Posted May 26, 2025
We’re proud to showcase the six top speeches from our end-of-year Language Arts project, where students shared heartfelt messages they would like to say to our community during the Continuation ceremony.
These inspiring speeches reflect the growth, determination, and spirit we celebrate throughout their time at Bear Valley International School.
We invite you to read these exceptional speeches in full and experience the voices of our students as they prepare to take the next step in their journey.
These are listed in the random order the students were chosen to present for final selection of our two speaking roles at the Continuation ceremony.
From kindergarten to middle school, from middle school to high school. We will all grow into adults. Just like our grandparents, parents, aunties, uncles, cousins and others who are here celebrating with us today. We all grow, maybe not at the same time but we grow. From now to then.
Welcome to the continuation of our 8th graders! My name is Liliana Garcia Martinez but you can just call me Lili. I’m one of the 8th graders that will be continuating with these smart, caring, and loving students here with us today.
All the hard work I had to do led me here and I am so proud of myself, for all of you, But most of all, I’m proud to be a part of this BV community.
Through all the years we all got something in common… drama. Man, I had lots of drama. All through the years, old drama, new drama, oh my gosh I could not get a break.
I was scared of speaking out saying “ I need help” or “ No that’s not ok” until finally I found friends who made me feel comfortable, who let me be myself. I found out that some people might not like me because of how silly and crazy I can be but that’s ok. I have had people who made fun of me for being me, which is why most are so scared of showing the real them. It wasn’t easy to be made fun of.
Sometimes, it really hurt my feelings. But I knew in my heart that I should never shy away from the real me. There’s a person inside of us all that makes us special, unique, and individual. I have been stuck in a loop of being scared of showing the real me, but after a while I found a way out with the right people. Some people still need time to be themselves, so they can find people just like them.
So I think I should shout out all the people who told me not to give up. Who said “you are too smart enough to be bad at school”. The people who gave me hope at my lowest, who let me believe in myself.
My whole heart goes out to all the teachers who brought me here. From elementary, to middle school, and now high school. My parents that showed me the way to act in school, my sibling Lita, who has been my second parent, who taught me so many things, my brother Luis who happens to always make me laugh even when I’m mad, and the rest of my family who is always there for me.
Last but not least, my amazing, smart, kind who has listened to what I had to say, that has been there through thick and thin. Someone like Yen. Yen, I could not have been me without you. We have been so close for so long. No matter what is going on, you are ALWAYS by my side. You really are one in a million.
But I can’t forget my other friends Ava Y, Ava J, Bella, Mila, Naoli, and all my friends who have always let me be comfortable. Old and new, the ones who grew, the ones who are in my crew, I appreciate all of you.
So as I finish up, I want to say I’m gonna miss all of you, all the memories, all the teachers, all the lunches. And as I leave I want all the kids, younger siblings or cousins or even younger friends here to know that when things get hard, that’s normal. Just make sure that you are not alone in those moments, find those that can make you be your better self. Thank you and congratulations 8th graders for making it!
Before I started middle school I remember my parents telling me that the next two years of my life were going to be the most challenging.This is going to sound pretty crazy but let’s just say they were really wrong. Sorry mom and dad. Good evening friends and families of Bear Valley International students. Before I continue if you don’t know me yet my name is Naoli Hayes. This year I have created friendships and have shared and created memories that will truly last a lifetime. From being the team captain for the girls basketball team this winter,to being our catcher for our softball team this spring, I have built so many foundational memories through it all. I am extremely fortunate to have not only learned lots this year but have grown into the person I am standing here today.
Back to when I had graduated from 6th grade into middle school I remember having a conversation with my parents telling me that the next two years of middle school are going to be extremely difficult.Even though I had my fair share of challenges, those challenges have helped shape me and grow into who I am today.When I had first found out the new that I was moving schools last year I remember how much of a reck I was in.Let me just say thank you mom for moving schools because Bear Valley has truly became a second home for me.Coming to a new school as a 8th grader after everyone has made their friendships is not easy.I could remember the first day of school like it was yesterday.Even through all of the ups and downs through this school year I am grateful to say that I made it.
