Speeches & Awards

When I call your name, please stand while I read your words aloud:

From Lindsey Lubofsky: Good afternoon, Sturgis West teachers, families, friends, and the class of 2023! Wow. We’ve made it. If you’re sitting here in a green cap and gown, you are an absolute survivor, and might I say, a girlboss. You’ve conquered IAs, our six-year language requirement, plumbing issues, parking wars…It hasn’t been easy, but we’re here anyway, able to say that we’ve done it. So congratulations.

I want to start off by saying a huge thank you to everyone here. Thank you teachers, for getting us through our IAs, answering our panicked 1 AM emails, and not losing your minds in the process. Thank you families, for shaking us awake when we oversleep, and to friends, for knowing exactly when to send TikToks of happy animals, Barbie, and occasionally suffering IB students. Thank you most of all to the shoulders that we’ve cried on, to the ones who are faithfully a phone call away, and to the faces whose smiles light up our camera rolls. 

From Regan Cassidy: I, like most of my classmates, was thrilled to have an extra two weeks off from school.  That excitement quickly changed to eagerness as I approached sophomore year.  I was ready to be back in the building with friends and teachers.  I was beyond tired of logging onto my Google meet in the morning, and waking up an hour later realizing that I had fallen back asleep and was the only student left in the class. I would find any reason to leave a class early or skip it completely.  For proof of this I would like to read you an email that I sent to Mrs. Briggs on November 12, 2020.  “Hola, When I clicked to join the breakout room my computer kept saying it was loading and wouldn't let me join.  I tried to get back in the main meet to see if anyone else was there and it was also buffering and loading when I tried to join.  Maybe I had too many tabs open.  Lo siento!”  This email was a total lie and I am sorry Profé.  Needless to say, the pandemic made me unmotivated whilst making me a pretty good liar.

From Ainslee Frost: The biggest difference between Sturgis and my old school, personally, is the function of teachers in student life. Our teachers function as supporters, advice givers, gossip buddies, listening ears, negotiators, and realists. They aim to help us grow without sending our expectations to the moon. They teach us about life and about their subjects. And most importantly, they have passion. Mr. Enos and his deep interest in math made our classes more engaging. Ms. Botsford and her love for theatre brought energy to an otherwise dull day. Mr. Newcombe and his passion for the parking lot made us want to park correctly. Jonathan the janitor’s energy and friendly demeanor made everyone’s day a little brighter. This could be said for nearly any adult at Sturgis. Without these people we would not have gotten to this point in our lives. School will always be school, but these teachers are what make school at Sturgis unlike any other.

From Jessica Keene: But with this privilege comes responsibility. As each and every one of us embarks on the next phase of our lives, we must remember that our education is not just about what we can achieve for ourselves, but also about what we can contribute to society. We are the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers of our society, and the world is waiting for us to make our mark. But to do so, we must be willing to take risks, to challenge the status quo, and to use our knowledge and skills to create a better world for all.

Thank you to the teachers that hosted tutoring sessions during Covid, listened to student responses and feedback, and went above and beyond for their students. Thank you to the counselors for always being available when needed. Thank you to the janitorial staff for their consistent commitment and dedication throughout the tumultuous times brought on by Covid. Thank you to the class of 2023 for showing up each day and going above and beyond for each other.

From Anna Kuznetsov: I learned how to fail, and not just at HL Math. It used to be so hard for me to talk to people. Eventually, I realized I had the choice to either stay silent or open up. I’m so glad I chose to open up. And it did take many failures. But every time I stuttered, I realized no one was judging me, and every act of kindness, no matter how small, blew me away in some of the most difficult times of my life. If I were to shout out everyone who has done something good for me, we would be here all week. And I didn’t just fail at socializing; surprisingly, the IB is hard.

From Amelia Pozza: Congratulations to all of my fellow graduates who will hopefully never encounter the IB again. We did it. It’s been a long journey with late nights, early mornings, and endless cups of coffee to finish anything and everything thrown our way. Freshman year I never would have thought I could give a speech in front of such a large group of people, and even though I still don’t want to because everything I try to write about my high school experience sounds incredibly cheesy, I feel like I now can. Over the past four years, I’ve grown closer with both students and teachers at Sturgis and the small community feels so comfortable now, besides for my slight fear of Mrs. Kirk, who will probably be watching me speak from a distance nodding her head with a slight smile but not enough emotion to give away what she could be thinking, a skill I hope to achieve one day.  

