Reflections from Carlin DeArmond ’27 at Eighth Grade Celebration

Carlin DeArmond ’27 shared remarks with classmates, friends, and families at the Eighth Grade Celebration in May 2023.

Hello, Class of 2027. My name is Carlin DeArmond. This was my fifth year at MICDS, and it has been the only school I have attended since I moved here. When I came to MICDS, I had no clue what to expect. I was coming from a completely different state, and my family and I knew no one from here, and to be honest, I was scared. But I had a feeling inside that I was going to be fine. And look where I am today, giving a speech to the people I love the most. Entering into my first day of fourth grade at MICDS, I was already surrounded by people that I am still friends with today. I have grown up with most of these students and appreciate how we have grown together as a grade. And I have learned what strengths and challenges we have. Yes, we have had our ups and downs, we have taken many chances that have made us laugh or even made us cry, but we have learned from most of them. We have all probably noticed by now, but we have grown up. And today is the end of a chapter.

One of my favorite things we do in our grade is say what we are thankful for, and I feel I should share some of my gratitude. First, I am thankful for all my teachers in middle school. I am most thankful to my eighth-grade teachers for leading us into high school. You all were great mentors, and we couldn’t have done it without you. I am also thankful for all of the great friends I have. You all have helped me through hard times. You taught me what a loyal friend is and how I could be a better friend. Being surrounded by people like you has made me a better person. I am so grateful to you. I couldn’t imagine what I would be like today without you.

As we have slowly but surely led ourselves into high school, many of us are probably afraid of what comes next, but we will adjust fast. Friends will come and go, but we will find our way back. I look back on middle school and remember all of the laughs I have permanently engraved in my mind and all of the cringy things we did, like saying «YOLO» to every single thing we came across. I believe out of anywhere I could have gone, what I call my home isn’t four walls and a roof but the people I choose to surround myself with, my forever friends. Being provided the opportunity to flourish here at MICDS has been one of the best experiences I could’ve imagined.

Adults always told me you’re so mature; you look and act older than 14, but I never really took it as a compliment because I have always wanted to keep seeing the world as a kid. Yes, I have wished to be older, but now that I am here, I now know I didn’t really mean it. I’ve had too much fun being a kid with you all. I have seen many people laugh and cry, but because of this, we have become closer. I have seen people grow in height but, even more importantly, grow as a person. And I haven’t just seen other people grow; I’ve grown myself. Yes, we still have work to do, but we have learned and grown some much already.

I am sad to say that I am moving again and will miss the important achievements you all will make. But I know my time here at MICDS, nothing can top it. I will miss you all so much.

Class of 2027, we have made it through middle school. I hope you guys have a great summer and have a great time in high school. Thank you.