I would like to share gratitude to all of my teachers and friends all of the people that I have met along the way.I would like to start by giving the biggest thanks to Mrs.Whatley.I will truly miss getting to start my morning with you in LC and updating you on my day during passing period and ESPECIALLY miss 8th period with you everyday,and always checking on me when you notice something is wrong.Lastly I would like thank Mr.Bruder,thank you for challenging me every day and pushing me to be the best person I can be.Without your support I could no be the student I am today.Finally thank you to all I am close with,for even though I can be a lot most of the time thank you for always being here for me and helping me learn and grow from all of my past mistakes.
It’s crazy to think this whole school year all of the 8th graders were talking about continuation.It’s hard to wrap my head around that this day is finally here.Before I close out my speech I would like to share some finally words hoping that you will remember them and keep them as a reminder.There will be times in your life when you feel like your at your lowest,thinking there’s no hope. We all know that feeling especially as middle schoolers.I would like to share a favourite quote of mine.”Adventure is worthwhile in itself”.Lets let that sink in for a moment.Our adventure through middle school had many ups and downs,highs and lows,good days and bad days,happy memories and sad memories.But without all those mistakes that we all have made we would not have grown into the people we are today.Let this to inspire to live each and every day to the fullest like there is no tomorrow.Just remember even when the world feels like it’s falling apart,trust me it will get better.Congratulations to all 8th graders for entering this new chapter of our lives.
Oo shoot, all yall low key put that on today. Welcome parents and staff and thank all of you for coming to see your bundles of sunshine finally finishing 8th grade and with style.
My name is Marquis Aceves but you can call me Q and I am the 8th grade all school president and I am thankful to have been given this opportunity to speak in front of you all and recount all of the memories we made through the years.
Spanning back from back in 6th grade when I first ever got pass class, or fast forward a little bit to 7th grade where I was lying to Ms Sheffield about having sickle cell, I’m gonna cover it all and hopefully along the way it’ll spark old memories you have forgotten about.
I wanna take this part of my speech to reflect on years before eight grade, reliving the memories no matter how sad or happy they may be for all of us.
When I first think about middle school, A feeling I will never forget is the thought of how different it would be, the thought of how much of a struggle would come along with it and I wasn’t sure if I could do it.
I didn’t believe I would have the best time here as I did years before, I was simply afraid of walking through those doors. But not everything was bad…matter of fact… if I could redo my whole 7th grade year I would, because by the end of that school year I could go and sit at ANY table in the lunchroom and just start having a conversation with someone and no one would bat an eye.
The fact everyone knew who I was and liked me. Honestly, it’s one of the best feelings a kid could have. Although I may have had some bad days in this school I’ve definitely had some good days.
Overall I loved my younger years, even if they were just a few months ago. Those experiences with all the friends I made will live on in my heart for way more than a few months. After I leave here, there’s nothing I’ll miss more than you guys.
Looking back has made me think about all the people that helped me out along the way, whether that be just someone being there for me during tough times or my teachers helping me out on my exit tickets ( which happened more than you think) .
I’m grateful for all of it, big and small. I would like to Thank Mr.Bruder, Ms. easter and Mr. Morty for helping me whenever I needed it.
But yeah that’s how it goes and this is how it’ll end, whether you’re happy with how middle school ended or maybe wanna run back the fade… now’s the time to let all that go as you disembark or your guys own journey Once we leave these doors, everything will probably get more stressful and even more time consuming… but when was the last time you ever heard someone say that highschool is easy? Never. So why should your highschool journey be any different?
