148th Roll Call

The beginning of a new year brings with it the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and teachers after a summer apart and to welcome new members to our community. It is also the chance for a fresh start, a time to set new goals about what you hope to achieve this year, whether that is in the classroom, on the athletic fields, or in how you contribute to our community. While these goals will look different for each of you, I challenge everyone here to commit to the pursuit of excellence as you focus on those goals. Does that mean you have to be perfect in everything you try? No. What it does mean is that you are willing to show commitment, passion, and resilience as you strive to achieve your goals.

To all of our faculty, staff, and administrators, I would like to thank you in advance for all that you will do this year to engage with our students, to provide meaningful lessons inside and outside the classroom, and to support one another as members of our community. For some of you, this is your first year on the Hill; others have been here for many years. For all of you, a new school year brings its own unique opportunities and experiences. Whether you are teaching a new class, coaching a new sport, or welcoming new students to your advisory, I challenge you to pursue excellence in your work as educators and mentors to our students. Through the passion that you show for your work and the resilience you display when the unexpected happens you will set an example for our students to follow.

Students, please stand when I address your class.

8th grade -- the Class of 2030! You are the newest -- and youngest -- members of our community. In these early weeks of the school year, you will spend much of your time learning to navigate the ins and outs of life on the Hill. Don’t hesitate to ask for help as you learn the ropes. Once you have settled into a routine, seek out ways to forge an unique identity as the Class of 2030, to become active members of our community, and to take advantage of opportunities to try something new. Some of the seniors sitting here this morning are what we refer to as “lifers” -- young men and women who started at Miller in 8th grade, just like you. They challenged themselves to try new things, to strive for excellence in the classroom and the other aspects of life on the Hill. Look to them as role models as you set goals for what you plan to accomplish this year. We are so happy to have you here and can’t wait to see what you accomplish!

9th grade -- the Class of 2029! Congratulations, 9th graders, it’s official! You have taken the leap into high school. For some of you, this is your second year at Miller; others are new to the Hill. Together, you will explore the many opportunities that Miller has to offer. Your classes may be more challenging than in years past, but by committing to do your best, you’ll be able to meet those challenges and find success. Outside the classroom, look for ways to share your unique talents with others, whether that means trying a new sport or joining a club. As you begin your high school journey, be confident in yourselves as you take your first steps on this new path. Will you get everything right the first time? Probably not. If you are willing to embrace the opportunities you encounter and see them through with passion and determination, you will excel at whatever you set out to do.

10th graders -- the Class of 2028! Your class will have the unique distinction of graduating during the celebration of our sesquicentennial (150th anniversary), so take some time this year to learn about Miller’s history and think about how your class can contribute to the celebration. Anniversaries are a time to look back at where you have been and dream of what might come next. As Miller students, you are at a similar stage in your high school career -- you can reflect on how far you have come since you started and make big plans for all you’ll accomplish before graduating. This year, push yourselves to try something new, to refine your skills as a student or an athlete, to commit to pursuing your goals with passion and perseverance. As you find your way, look to the upperclassman for advice while you similarly act as role models for our younger students. This year will provide you with many challenges and opportunities to pursue excellence -- embrace them all!

11th graders -- the Class of 2027! Congratulations you are now upperclassmen and upperclasswomen! A tangible mark of your new position is first lunch on free seating days! Seriously, though, there are a lot of responsibilities and challenges associated with the 11th grade. Perhaps you are taking an AP or DE class for the first time, or you are moving up to the varsity roster on your team, or you're starting a part-time job or an internship. At times, you will be pulled in many directions at once and feel the pressure to excel at everything. As you work to balance your responsibilities, remember it’s okay if things don’t turn out quite the way you planned. The resilience that you show after something goes wrong is just as important to your growth and success as earning the A+ or driving in the winning run. The Maverick community is here to pick you up when you fall and cheer for you when you succeed, just like you do for the rest of us.

And last but not least -- the seniors -- the Class of 2026! At long last, you have made it to your final year of high school. The privileges you have been waiting for -- like using the senior stairs and painting the rock -- are officially yours. You are community leaders, role models for the younger students, the shoulders upon which adults place increased responsibility. You have already left an impressive mark on our community through your hard work and dedication in the classroom, on the athletic fields, in the engineering lab, and on the stage. But now is not the time to sit back, reflecting on your past accomplishments. Find new challenges, welcome opportunities for growth and self-discovery, follow your passions. Use your senior year to explore how you can excel in a new endeavor or make a difference in our community. But, as the year speeds by, remember to stop to look around once in a while, make new friends while cherishing the old, and create memories that you will treasure long after you have left the Hill. Graduation will be here before you know it.

And now, Mr. Drude, it is my honor to present to you the student body of the 148th session of the Miller School of Albemarle!

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