Our graduates – June 2, 2014
Each year, we send off bright young men and women to start their high school careers.
Every graduating student writes a speech and stands in front of their Rainbow family – parents, staff, and students – and gives us a glimpse of what his or her experience has been like at Rainbow.
These speeches are at once eloquent and erudite, comical and entertaining. Each student beautifully demonstrates the learning they have done, honoring their school year and community with their wisdom.
The graduation ceremony began with a sacred tradition we have here at Rainbow: a Centering.
The Omega (7th and 8th grade) students led this part of the ceremony. The video below shows the centering – it’s part of what makes Rainbow so special.
Afterward, our eighth grade graduate, Nitara was the first to give her speech. She revealed how much she’s grown and learned during her tenure at Rainbow. She will be attending Carolina Day School next year.
Next was Andrew, with his insights on how to achieve success and advised everyone that life is what you make of it, and that no matter what you must try. Andrew will be attending Asheville Christian Academy.
Francesca followed, sharing her experiences in Omega, how she found her teachers to be amazing. She felt like she really became part of a family when she came to Rainbow, especially during her experience in Omega. Francesca will be attending SILSA for the next school year.
Our wonderful Lily went next, recounting her memories of her time at Rainbow. She attended this school for 12 years and always felt like the Rainbow community was a second family. We will miss Lily, too. She will attend Asheville High School.
Later, Justin came up, explaining how his Omega experience has changed his life and tells about the friends he’s made. His experience has truly Omega has changed his life forever. Next year, he will attend Carolina Day School.
Bella was next, sharing some observations that she’s made and how they have provided some powerful lessons – such as learning from your mistakes and life is short – we should all live it to the fullest. She will also attend Carolina Day School next year. Bella received the prestigious Merit Scholarship from Carolina Day, given to only five students each year.
Gwyn started her speech with a Peter Pan quote about “never saying goodbye” – because here at Rainbow, we don’t say goodbye. We say, “We’ll see you soon and we will never forget you.” She will attend SILSA next year.
Michael is “moving forward” and this isn’t goodbye – it’s a new beginning. Ever since he started at Rainbow in third grade, breaking his wrist at the class potluck, he came to realize that his teachers and friends became his second family. He will attend Carolina Day School next year.
Xena, who attended Rainbow for 11 years and calculated how much time she spent at Rainbow in hours, days and months – this was the place that became her home away from home. She’s leaving, as a bird who learns to fly, from the protection of her nest. She’s going to explore the big world outside. Xena will attend Carolina Day School.
Hannah told everyone about how Rainbow helped her to blossom and how much she felt welcomed by the community. She will attend SILSA next year.
Mikayla recounted her experiences at Rainbow – her love of her teachers and how they accept their students for who they are. Mikayla will also attend Carolina Day School.
Finishing up the speeches was Zoë – with her passion, love, warmth and drive to make the world a better place – within her speech was a magical, captivating story that everyone must hear – with such emotion and strength, the entire crowd was moved with her words. She will attend Carolina Day School next year and she also received the Highlander Award, given by the Head of School at Carolina Day to only one exceptional student each year.
The eighth grade graduates sang a song for the Rainbow Community. It’s called Home by Phillip Phillips:
This graduation ceremony was a success. We wish only the best for our graduates and we know that they will find success in all of their future endeavors.
Photo and video credit: Cynthia Calhoun