Highschool is definitely gonna kick our butts, but when that happens, remember that when you fall the only thing that matters is how you get back up and react to it, as long as you work hard and believe you can get through it we’ll all do just fine. My fellow 8th graders…I am proud of each and every one of you. Congratulations, and best of luck in your next adventure. Wherever life takes you.
Good evening everyone. Let me start by welcoming the staff, students, family and friends that are able to celebrate with us today at the 2025 Bear Valley continuation ceremony. My name is Mila Montoya and it is my great honor to be standing in front of you all today as a graduating 8th grader here at Bear Valley. I have faced many challenges in my middle school years. I’ve faced loss, doubt, grief. But I stand here today ready to unlock the next chapter of my life. I dedicate this speech in tribute to my grandfather who we sadly lost in 2024. Kiko was the glue of our family. Someone that everyone went to for guidance and love. I know he’s looking down right now, feeling proud for all of us here in the auditorium today. Let me just say, It has been wonderful going through all of the ups and downs of middle school with you all.
As we look at our time here at Bear Valley, there have been many different kinds of memories and experiences that we have gotten to be a part of. A lot of times when people think of middle school, we remember running around as kids, making silly jokes, and living carefree lives. But the truth is, that the world comes with a lot of conflicts and doesn’t necessarily make life easy for us. In middle school there were times that brought many different kinds of challenges. Though each time we face a new challenge, we get a new opportunity to become better people than we were before. I mean, how incredible is it that coming out of those dark times also brought a new level of growth and maturity into our lives? After all, those ups and downs are what made me, me. They taught me how to persevere… how to take the right steps in order to succeed. Everyone of us in this room has been through something that defined our middle school experience. We might have lost someone special to us, made a lasting friendship, broke up with someone (chuckle) , or got broken up with. You might have had to lock in on a particularly difficult class to avoid those D’s and F’s. Whatever it was, those challenges defined you, and made you a better person in the process. Cherish that. Find appreciation in all of your journeys.
We of course can’t forget about those who have helped shape us into who we are today. I want to take a moment to thank those who have helped me get to this point. I deeply appreciate all of the friends I have made along the way. Thank you to the staff. They have been so good to me, seeing me as more than just a student. You have put so much time and effort into pushing us to be the best we can be. We would not be here without all of your dedication. Even if I wasn’t in your class, thank you for all you do. I would like to give Mr. Bruder, Ms. Destiny, and Ms. Sheffield a special mention. These teachers have always seen me… made me feel understood. I understand that can be rare during times like this. Words can not express how appreciative I am that I have been able to have you all as mentors. When I was grieving the loss of my grandfather in the middle of my 7th grade year, I received an overwhelming amount of support from you. I will forever carry that with me. It doesn’t matter who you are. Every student in this auditorium had a moment like mine. A moment where you can choose to either give up, pack it in, and go home, or you could look at that challenge in the eyes, embrace it, and fight like hell to come out stronger, better, and more powerful on the other side. I wish I could show more of my appreciation to all of you, but that would go on forever.
As we stand on the brink of new beginnings, let me share with you some parting words. There will be times you feel like a passenger, out of control of your own life. But I want you to remember a favorite quote of mine. “There are times where it feels like the world is happening to you. But remember, you are also happening to the world. So don’t wait.” Live to the fullest, create your own beautiful memories. You owe it to yourself. In the words of my grandfather Kiko, I want to say “Always see the good in people.” Congratulations on this accomplishment and good luck as we enter this new chapter! Thank you.
Finally three years of some hard work done! I want to thank all of you for being here today. My name is Carlos Vazquez, and I don’t even know where to really start.
Honestly I never thought I would make it this far in school.
Since I was little I never cared about school or even put in the effort.
But whenever i felt like giving up i would remind myself who im doing this for i remind myself why im doing this- my mom. Everything that I do now is because of her. I have a lot of goals in my life. But my number one goal is to try to make her proud. I hope your listening momma
I want to take a moment and reflect on how ive changed over the past few years.
