Learning Beyond the Classroom—Prashanti Mamileti ’30 Speaks at Eighth Grade Celebration

Toward the beginning of the Class of 2030’s Eighth Grade Celebration on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Prashanti Mamileti ’30 addressed her peers and their families. Read on to see what lessons the eighth graders learned beyond their academic classrooms.

Good evening to the esteemed staff, family, friends, Mr. Rainey, and the Class of 2030. It is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you today as we reflect on a time in our lives that has changed us in significant ways we are only beginning to understand.

When we first entered Middle School, many of us believed grades, classes, and our largest achievements in the other aspects of our social and athletic lives would define these years. And while these portions of our life were important in their own respective ways, they don’t fully define what this experience has meant to us. Middle school is an extremely powerful and important time for reflection and change, a time in which we go from being children to young adults. Past the difficult situations of middle school, such as complex relationships, bad decisions, and the struggle to remember every aspect of life perfectly, today, I wanted to talk about what I’ve learned beyond what’s taught in the classroom.

First, confidence may not be there at the start, but it develops along the way. Whether it’s trying out a new sport, participating in class, or meeting new people, these experiences are often uncomfortable and uncertain as we start. However, it’s these moments of discomfort that create the most growth. The more you take those small risks, the more you realize that the discomfort is almost always something you can handle.

Second, the people we surround ourselves with matter more than we realize. The people around you can influence your actions, beliefs, and how we see ourselves for the better or the worse. Supportive people encourage us to grow, push us out of our comfort zones, and create lasting, meaningful relationships.

Third, kindness is more impactful than I can express. This year, we did legacy work, when we saw how each class has the ability to leave behind an impact for the Middle School. Some people hope to be remembered as the smart class of 2030, the funny class of 2030, or the athletic class of 2030. While these aspects of us are extremely important, a class is always remembered for its character, especially the kindness, respect, and support its students show one another. Small acts of kindness cement our importance and good virtues as a collective group. Helping a classmate, defending someone, or just a friendly demeanor contribute to something bigger. Together, these moments shape the culture of the grade and set examples for the next graduating class.

Fourth, and lastly, being yourself is always better than following the crowd because it allows you to stay true to your values, interests, and identity. This year, we read books such as Born a Crime, American Born Chinese, and Fahrenheit 451. These books shared struggles with self-identity, pressure to conform, and an overwhelmingly similar majority. Trevor Noah shares with us through Born A Crime that you don’t have to fit into the boxes society attempts to put you in. Jin Wang from American Born Chinese shows how once you choose to welcome individuality and diversity, you experience such a strong feeling of fulfillment. Fahrenheit 451 expresses the danger of letting the world wash out your powerful sentiments. Maintaining resilience through a pressure to conform is of utmost importance in a time like today.

So as we, the Class of 2030, move on from Middle School, let’s take with us all the lessons, memories, and friendships that have been built. Remember that we’ve learned so much from teachers and also each other. As we move forward, make sure to remind yourself that even as middle school seems to be ending, our legacy as a class lives in this Middle School forever.