What can you say about Grace? She's a real dynamo! EVERYBODY knows Grace and how couldn't they? I remember when she first arrived in grade 8. She was FULL ON!! It took about three days for all the teachers to start saying in the staff room: "Do you know Grace K? Do you teach Grace K? Isn't Grace K a character?" Etc.
Unlike most grade 8's, Grace quickly made herself very at home in my classroom after school was over. She'd come for extra help or just to chat. I remember one time she very emphatically told me: "I'm not going to be one of those kids who screws things up when they are a teenager. I know older kids who have made dumb mistakes and I'm not going to be like them". It was so impressive to me. Not because Grace was never going to make any mistakes (I'm sure she has made a few... as have all of us). But it was more her belief in herself. Her self-confidence. Grace was, and remains, a very powerful young woman.
But there is another side to Grace too. She has a tremendous heart. She gives a LOT of her time, volunteering for others. She cares very deeply for the people who are important to her. She doesn't suffer fools lightly (as the saying goes) but she will also go out of her way to make a difference in her community and to help those in need.
Of course, Grace does have some traits that can be "challenging" at times: she can be a little... uh... loud at times. She's been known to use some "colourful" language in front of her teachers. And then there is her habit of calling us teachers by our first names all the time (sheesh!). But I have nothing but love for this girl. Her enthusiasm, her sense of humour, her great work ethic. She is a unique and lovable person.
Thank you, Grace, for everything that you have brought to my class and done for our school. You are a very special student who will be remembered at King George for a long, long time. I have absolutely no idea what your plan is for after graduation but - with your charisma, your self-belief, and your determination - I have no doubt that you will be successful. I am proud of you already, no matter what comes next for you!