These last three years, like many of us, haven’t been easy. Like many of us,there have been tough moments, ups and downs. Aye but we still did it. I’ve always filled my head with doubt. Looking back I realize I didn’t have to worry that none of us should have been worried.
When I think back to my middle school years, there were so many crazy moments. I remember during the first week of school there were a lot of fights. We would always be talking smack to each other not knowing that 2 years later we would be best friends.
Some of my friends in the audience know that I spent some time away from Bear valley in 7th grade. My new school was different.
Because no matter who you were you were not welcome unless people knew you I wasn’t known, i was the new kid. So I had to make a statement for myself to show people that I want someone to mess with.
That was the hardest part especially when there are wanna be gang members trying to intimidate you and trying to bring you down. But I knew that I didn’t want to live that way. I had bigger goals. I wanted to have a positive impact on those around me and show others to welcome people than to push them away.
But now back at Bear Valley during my 8th grade year, I’m feeling proud of what I have accomplished. We’ve made lots of memories this year like crazy fights, getting caught skipping, struggling at the end of quarters to get our grades up but no matter what I look back and always think that it was funny. These are moments I will always laugh at when I remember them.
Those moments made me what I am today. Throughout my years I had a lot of people that had come into my life trying to bring me down. But I also had someone I could count on to bring me up.
I had a lot of people that I could always look for when I needed help but one person that I could always count on was my mom ever since I was little.
Even though she couldn’t protect me from some traumas of my past she would always be there to comfort me when I needed it.
Even though my mom was struggling mentally and financially facing her own challenges she still was always there whenever I needed motivation.
My mom would always keep me in check whenever i would start slacking school or my attitude would change in and out of school
my mom would keep my head up whenever i would feel down encouraging me not to make bad decisions throughout my life without
my mom i would’ve never been here not because i wasn’t capable but because i would’ve taken a different path.
my fellow classmates if u stop and think for just a minute i bet that there is someone in your life that makes you feel the same way my mom does for me.
my momma would be there to help me realize that I am able to do it, that I don’t have to go look for love in the streets when her love is right there in front of me.
She was never a bad mother. I would just not care enough. I took her for granted and didn’t realize how much she really loves me.
One thing I ask everybody is to never blame my mother for my bullshit. Everything I do I choose to do it myself. I will forever be grateful for the sacrifices my mom made for me. I will always thank my mom for sacrificing her life for mine. I’m sorry momma, I want to promise you now infront of this huge audience of people that I’ll make your sacrifices worth it, I love you. Thank you.
Well we made it everyone I never would’ve thought i would make it to highschool and ima keep it real to yall i dont want to leave.
I’m not ready to walk into this new stage of my life.
But obviously nothing is going to change that.
These past 3 years have been the most meaningful to me.
From every period, to every day, to every week, every month, and finally the years are over. I hope that everybody else has the same feelings for these years like I have. But now it’s time to take everything we’ve learned and use it towards the rest of our paths.
I hope that everyone can learn from the mistakes they make like I did. There’s going to be times when you feel like you’ve lost. But it’s never that you’ve failed, it’s either you win or you learn, you win or you learn.
There’s going to be times in your life when you hit rock bottom but always remember the only way to go from the bottom is up, just wait and see.
I want y’all to always know if you’re brave enough to do stupid things you have to be brave enough to handle the consequences.
All my life I’ve filled it with doubt thinking that I wouldn’t be something thinking I would never amount to anything I hope that other people didn’t think I did. I hope that others have had the best years of their lives in middle school.
I hope that everybody understands that it will never be too late to make something out of yourself.
Do what you want to be happy. Do what would make people who depend on you happy. You’re going to be an example for someone so you better make it a good example.
Don’t be afraid to take that big step-middle school was once new to us too.
Good afternoon everyone. Welcome to the 8th grade continuation ceremony of Bear Valley International School. My name is Raquel Segundo and it means a lot to be here with you, reflecting on the journey we’ve shared over the last three years at this school.
