Their Stories,
Their Journey

For me, this moment means more than just finishing elementary school. It also feels like the end of a long stretch of starting over and trying to figure out where I actually belong. When I first stepped through the gates of Del Mar Pines in fifth grade, I didn’t really know what I was walking into. At this school, there are only about 150 students in total, whereas at my previous school, that number barely made up a fraction of a single grade. Because of the considerably small number of students at Del Mar Pines, it felt like everyone already knew each other, and I was just trying to figure out where I was supposed to stand without looking too lost.

Having transferred between a few schools, I knew the “new kid” feeling well. At my old school, I often felt like I never fully blended in. I would be surrounded by people, especially during recess and group activities. Being surrounded by jokes and laughter, while the heat of the sun shone down on me, I was still cold inside. Still feeling like I was on the outside of everything. Even the people I thought I could count on didn’t always end up being there in the way I expected.

Over time, I kind of learned to keep to myself and just get through the day. So when I came to Del Mar Pines, I was already expecting to just quietly figure things out on my own again, ready to be a loner and just take one deep breath and get through school.

But this school was different. The teachers here were patient in a way I was not used to, and the people here did not make it feel like I had to earn my place.

Little by little, things just became easier. Mrs. Damodaran helped me more than she probably knows, and Ms. Freedman and Mrs. McCord were also always very supportive in ways that made me feel like I belonged.

My classmates, who also started off as just new faces, slowly became people I could joke around with and truly trust. At some point, I stopped thinking about where I fit in, because I just kind of did. And I don’t think I really realized that until now, standing here and thinking about how normal this all feels compared to how it started.

Thank you to all the teachers and staff who helped us get here, and thank you to this class, all of you, for making elementary school what it was, for the laughs, for everything, and for putting up with me. We actually made it to graduation, so thank you.

Seven years ago, I walked through these doors for the very first time, and I was a bit lost. I didn’t know a single word of English and struggled to communicate with others. But I quickly realized that at this school, you will never walk alone.

I didn’t have the slightest clue what my teachers were saying in class. All I did was listen and nod. I initially struggled with my personal narratives and creative writing because I couldn’t clearly convey what I was thinking. Slowly over time, with the help of my teachers, I expanded my vocabulary and strengthened my grammar.

Over the course of these seven years, I made so many memories I can’t even keep track of all of them. Although I have made so many, there are only a couple that really stand out to me.

In kindergarten, I strived to fill up the marble jar in order to have the party of a lifetime.

Later in second grade, I remember getting smart smarts and having those one-of-a-kind desks that opened up like some sort of machine.

In fourth grade, the main highlight of the year was the gold rush, in which I would buy flaming hot cheetos to enjoy with my friends.

Shortly after in sixth grade, I enjoyed spending time at Camp Marston, even though I was up until 1:30 in the morning on the first night. I also loved going to Knotts Berry Farm and going on all the big rides with my friends. This was the first time we were able to roam freely during a school field trip.

I am incredibly grateful for this journey. Del Mar Pines didn’t just give me an education; it shaped the person I am today. I am grateful for having teachers who were always there for me. They didn’t just teach me and my classmates. They cared for us and were there whenever we needed help.

DMP gave me the opportunity to build strong friendships that will last a lifetime. Having these friendships made the journey a lot more fun. I had spent the best times with my friends at Camp Marston, Knott’s Berry Farm, and The Floating Lab.

I am proud to have attended Del Mar Pines and to be a member of the class of 2026. After today, we will all have our own separate journeys with many new opportunities to come, but we will have one thing in common. We will all have DMP in our hearts and remember it as our first home outside of home. Thank you.

When I first came to Del Mar Pines in 5th grade, I never expected how much this school would change me. Even though my time here was short, I made unforgettable memories, amazing friends, and learned lessons I will carry with me forever.

This year pushed all of us in different ways. We faced difficult assignments, big responsibilities, and a few moments where we may have doubted ourselves. But we kept going.

DMP helped prepare us for the next chapter, and even though we are leaving elementary school behind, we are ready to move forward with confidence.

Another thing that helped me through those challenges was Taekwondo. In Taekwondo, I am a first degree black belt and a district and world champion. In Taekwondo, we learn that true strength does not come from being the strongest person in the room. True strength comes from Focus. Dedication. Discipline. And Perseverance.

Taekwondo has taught me that obstacles are not there to stop us. They are there to make us stronger.

As 6th graders preparing for middle school, we are all stepping into something new. And that can feel exciting… but also scary.

Today, these boards I am about to break represent some of the obstacles we all face. Fear. Self-doubt. Failure. Change. But today, I am not letting those things hold me back anymore.

Each board I break is a reminder that we are stronger than we think we are. They are the symbol of me spreading my wings and breaking through to the big world that awaits. This is me using all the strength I’ve built up this year to break down the walls of the past and break through into my future. Congratulations, Class of 2026!

The end of another school year. The fastest one for me yet. I’ve deleted and restarted this speech more times than I’d like to admit, because I kept trying to come up with something important or life-changing. But honestly, when I think about our class, that’s not what I remember.

Because the things that stand out the most are the little things and small victories.

The times when we rambled on about silly things. The group projects where one person definitely did most of the work and the rest were goofing off. The dread and stress before tests and quizzes, the bell ringing for recess after two hours of class, and cooking someone in dodgeball. Even though we say that the biggest moments have the most impact, like finishing state testing, the smallest or most random moments hit the hardest. For example, Camp Marston for 6th grade. From slipping in the shower, and hearing people laugh and the chaotic showers, to the chaotic nights where no-one could sleep. They were silly and not notable moments, but they are funny memories and show how far friendships go.

Over these years, we have changed so much, and there is still so much we have yet to experience and so many memories and moments to cherish. We learned how to pivot when things didn’t go as expected. We learned how to support and help each other. And somewhere between all the due dates, awkward speeches, last-second studying, and the ISEE, we have made memories we’ll probably remember for years!

I also want to give a shoutout to all the teachers who supported me throughout the years and to all my friends and classmates for many years of joy and happiness.

But I want to leave with my final closing message, even though we will go different ways and choose different paths, I want you to remember how far we have already come. And this is not the final line of your story, it’s just the beginning of a new chapter that you have yet to write. Congratulations everyone, we did it!

Today marks the end of an important chapter in my life. I started sixth grade not knowing exactly what the year would bring. Along the way, I learned new things, faced challenges, made memories, and grew both as students and as people.

This year wasn’t just about math, science, and reading. It was also about learning how to work together, solve problems, be responsible, and support one another. I discovered talents I didn’t know I had and gained confidence in myself.

I didn’t get here alone. I’d like to thank my teachers for their patience, encouragement, and dedication. They taught us lessons that went far beyond the classroom. I would also like to thank my family and all my teachers for cheering me on, helping me through difficult days, and believing in me every step of the way.

As I prepare to move on to middle school I feel excited, nervous, and a little bit of both. But we should remember how much we’ve already accomplished. Every challenge I’ve overcome has prepared us for the next step.

To my fellow friends graduating today: be proud of what you’ve achieved. Continue to work hard, be kind to others, and never stop learning. The future is full of opportunities, and each of us has the ability to make a positive difference in the world.

Today, we celebrate all of our achievements, our friendships, and all the memories we’ve made together. Congratulations, Class of 2026 — we did it! Thank you!