Welcome Sacred Heart faculty and staff, students, family, friends, and of course, the Class of 2023!

Well, here we are. We made it to the big day.

For many of you, I have had the privilege of being your teacher three times. When I look out at you now, I see flashes of those young little first graders eager to learn to read and master those double facts. I see glimpses of you as fourth graders, beginning to find your voices and tapping into your artistic side in creating our California missions from cereal boxes and dried pasta. I see you on the first day of 8th grade and the realization hitting me that almost all of you are taller than me. And I see you now. I see how you have matured, how you have grown, how you have embraced this past year as leaders. You have become young men and women ready for the next challenge. I am beyond proud to be by your side as you end this chapter of your educational journey.

Last summer, as I began to prepare to be your teacher once again, I thought long and hard about what message I wanted to convey to you throughout our year together. I placed a quote, high up in our classroom from a TV character- Ms Frizzle from The Magic School Bus. It is a phrase Ms Frizzle often says as her class is off exploring the world- “take chances, make mistakes, get messy”. I think the Friz is onto something here.

“Take Chances”

God has opened and will continue to open many doors for you. Don’t hold back- take a chance to learn something new, to meet someone new, to explore something new. Have faith that God will lead you where you are meant to be, but you are the one that must take the first step. Take a chance at the possibility of something wonderful.

“Make Mistakes”

Remember that you are only human. You will make mistakes- some big and some small. Don’t be afraid of them. But when you do make a mistake actively choose to LEARN from them. Take the opportunity to improve, to challenge yourself, and to seek guidance when needed.

“Get Messy”

Be an active participant in your life. God created a beautiful intricate world for us. Explore it. Don’t just see the world around you, be a part of it, stand up for what is right, use that voice of yours to speak with honesty and compassion. Be willing to help the world thrive.

Although I can no longer keep you in my classroom, I will continue to keep you in my prayers. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for you. Congratulations Class of 2023!