Good morning everyone!
My name is Maddy Pennell and I am entering my junior year at ASU studying environmental science, sustainability, and geography.
Just like you, I attended Khalsa Montessori School. I was here for ten years from the age of three, in Khalsa’s toddler house, through sixth grade, in upper elementary, and my sister was here until she graduated eighth grade two years ago.
With this being said, I have spent a lot of time at the Khalsa and have taken advantage of all it has to offer!
From weekly gardening classes, trips to the YMCA, and playing four-square, to being immersed in a community with people from all different backgrounds – I am sure you don’t need to be told that this is a special network you are in.
It was here that I formed the strong morals, work ethic, and sense of curiosity that guided me into my current path of sustainability science all these years later.
From a young age I, and all of you, were taught to respect our Earth and those around us, and while at the time, this seemed like common sense, I have come to realize through my classes, that many people have not had the same, crucial lesson and the environment is paying the price.
I remember that in the morning, along with the pledge of allegiance to the flag, we would recite the pledge to the Earth – something I didn’t realize not everyone did but in my opinion, everyone should. It is things like these that have helped to form us as individuals who are deeply aware of our surroundings.
I thank Khalsa for leading me into the career I am pursuing, and I know all of you will find issues you are passionate about as well!
Experiencing Khalsa during this formative time of your life has equipped you with the skills you will need to make positive changes in the world. I hope all of you consider using the leadership, empathy, and resilience you have developed here to inspire and uplift others, advocating for causes that matter to you and making meaningful contributions to society.
I know this sounds like a big task, but you can start now, and I’m sure you already have as simply a smile to a friend can mean the world.
Never underestimate the value of a little kindness.
If you do not already fully see it, you will quickly realize that Khalsa is a special place and that the memories and friends you make here will last a lifetime. As proof, some of my best friends I still talk to every day I met at Khalsa 18 years ago. At your new schools, you’ll make new friends and memories, but never lose the friends you made at Khalsa, as they are always people you can rely on to support you.
When you approach the next school year, while it will not be at Khalsa, middle school is a place full of opportunities that are waiting for you. With the academic challenges you have faced, such as sixth-year presentations, pin maps, and moving through math lessons, I know that you will exceed all expectations wherever you go.
I encourage you, the graduating class of 2024, to reflect not only on the educational lessons you learned but also those not explicitly taught, the ones you learned through experience. Take these with you to middle and high school, and beyond and I guarantee they will serve you well. I hope you realize, like I did very quickly, that Khalsa will forever remain in your heart and your mind.
So, think about what you have learned here at Khalsa and go out into the world with confidence. Believe in yourselves, support each other, and always strive to be the best version of yourselves.
With that, I know firsthand the hard work you have put in, and I am very proud of you. I know you will do amazing things!
Congratulations and good luck!