Promotion Address, 2026

Good morning, Kingsley Fifth-Graders, Parents/Guardians, Families, and Friends. It is a pleasure to be with you here today!

To the Lions of Room 40, Salvete, Discipuli! What an exciting day! I know that for some of you, you can't wait to get to middle school, and for others, it feels like it's hard to move on. But, "Roads go ever on and on," and we must follow this one. It's been an honor to work with you this year. I want to thank you for the kindness, creativity, and courage that you've shown! You've grown as artists, historians, mathematicians, scientists, readers, authors, and citizens. I'm very proud of you!

We've walked with giants this year. One of the authors we got to meet was a man named Howard Arnold Walter. If you remember, he was a young minister, married, and recently a new dad. He and his family left the comfort and familiarity of life here in America and traveled to the other side of the world to share their Christian faith. Life there was one of service and sacrifice, and at times, quite difficult. Sometime after their second child was born, Mr. Walter fell ill and passed away. Howard Arnold Walter gave his life in service to others.

What can we learn from his example? Thankfully, Mr. Walter was also a writer, and he wrote a poem for his mom explaining his thinking. In it he says,

“I would be true, for there are those who love me.
“I would be pure, for there are those who care.
“I would be strong, for there is much to suffer.
“I would be brave, for there is much to dare.”

You are moving on to the next chapter in your own adventure. The choices you make each day will write that book. Make it a classic! Be the hero of your story! Be true. Be pure. Be strong. Be brave.

Valete, Discipuli! God bless you always!

Now it is my pleasure to present the promoting Class of Room 40! …