From Olivia Lasnicki: Sturgis is more than just inside of a classroom. We also played sports, we joined clubs, we worked with the arts, and we fought for social justice. We each made unique contributions to our community that make Sturgis the unique, quirky, and fun environment that it is. I am so proud of all of the work we have done these last four years, even in the exceptionally difficult Covid years. In a time with so much isolation and negativity, we fought through and managed to keep learning, keep working as a community, and keep doing the activities that we love, with some adjustments of course. I am so thankful for all of the extra work that all of the students, teachers, administration, and parents had to put in to get us through those difficult two years and bring us to where we are now. None of us went into high school thinking it would be like this, but now I can’t imagine anything different. 

From Caleb Link: I feel that the stories that people hear do not fully represent the Sturgis experience. I mean we can see Sturgis Spirit during SPIRIT DAY but sometimes people don’t get to see that school spirit in the more common day to day life, so let me give you some examples of the full Sturgis experience.

The full experience is seeing the chaos around you and embracing it

The full experience involves watching your classmate fall asleep and his classmates hiding him from the teacher.

The full experience involves the teachers staying way too late to help students do their work. 

The full experience is understanding that Pags lives in the school basement every night and not questioning it. 

The full experience is a collection of small things that builds the idea that Sturgis is a space where you can just be and that everyone accepts you for who you are.

From Sudeen Dwyer: However, today as I stand before you, I realize that coming to this school was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It was a decision that allowed me to grow and learn in ways that I never thought possible. I found a community of people who have become my friends and who have supported me every step of the way. I discovered passions that I didn't know existed within me, and I developed skills that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I learned that leaving my comfort zone was not only necessary but also liberating. It gave me the opportunity to challenge myself, to explore new horizons, and to become a better version of myself. It taught me that fear and anxiety are natural, but they should never hold me back from pursuing my dreams.

And, finally, from Samuel Husted: Embrace the idea that learning is a journey, a process of growth and self-discovery. It's about more than just grades and accolades. It's about exploring new horizons, developing meaningful relationships, and discovering your passions. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them. Understand that failure is not a reflection of your worth but an opportunity for growth.

As we step into the next chapter of our lives, let us prioritize balance and well-being. Yes, academic achievements are important, but they should not come at the cost of our mental and physical health. Take breaks, engage in activities you enjoy, and create a support system that uplifts and encourages you.

Remember, life is not a race to the finish line. It's a collection of moments, experiences, and connections. So, let go of the obsession with perfection and embrace the beauty of imperfection. Cherish the joy of learning, the thrill of exploration, and the depth of human connection.

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To my initial claim: today is a momentous day, I now add the rationale: because today is a culmination of the past four years where we have all chosen to live, think, and gather with great intentionality, care, and reflection. Students, faculty and family have made our collective Sturgis experience momentous, and today is a day to celebrate that accomplishment.

Just as all our seniors are graduating, so, too, are some of our faculty about to embrace their own new opportunities. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the following people for their commitment to our mission and our students:

Chloe Bade, Renee Carlson, Kelly Houston, Brett Morales, Maxanne Most, and Terry Pacheco, please stand.

Sturgis West class of 2023, congratulations, and thank you for choosing to see the best in each other and for making the most of yourselves. I hope that you always carry Sturgis in your hearts.

This class is special, they really are. And I am not just saying that because they invited me here to speak, I would never do that! They are unique and to me they are so incredibly aware. They have the self-awareness to know when to push themselves, when to pump the brakes. More importantly, they know when to ask for help and realize that this is a strength not a weakness. They are aware of the people around them and have the insight to know who needs just a bit more kindness and empathy on any given day. They have an awareness of the broader community, the world around them and are passionate enough to fight for what they believe in.  

As a school, we would love to take responsibility for their nature, but I don’t think we can. I think they came to us like that, so before I rain down compliments on you all, I would like to acknowledge those out in front of me. Thank you family, friends and loved ones who influenced and helped guide the students behind me. You have done a wonderful job! I said a minute ago that I was going to rain down compliments on you, well I lied. I, instead, want to take advantage of this platform to sincerely thank you. 

