. When they finished, I stood up to give my speech.

As I walked up to the podium Christan and Briana shout,

"Artemis!"

That caused the boys and Bella to start yelling my name. I laughed and smiled once I was at the microphone. I got my paper and began speaking.

"Good afternoon faculty, parents, guests, and super scholars. Today we are here to watch these handsome young men and beautiful young women promote to the next level. As a student here at Behrman, I have been taught to work hard and strive for my goals. At Behrman, I have achieved multiple academic awards, and character awards, but no award can measure to being valedictorian. As a student at Behrman, I have been on honor roll all of my years here, I have been in many clubs and on the debate team, and have been apart of the Homecoming Court. Here at Behrman, you are encouraged to take part in groups and clubs to better yourself-- something that has helped me personally.

"Here on this stage, we have had award ceremonies, plays, band performances, prep rallies, and many more programs that involve the arts. Unlike all of those events, today we are here to watch and take part of a graduation for a phenomenal graduating class. I remember when I first enrolled in Behrman. It was the 3rd Quarter of 2008-- my 3rd grade year. I was terrified of going to a newer and bigger school, but I met some amazing people that I have called friends ever since. Since my first day at Behrman, I have notice the family- like ties that are present here. We all like to claim that person and this person is our brother or sister, our mom or dad, aunt or uncle. We even have had people claim to be our long lost triplet. Sure we have our fights and disagreements, but what family doesn't? At the end of the day we are still a family. It all brings us closer together. At Martin Behrman Charter School Academy of Creative Arts and Science, we are a family. That's why today is a rejoiceful, yet mournful event.

"Today, we are happy and excited to move onto the next level, yet we are sad to leave behind a place-- a home as great as Behrman. Behrman was, and always will be, a second home to me and a lot of my class members. That's why today I am happy to share this moment with all of you. Even though I am excited for high school, I will always miss Behrman, the teachers. And all of the students I have come to call friends and family. I know that everyone leaving this school will be very bright and successful in everything they pursue. I believe that everyone's future will be full and plentiful. Thank you everyone who has helped the graduates and myself. Thank you everyone who has ever taken their time to talk to me about life. Graduates, when we arrived here today we were eighth graders, but we leave as ninth graders. I just want you to remember to return to Behrman because this is our home. This is where everything started for most of us. In four years I know all of us will be sending high school graduation invitations back home.

"I just want to say, no matter how much I said I hate you or didn't like you, I love each and every one of you graduates sitting in this auditorium. I love how close some of us have gotten over the years of sitting in the same classroom for so long. We have formed some ties that will never be broken. No matter what high school or college we go to, I know we all will be in contact with each other because you always talk to your family. I love you. Thank you."

I wiped my eyes as I went back to my seat. My voice cracked and I started crying during my second paragraph. It was hard to see the paper after a while. When I sat down, Isis rubbed my hand as did Alexa.