Through this story we are shown something I believe the world needs, maybe now more than ever. The fact that no matter how big or small you are, no matter your upbringing, or what anyone's opinion of you is, you have the power to change the world - and that power has been within you always and will remain in you still.
I see world changers in these students. They constantly defy preset definitions of what people their age are capable of. Within this production alone, students will have spent over 200 hours preparing for this performance, not including all the time they spent annoying their families by singing and dancing at home to practice. They consistently meet the high expectations we set within this program, which allows us to continue to raise those expectations. I'm so excited to see the world they change and create when they move on from here.
Speaking of moving on, I have to take a moment and acknowledge this group of 8th graders and their families. This is the first group of students I have been able to teach from 6th grade through 8th grade. To the students, Thank you. Thank you for trusting a new teacher and his insane ideas. Thank you for bringing your full selves to my class, rehearsals, and performances. Thank you for simply being you. To the 8th grade parents, thank you. Thank you for sharing your students with me. You have raised intelligent, funny, and incredibly talented individuals. Thank you for volunteering your time and energy, and thank you for supporting me and this program. It has been a wonderful three years and I have adored the time we have had together. Please know you all will always have a special place in my teacher's heart as my first group. Though you may all be moving on to the next chapter, I will always be cheering you on and will only be a call or an email away. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
As you all leave the theater today I hope you leave inspired to be word changers. The magic to do so is already within you. I hope that you always remember that if people think you are weak, show them that you're strong, if they think you'll break, show them that they're wrong, and if they push you too far, never be afraid to REVOLT!
Thank you for supporting the arts in our community.
Thank you for showing that the arts matter.
Kaleb Stone