Thank you for being kind and tolerant. In preparing this speech for today I was talking to Fiona this week and we were trying to pinpoint what it is about Sturgis that makes it such a special place. We could only come up with it's the vibe, that warm welcoming feeling that you get when you walk through those doors. It is a feeling that allows you to feel safe being yourself without the fear of judgment. You are the source of that vibe. Your kindness and tolerance are contagious and infect every person who walks through those front doors. I want to thank you for giving us hope in a world that can be divisive, scary, and sometimes chaotic. You all are a beacon of light. I’m convinced you are going to leave this world a better place than you found it. This gives me peace of mind that my two daughters are going to grow up in a world that you all have touched. Thank you, I don’t know if I can ever repay you for that small peace of mind. However, if I wrote you a letter of recommendation this year – it’s a wash. 

We believe in you and we are proud of you. Proud of what you’ve done and proud of what you are going to do. This world has no idea what’s coming for it! Sturgis West class of 2023 you will be sorely missed. 

They do not arrive to this graduation bitter. They do not arrive to this graduation discouraged. Instead, there is a distinct kindness and patience alive in this group. I’ve never encountered a group of students who so universally treat one another not with a superficial respect, but with a genuine embracing of each others flaws and quirks. I’ve never encountered a group of students who so willingly and eagerly want to learn about and discuss ideologies of hate alive in our society, not with the intent to be informed, but with the intent to change these things because we adults have failed to do so. 

They deserve today’s celebration not only because of their academic achievements but because they have chosen to arrive at this moment today as loving, curious and considerate individuals. Please join me in giving our applause and admiration to the Class of 2023. 

The second thing I want to accomplish this afternoon is to talk about plumbing. No, graduates, I do not plan to talk about our plumbing day-off, or our 2nd plumbing day-off, or even the legendary rumor of a freshman stuffing an entire rotisserie chicken in the toilet to provide us with these days off. Instead, I want to talk about the Cape’s mass installation of sewage systems about 30 years overdue. I was driving home from Sturgis, my seat in the Prius only inches off the ground, and I saw, as I sat in a line of traffic, massive cement structures being lowered into the ground - these structures that will soon whisk away Hyannis’ sewage - and I thought: there is a lesson to be learned here.

I have not lived here very long, but as I understand it, the Cape had the opportunity to install these systems decades ago, but chose not to because of the cost. Many years later, to the detriment of local ecosystems, and at a much greater cost and inconvenience than it would have been then, we’re forced into a position where we have no choice but to start this difficult, unexciting, vital work. 

The metaphor is this: there is going to be a lot of personal, internal work you need to do in life - often unglamorous, hard, uncomfortable personal work. Many people ignore or deny the need to engage in this work because it is so uncomfortable and inconvenient. And, as you can imagine: they suffer because of it, and the people and things connected to them suffer from it, too. You can choose to confront whatever insecurities, biases, or negative habits you have as soon as you recognize them, or you can stall and delay until those things become a much bigger problem. To return to the sewage analogy a little more closely: you can deal with your crap now, or wait until the cost is much greater later on. 

Graduates, when I was where you are now, I had the assumption that the adults in front of me were their fully realized selves. And, some of them may have actually thought they were. They were not and we adults in front of you are not. My message to you this afternoon is that if you do not constantly engage in the self work: to build up the parts of yourself that make you feel secure and worthy, and deconstruct the parts of yourself that make you defensive, or scared, or hateful or hurtful to others - you and the people around you are going to suffer the cost. I hope the image of your best self is not attached to a career, or the acquisition of power, or a salary, but instead I hope the image of your best self is one who is patient and open and loving. If you aspire to be that person you need to put in the work to do so, and Class of 2023 - in my eyes - you’re off to a pretty great start. Graduates - thank you for everything.

For some reason, all of my fallacious preconceptions and worries about my social and academic life at Sturgis led me to imagine it as a large, intimidating building with classrooms of bleached white walls and desks perfectly placed in rows. However, when I got back into the car with my mom that day, I said to her: “I just walked the whole building in a minute and a half, and it looks like an elementary school in there. And Ms. Gowans was so nice!”. After that day, my preceding perception of Sturgis began to change, and it may sound silly, but as the school seemed less daunting, I felt as though I belonged a little more. 