After being stuck in a testing room for hours during CMAS, struggling to keep my language arts grade up, and facing one too many math tests, I am able to give a celebratory speech.
As I take time to appreciate my growth, it’s funny to think how far we’ve come from those days in Kindergarten, when our biggest challenge was whether or not to try green eggs and ham.
Today I want to share the unforgettable moments and valuable lessons from my middle school journey .I share these words with the hope that they are heard, appreciated, and maybe even remembered when they’re needed the most.
Among all the memories we’ve made, the 6th grade walking field trip holds a special place. I love to go on field trips so I was super eager to go with a very joyous group. My group chose to walk to McDonald’s with Mr.Bruder. We walked 11 minutes away from our school and while we were walking you could smell fresh air while being surrounded by very cheerful people.
I remember once we got to McDonald’s we all ordered, except for me… I had to ask my best friend at the time to order for me because I was too hesitant and shy to do it by myself, and I’ve always been that way. I asked, “Can you order a Mcflurry and fries for me?” She agreed and told the cashier the order. For the first time in middle school, I understood how important it is to have people who look out for you. That moment reminded me that while friendships might change, the support we give each other stays with us.
Anyways, my whole group sat down near each other waiting for our food and giggling while everyone else in McDonalds were just looking at us funny. Everyone got our orders and we sat down once again, still being the little immature 6th graders we were. While acknowledging the smiles on our faces and the laughter coming from us, you could tell we were having so much fun together. This moment stays with me , not just for the fun we had, but because it showed me how much I have to be thankful for.
Now don’t get me wrong– middle school has its fun, but middle school also gave us challenges we’ll never forget like being picked on for no reason. People often commented on how i looked, and even the smallest remarks stuck with me. I tried changing myself to quiet the criticism, but it only gave them new things to say.
Eventually, I realized their negativity only had power if I gave it any. So I chose to stop letting their words define me and started focusing on being true to myself. It wasn’t easy, but that shift made me stronger and more confident.
As we come together to honor this special occasion, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has helped me get through these tough 3 years of middle school.
I’d like to take a moment to express my appreciation to my best friend, Lucia, because she brings a lively and positive energy. She encourages me to not give up and makes me feel happy when I am around her.
I am also extremely grateful for my Mom and my Dad. I remember on the first day of 6th grade, I couldn’t open my locker. I felt completely out of place, and I remember going home in tears, overwhelmed by my frustration. They saw I was having a tough time and stepped in– bringing me a lock and teaching me how to open it, which meant more than they probably realized.
I am truly blessed to have them in my life. Especially when it comes to school, my parents, especially my dad, make sure to encourage me to grow into the best version of myself and reach my full potential.
My Dad always says “hard work pays off”. He motivates and inspires me to be like him. He is MY example of being successful and a hard worker. I always tell myself that I want to be just like my Dad.
I feel nothing but gratitude for the incredible people who have supported me every step of the way. I am excited for what lies ahead, knowing that I will be able to count on them for support.
We’re finally here…after many long weeks, the last day of middle school has finally come.
All of the graduating 8th graders have completed 3 more school years, and a whole new chapter is fast approaching.
The experiences we’ve had here have taught us things we will never forget. All kinds of emotions like nervousness or even sadness are heading towards us as we experience this moment.
Those words from my Dad, “With hard work and dedication, you can do anything,” are carved into my heart, guiding me whenever I need direction
Now is the best time to try, fail, and try again. It’s okay to make mistakes, everyone makes mistakes.
Don’t let fear of failure shrink or limit your dreams. You should always take bold chances now, while the risks are still yours to take.
To the 8th grade class, I couldn’t be prouder of all of you. You’re funny, creative, chaotic, and one step closer to figuring it all out. Congratulations, and I wish you nothing but the best as you begin your next chapter–wherever it may lead.