Good bye, CMS Class of 2013!

Last week I had the pleasure of listening to 11 amazing 8th grade promotion speeches. I laughed, I cried, and realized that I am genuinely sad to be losing this lovely group of young people. To end the Panther Pen for the school year, I couldn’t think of a better way than to share some of the speeches that were contenders with the community that has helped to produce such wonderful young adults. Good bye, CMS class of 2013! You will be missed, so come back to visit and let us know how you’re doing in high school. Love, Ms. Jenson

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Maria P.

I remember my first year here at Crittenden and how I tried so hard to fit in. My grades were not that great because I would spend hours planning my outfit so my crush would at least know I existed. He still doesn’t know I exist. Sixth grade would had to be the hardest year for me as well as for many others. I held on tight that year and I managed to go into 7th grade without any scars or bruises. In 7th grade I believed that I had friends but I realized that I couldn’t be myself around them. I held my feelings back so that I wouldn’t make them feel bad. My grades got a lot better and towards the end of the year I told myself that I was not going to change who I was for anyone. 8th grade would had to be the easiest year when it came to academics. I developed new friendships and I can say that I have great friends who I feel comfortable with.
Crittenden has also really taught me to respect myself and the people around me. The staff has always encouraged me to do my best and to try new things. Physically my body has changed, but deep down inside I’m still that little sixth grader that arrived to Crittenden 3 years ago.
I haven’t had life changing experiences here at Crittenden, because I really don’t like to put myself out there. Even though I haven’t had life changing experiences I have had life changing people. All of my teachers through out middle school have changed me for the better and I would like to thank them all. I would especially like to thank Mr. Bhattacharya for bearing with me and my worry about my grades for 2 years. Also, I would like to thank all of my math teachers for always believing in me even when I wanted to give up.
I would also love to thank my parents and my friends because they are the major inspiration and motivation behind my achievements. They have always had my back and they are some of the few people that want the best for my future.
Now I encourage my fellow graduates to find that spark or inspiration that will help their dreams become reality. Find someone or something that appreciates your success and pushes you to always do better. Their love and support will be especially essential when we all start a new chapter in high school. And when we open that amazing new journey, I want people to respect others and thank the ones who help you. Also, be yourself, because an original is worth more than a copy. Thank you.

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Panther Pen — The Panther Pen is a collaboration between the students, staff, and parents of Crittenden Middle School.The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Crittenden Middle School or Mountain View Whisman School District.