Flash forward one year later, towards the end of junior year. I remember sitting in a group in environmental class, listening to my peers reflect on their freshman year memories, and I mentioned that I wished I applied to Sturgis for freshman year as well. That’s when one of my peers said that she had no idea that I was not here freshman year because I seemed to fit in well now. Even though it took some time and acclimation, I am so appreciative that I can say I eventually found my place at Sturgis, as I am sure all of you have too in your ways. It is a gift to find your place in a large community, and I believe that there is something special about Sturgis that allows us all the unique opportunity to do so. I am beyond thankful for the loyal, supportive, and inspirational friends and teachers who have made me feel comfortable and at home at Sturgis.

However, like all things in life, home is not a permanent place. Some of us are leaving Sturgis feeling excited about moving on from our high school lives. Some of us are nervous about the uncertainty the future holds and confused about what we want to do after today. And many of us, such as I, are feeling bittersweet.

While I am excited to embrace and discover the new academic and life opportunities to come in my future, I am sad to be leaving the friends and teachers who have been integral to my self-growth and improvement as a student and individual during my time at Sturgis. No matter our emotions about the future, I can undoubtedly say that we will all be embarking on our different future paths as the best versions of ourselves, thanks to our amazing second home. 

Looking back over the numerous I.B. traits, it is true that we, as students and teachers, truly epitomize all of those traits. For example, we are risk-takers by coming to a new school where many of us only had one or two friends, as I had, and I am beyond grateful to say that I am leaving with so many more. We are better communicators because of this, and we are caring not just about our school work and individual success, but about each other too. What I admire about these words is that none of them denote or connote perfection. Sturgis encourages us to build critical thinking skills, time management skills, social skills, and more, that allow us to learn from our mistakes, and consequently improve mentally, socially, and emotionally.

As a part of the Sturgis community, we will never be one hundred percent one particular trait, but rather, an abundance of amazing attributes. We are adaptive and humanitarian; we are leaders in our school community and beyond, and even though we are all different people with different lives, we are empathetic towards one another, even when we feel at our lowest. Sturgis not only fosters an environment that allows us to reach our maximum potential as academic students but also an environment in which we can reach our maximum potential as good humans, which is even more important as many of us prepare to enter and continue to make lasting, positive impacts on larger communities in the upcoming months and years.

As a class, we should be immensely proud of what we have accomplished during our time at Sturgis, despite losing a full year of in-person connections, community, and learning. Social justice conferences, community service clubs and activities, charity fundraisers, and bake sales, are just some of the positive communal impacts inside and outside the Sturgis community that the class of 2023 is responsible for. Positive accomplishments such as these reveal that we will all go on to fulfill amazing achievements in our futures, no matter our different paths.

I would also like to recognize the impact that our teachers have had on our well-being as students as well. One moment that resonates with me was a few months ago. I remember sitting in environmental class last block on a Friday, thinking about how much I was going to miss being at Sturgis, as I was nervous and apprehensive thinking about the future. After sitting alone and not speaking for all the class, I remember my teacher, Ms. Lyons, asking me if I was ok, and I remember immediately feeling in a better mood. It is simple moments such as these that reveal that Sturgis is more than just a place of work, but a place of community, connection, and comfort.

Even though we lost a year of in-person connection with each other, we should feel extremely grateful and lucky to have finished our final two years together and to share a moment such as this in which we are celebrating our communal and individual success. The past years have flown by, and as we leave the structured life of grade school we have known for the past twelve years, we will go on to make decisions about our own futures. And my close friends and family know that one of my biggest weaknesses is decision-making.

The truth is that I am scared to move on and scared to make my own decisions and attempt to find my place in a new community once again so soon. To quote Taylor Swift, “[the] good news [is]: [who we want to become in the future is] totally up to [us]. [And the] terrifying news [is]: [who we want to become in the future is] totally up to [us]”. 

I hope that this speech makes you realize that you made the right choice to come to Sturgis, and that you made the right choice for your future plans no matter what they are, even if you do not have a plan yet. Sturgis has brought out the best in us, and I hope that you all embrace your wonderful individuality as we tackle the future and the opportunities to come, while not forgetting who we are, and who we have become from the house that built us. Thank you, and congratulations to the Sturgis West class of 2023!

As a kid, I had a hard time with all aspects of school, and was challenged both socially and academically. I was a chubby girl with a rough hair cut, and had little to no grasp of social cues. I also always seemed to be two steps behind the rest of my classmates due to my learning disabilities, and I frequently felt incapable of the work that was put in front of me. I was not able to make many lasting friendships and never felt that I ever fit into any of the boxes that were established within the public school systems I was attending. I went through elementary and middle school, never feeling like I was capable of much more, and often felt down on myself for not conforming to my peers' expectations of what was considered to be “normal”. 

