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For the occasion of the Eighth Grade Closing Ceremony on June 4, Head of Middle School Darren Ford thought long and hard about appropriate words to bid the Class of 2016 good luck in Upper School. His inspiration came from a former student, Gianni V. '13, the newly elected president of the upper school student body. Here is the text of Mr. Ford's talk:

A cast of characters: When I think about this class as a group, that’s where I begin. Maybe more than any other class that has gone through the Middle School during my tenure, your class has a unique blend of individuals who contribute richly to the daily grind of school. Most of you are serious about academic work; many focus on pursuing artistic passions; others run, sometimes literally, with the love of athletics; and others... well, your primary focus appears to be fun and the camaraderie of classmates.

Many classes can have a distinct characteristic that makes them easily describable. I think your class has a blend that does not lend itself to a singular description -- rather you are an eclectic group ... a cast of characters. Parents, please don't take this as a negative attribute. I believe this class, as a whole group, has the potential to have a clearer identity, but that's the play they are about to write over the next four years.

I began thinking about this speech weeks ago, probably when you started thinking of your oratory topics. As I think about a class, the theme of the speech usually comes to me in some unexpected way. This year was no different; I found my speech while listening to the Memorial Day Ceremony where Gianni V was introduced as the Student Government Association president for next year.

Three years ago, Gianni sat in the same seats you are sitting in. Thinking of him then, I would have described Gianni as a happy-go-lucky, super-intelligent, but not-so-motivated academic student. I believe Gianni would have been a great classmate if he were your age … he’s a character, too! That's how the speech came to me.

So, I contacted Gianni to both congratulate him on being the next SGA president, and to also ask him, from his experiences in the Upper School, what he would now tell his eighth grade self if he could go back to give that advice. I loved his responses to my questions and they are the basis for my speech.

This is not necessarily another "Uncle Ford" lecture ... . Instead, consider this message from “your older brother” giving you his best advice. Ok, with my spin on that advice too. Sorry, I couldn't help myself. ...

Gianni’s Advice #1: How you carry yourself freshman year sets the tone for the rest of high school.

First impressions are important; they establish who you are and the expectations of the adults you will work with throughout the next four years. Do not wait until something becomes important to leave the right impression on those with whom you work. Decide this summer who you want to be in Upper School. Walk in the door on the very first day and never waiver from that decision and that person. Your attitude, interest, and effort will quickly define your experience and the adults’ expectations of you.

Advice #2: It's really important to establish good study habits during freshman year, or else you'll find yourself trying to catch up junior year, when it's already too late.

OK, you have been hearing about good study habits, figuring out how you learn, developing skills, as well as mastering content for the last four years. That is not over as you enter the Upper School; you do have work to do, but you are well-prepared for the next four years. Some of you may have been on cruise control with your academic work in the Middle School. While frustrating to your parents and to your teachers, the results did not officially count. Starting this August 29, they do. This is not meant to scare you or increase pressure. Rather, it is simply the truth. Your body of work over the next four years is your resume for your next step. So, as Gianni says, don’t wait until it is almost too late to recover. Always do your best from day one of ninth grade so that you give yourself opportunity and choice beyond high school.

Advice #3: Socially, going from eight grade to freshaen year is like going from being the biggest fish in the pond to being that same fish in the ocean. You have to adjust because if you still act like you're the biggest fish, you'll be reminded very quickly that you're not. During freshman year, it is important to cement your reputation because if you screw up freshman year, it carries with you for four years.

Your freedom and responsibilities increased when you came to the Middle School and they are about to get even greater next year. How you handle that freedom, especially with your peers, carries a lot of weight … as you know your peers remember and often do not let you forget. Think before taking advantage of freedoms in a bad way. Do not let an impulsive decision define who you are. Think for yourself and do not let a peer, especially an older one, think for you.

Advice #4: Test the waters freshman year -- try everything you possibly can until you find a few things you really would like to stick with.

I already described the interests of the individuals in this class as eclectic. While there were opportunities to try new things in the Middle School, there are many more avenues on which to pursue new passions in Upper School. You can just hang out in a lounge or the library -- OR you can take a risk to try and maybe even find a new interest. You are too young to know exactly all that you like or are good at. So don’t hide and let an opportunity pass you by. Force yourself to explore the options available to you. You will find tremendous support from the Upper School faculty and the upperclassmen. Surprise yourself!

Advice #5: The most important thing is to just soak up as much as you can and try everything.

Your parents have given you a tremendous gift by investing in your education. Don’t waste it being too cool or too afraid to take a risk. You will quickly find that the teachers in Upper School are the same demanding, warm, friendly adults you have come to depend on during your Middle School career. Be willing to learn, to observe, to participate, to share, to fail, to pick yourself up and to try again … don’t settle, you will regret it later.

The journey many of you began in the Lower School or embarked upon when you joined us in Middle School is far from over. The journey to this moment -- today -- is simply the foundation for your continued growth. You must be ready to take responsibility for your actions over the next four years in the Upper School. You have every opportunity and the potential for greatness. Take it on with the same enthusiasm and gusto you have when you see that it is French Fry Day in the dining hall. Find new friends, find your passion, but, most importantly, find the character to make your family, your school, and yourself proud.

So, I hope you heed the advice of your new “older brother” Gianni and, maybe “Uncle Ford” as well one last time. Enter ninth grade ready to let the Upper School quickly know that THIS cast of characters means business. Enter Upper School ready to write an award-winning play.

It is with confidence and a great deal of pride that the Middle School sends you off to the Upper School. Know you are being observed from afar with affection and that you are always welcome to visit. Good luck and Godspeed!