I felt bad about missing Gray's birthday last week when I was absent due to illness. So it's only right to make him Student of the Week this week (gotta make it up to him somehow).
I remember when I first taught Gray. It was PreCalculus 10 but he was in grade 9 (I'm not exactly sure how that happened, to tell the truth). He was pretty much a goofy grade 9 guy (as many of us were in grade 9). Missing homework assignments, forgetting workbooks at home, laughing at all sorts of peculiar things (and at inopportune times). He wasn't "trouble" in any way, but I wouldn't call him the world's greatest scholar.
You've come a long way, GG!
Now Gray is one of the leaders of our (wonderful) Foundations 12 class. He answers questions confidently, he does super-well on Math tests, he shows up every day and on-time no less! I am so thankful that he is in my class!
One thing that has NEVER changed about Gray is his cheerful disposition and friendly personality. Gray has always been so obviously comfortable talking to me about... whatever. Some students seem nervous when they talk to teacher (or any adults, for that matter), as if they need to be super careful about what they say. Not Gray! He's super easy to chat with; interesting, opinionated (in a good way), a good listener.
Gray, It's been very rewarding to see you grow into such a confident, intriguing, and self-expressed guy. May you never lose your big, bold smile and your sense of humour! I wish you success and happiness in the years ahead (and I'm confident that you will find it)!