By the end of my eighth grade year I didn't know how much more I could take, and knew I was in need of a change. I had many conversations with my family trying to figure out what my next step was going to be. Sturgis was always brought up as an option, but I was quick to dismiss it because Sturgis was “too hard” and it wasn't for me, it was for “smart kids”. I remember a conversation between me and Dad one night. He brought up an interesting point that I hadn't considered. He mentioned how the community that would be attending Sturgis would all be coming for the same reason. Everyone would be looking for a fresh start. Hearing this excited me, and made me feel that I would be able to reinvent myself in a way. I was all in from that point on, and threw my name into the lottery. I was originally waitlisted, but I was not too high on the list and eventually I got in, and I was truly relieved, to say the least.

I was pretty excited for the upcoming year. I remember those first steps into the building, and my excitement quickly turned to nerves. I was worried about the unknown that I was walking into. Thankfully, I was quickly met with friendly faces and a horizon of possibility. As more days went on, I was building new relationships and was gaining more confidence. I realized that Sturgis was the place I was always looking for, Sturgis was my Neverland. It truly was the land of possibility and I was able to blossom into the person I always wanted to be, but never had  the courage to become.

The Sturgis community never discouraged any of my differences and always allowed me to grow. I became a better learner from the support that I received from the wonderful staff, and never felt that I would receive judgment from my classmates if I was not always right on my first try. I felt myself becoming more and more involved in the community and always felt welcome. I never had to fit into any boxes.

I had the ability to try new things without being turned away, or having to feel worried about not feeling accepted. I joined sports teams. Sports. I would be the first person to tell you that I am NOT an athlete, my coaches might be the second. I joined the volleyball team and the basketball team, And for months I voluntarily participated in physical activity every day after school. I didn't do it because I was good at the sport, I did it because I was actually just having fun. Our sports are a perfect example of how special our school can be. I don't know any other schools that could walk away from a game that they just lost 6 to 56 and are still celebrating the six points that they were able  to muster up. I often noticed how the other team would look at us after games, like we were crazy for enjoying ourselves, everytime I felt bad they didn't experience the sports the same way.

I also started to gain an appreciation for academics that I never had before. In my junior year I walked into Mr. Morales’s English class, with a strong vendetta against all things reading and writing. English was never a subject that came easy to me, and I never gave it my full effort because I didn't believe I could succeed. In Mr. Morales's class I learned how important an open mind can be. And with a combination of his encouraging nature and interesting choices for topics for discussions, I experienced something I had never experienced before. I looked forward to English class. He presented things in a way that made me want to learn, and for the first time I felt confident in the work I was completing. I felt qualified enough to voice my opinion in class. With a direct quote from Morales on my term 3 report card from junior year: “I'm grateful for her influence on the class. She continues to grow and thrive as a learner”. If any of my past English teachers read that report card comment they would think someone that was a much better student had been wearing my skin to school. This goes for many of the classes I took during my time here at Sturgis as well. I’m so grateful that I got to take part in classes where the educators genuinely cared about the well-being of their students, and wanted to teach their students something that they could carry with them through life.

Aside from academics I also gained an appreciation and respect for my classmates. In my time here I have met so many people that I have admired and become close with.  As a community our class has truly made my experience here very noteworthy. Even though I wasn't able to make a deep connection with everyone here, I have taken away something from every single one of you and I don't regret knowing anyone sitting here today. I have learned things from all of my relationships, big or small and I will not forget any of you.

As we stand here today, ready to leave Neverland and grow up, we reflect on what we were able to learn about ourselves as genuine people instead of always feeling like we had to hold up a facade. In our time at Sturgis we experienced so many key moments that have shaped us into who we are today. We experienced hard work, we were able to pick ourselves up when we failed, we were able to see what true friendship was, and what it wasn’t. We experienced love, and heartbreak, we found passion for things we didn't know we were good at, we learned acceptance, we learned to apologize, we learned what we liked, and what we didn't, we learned to advocate for ourselves, we learned the difference between speaking our minds and speaking carelessly, we learned how to time manage, and… how to make up for the time we didn’t manage, we learned that being vulnerable is not a weakness. And more personally, regarding MY time here at Sturgis: I learned who I was. Thank you.

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