The Power of Friendship—Sana Raza ’30 Expresses Gratitude at Eighth Grade Celebration

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, Sana Raza ’30 shared remarks at the MICDS Eighth Grade Celebration for the Class of 2030. What is the most important thing she gained through Middle School at MICDS? Read on to find out!

Good evening, everyone—teachers, families, and my fellow classmates!

As we stand here at the end of middle school, it’s easy to think about grades, classes, and everything we’ve learned. But when I look back, the most important thing I’ve gained isn’t something you can measure on a report card.

It’s the people.

When I first started Middle School, I didn’t know exactly who I would become. None of us did, but somehow, along the way, we found each other. And through friendships—through laughs, inside jokes, late-night texts, and even the tough moments—we started to grow into the people we are today.

I remember one moment that really stuck with me. There was a time when I shared something really personal about my life—something that honestly scared me to open up about. I didn’t know how people would react. I was worried I might be judged or that things would change.

But instead, my friends did the opposite.

They didn’t make fun of me. They didn’t walk away. They listened. They supported me. And they helped me find a way to move forward and get better.

That moment changed me.

It showed me what real friendship looks like—not just the fun moments, but the ones where you feel vulnerable and unsure, and people choose to stand by you anyway. It taught me that I’m not alone, and that having the right people in your life can make even the hardest situations feel a little lighter.

My friends have shaped me in ways I don’t think they even fully realize. They’ve taught me how to be more confident, how to be kinder, how to keep going when things get hard, and how to find joy in the little moments. They’ve seen me at my best and worst, and they stayed anyway—and that means everything.

And I know I’m not the only one who feels this way.

Middle School didn’t just give us an education; it gave us a place where we could meet the people who would change us. It gave us memories we’ll carry for the rest of our lives. It gave us friendships that I truly believe will last beyond these walls.

So as we move forward into a new school, new experiences, and new chapters of our lives, I hope we don’t just remember what we learned here. I hope we remember who we became because of each other.

Because at the end of the day, our stories aren’t just our own. They’re shaped by the people who stood behind us, lifted us up, and never let us face things alone.

For that, I will always be grateful that MICDS Middle School brought us together.

Congratulations, Class of 2030!