I graduated from the middle school today!

A few excerpts from my speech:

–I’d also like to thank all of you students out there keeping me company and encouraging me to continue learning with you guys. And a big thank you to my extraordinary mother, my dad, who is our financial backbone, and Vivian, my older sister who is always ready to encourage me on some more while being just as successful as me in academic and athletic pathways. Without all of you, students, teachers, CapoCA administration and staff, mom, dad, Vivian, and to all of my coaches and friends in figure skating, I would be nothing, I repeat nothing.–

–Hard work and my parents’ and teachers’ dedication and support have allowed me to be successful in both my academic and athletic pathways. All of you can do the same. Your parents and teachers care about you just as much as my parents and my teachers care about me. What’s gotta go in is yourself.–

–Of course, we’ve all had our mistakes, but we learn from our mistakes. Confucius say: [holds index finger up] Smart man learn from his own mistakes. Wise man learn from others’ mistakes. Thomas Alva Edison dropped out of school at a young age; his teacher called him “addled” and “retarded”. Well, look what he went on to accomplish! Anybody has the potential to be great. But the truly great ones put their potential to work. They work their socks off and get to put their socks back on when the results of their hard work pays off. No pain, no gain. You’ll never be a failure until you are satisfied with being one, and the hopes and dreams we have make us great.–

Here is my complete speech at the 2013 Capistrano Connections Academy Middle School Graduation Ceremony.

The program booklet. To the right, my flowers.

The student speakers and teacher representatives on the stage. I’m second from left.

The stage setting

Me making the speech. How short I am!

Another photo of me making the speech

Presentation of Class of 2013 by Mrs. Pavlich

Vincent got the 8th grade Science Outstanding Achievement Award. Posing with science teacher Mrs. Nakamura

Vincent with Mr. Fisher, 8th grade Social Studies teacher

Vincent wit Mrs. Kruper, 7th grade Social Studies teacher

Vincent with Mrs. Morris, Middle School Advisory teacher

Vincent with Mrs. Cabajal, who guided him through his first year with .Connections Academy

Vincent with Amy Lin (classmate and rink mate) and Patrick Tran (classmate and the younger brother of former Tammy’s skater Ysabel Tran)

Vincent at the entrance of Laguna Hills Community Center

Vincent with coach Tammy Gambill

While shopping for my suit, I bought this T-shirt which speaks well for the digital media age. TROLOLOLOLOLOLOL… Gorilla — Don’t Care