Cold Sassy Tree is a novel by Olive Ann Burns that was published in 1984. The story is set in the small town of Cold Sassy, Georgia in 1906 and follows the life of 14-year-old Will Tweedy as he navigates the complexities of growing up and coming of age.
At the start of the novel, Will's grandfather, E. Rucker Blakeson, passes away suddenly, leaving Will to deal with the grief and confusion that comes with such a loss. However, Blakeson's death is not the only event that Will must face during the course of the novel. Soon after, Blockson's widow, Miss Love Simpson, announces that she will be marrying a man named Rucker Lattimore, much to the shock and dismay of the community.
As the novel progresses, Will becomes increasingly involved in the lives of Miss Love and Rucker, and he begins to learn about the complexities of relationships and the importance of being true to oneself. Along the way, he also confronts his own feelings about love, loss, and growing up, as he grapples with the changes taking place in his own life.
One of the themes that emerges in Cold Sassy Tree is the idea of tradition and change. Throughout the novel, Will and the other characters in the story are confronted with the challenge of balancing the traditions and values of their small town with the changes and progress that are taking place in the world around them. This is particularly evident in the relationship between Miss Love and Rucker, as their unconventional marriage defies the expectations and norms of the community.
Another theme that is explored in the novel is the power of love and the importance of family. Despite the challenges and obstacles that Will and the other characters face, the bond of family remains strong, and love ultimately triumphs over adversity. This is demonstrated in the way that Will's family comes together to support one another during difficult times, and in the way that Miss Love and Rucker's love for each other helps them to overcome the obstacles that they face.
In conclusion, Cold Sassy Tree is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that deals with themes of tradition, change, love, and family. Its depiction of the struggles and triumphs of growing up and coming of age will resonate with readers of all ages, and its engaging and well-developed characters will leave a lasting impression.
8th Grade Graduation Speech
Secondly, I would like to the the amazing teachers who have spent years preparing us for our future. I remember it like it was yesterday. We came back much more confident than the year before. We made it through 8th grade! If you can, try to find a personal story that relates to the topic of your speech. Try it out sometime. We have worked hard to exemplify our community traits and keep our grades up. Personally, I am inspired by our classmate Alan Rockford who has overcome so much adversity to be here graduating today.
You told them how nervous and happy you were. We looked down to the new 6th graders, asking "Were we really that short just last year? As mentioned before, remember that they are generally an embodiment of your experience at the school or college that you have been a part of. You have such a hard job, and we rarely thank you for it, but thank you for pushing us and helping us reach our goals. This is the last year you will be the oldest in the school for another 4 years, so enjoy it! The 8th grade graduation speeches examples below provide a great starting point, but remember that the best way to make your speech memorable is to be yourself. There is a lot that could be said in gratitude, but all I can say right now is, Thank you. As Mark Zuckerberg reminded some students in a middle school graduation speech, no one accomplishes goals alone.
From the moment we stepped foot into this building till the moment we walk out, this journey has definitely been an unforgettable one for all of us. Hello, everyone, my name is. You've been nudged, cajoled, wheedled and implored. I'm also inspired by Bill Thomas and Tony Marcos who are leaving later this week for Marine boot camp. So far for this 8th grade class, our tracks have been fantastic ever since we first started our journey. All of the students and staff welcomed me and made me feel as if I had always been a part of the community. Thank you for all you have done for me in my life.
Today we also have many special people that have been with us all the way through this journey, which we finally have conquered. Life is too short to not enjoy every moment. You do not have high school next year like the eighth graders, you are not the young new ones like the sixth graders. Have you guys ever complaint about your school, your teachers, or being a student? It is because of their sacrifice and love that I have been able to receive a complete and well-rounded education that will help me have a successful future. Our parents are the people who know us the best in the whole world, even if that seems hard to believe, it's true. They've helped us become the people we are today, and they've done a great job.
When I started school I did not have any idea how I was going to graduate, but I knew that I was able to accomplish anything that I had set my mind to. Fellow graduates, I want you to know what a great gift it is to be as prepared as we are, because not all schools offer such an advantage. The article below contains an example of a valedictorian speech. Reminisce past events and share your thoughts about them. This reminder serves as encouragement and also ties you to your alma mater for years to come. I learnt that we all had a unique way of expressing ourselves, which taught me to 8th grade graduation speech Before I start with my speech, allow me to ask a very simple question.
Sitting in our dresses and whatever, knowing that in two months, we'll be doing the same thing at a different school. You have been a major influence on my life. Before I leave this stage so that my classmate Regina Taylor can talk to you, I would like to say one thing to my classmates. Leave a Legacy Discuss the legacy you and your classmates will leave behind. Mom, you are my best friend. Fun times, hard times, sad times, and even those dreadful days with too many tests.
Just be sure not to overdo it — too much jokes can make you seem unprofessional. On this journey, we have laughed, we have cried, we have argued, we have learned, and we are about to enter into another mile of our journey in a new place. Giving a speech that lives up to your prior success is a challenge. I want to thank you both for putting a roof over my head and food in my stomach. Then you feel your hands and wipe them down, but when you get up there you shine like a supernova.
But we made it! Retrieved from In an excellent example of a valedictorian speech, the speaker gives thanks to faculty and administrators, celebrates and reflects on experiences with classmates, and inspires graduates to excel in the future. But now as I stand over here, there is a lengthy speech for me to say, and I owe it to the teachers who have helped me through. . They made life so simple for me; I never felt the pangs of having to adapt to a new school. New fears emerged and I remember feeling like a fish out of the sea. Most importantly, I want to thank God and give Him the love and respect He deserves from me, for getting me here and always being there for me to call upon Him when I need Him most.
When she's not out gallivanting around the world or using her powers for social good, she enjoys sewing, photography, gardening, cooking and building LEGOs with her son. How to Give a Memorable Speech Start by thinking about what makes you unique — what experiences, hobbies, or interests do you have that nobody else does? We came back in 7th grade, much more confident than the year before. . And faces that you will remember for the rest of your lives. It takes all of our time and effort to achieve a goal like that.
But before everything concludes, you've been asked to give the grade 8 graduation speech in behalf of your class. Here we have had a high degree of academic excellence and whether you intend to continue your education or not, you will benefit from what you learned here. I love our talks and spending time together. So, enjoy the ride! I would like to thank my peers for giving me a great middle school experience. We made it through 8th grade! This wanderlust spirit has led her to experience over 50 countries in the past 7 years! I want to wish you all the best of luck in high school and beyond. Destiny said you have really mellowed out your last few years of teaching. The tone of your introduction will decide the tone for the rest of your session.