Today, I’m at Will C. Wood High School in Vacaville doing a variety of presentations. At the end of the school day, I had the chance to emcee a Promotion Ceremony for the entire school population as classes moved to new sections of the gym and all grades recognized a formal transition. It’s the first time the school had tried anything like this.
Just before students navigated to new sections of the gym, a separate Torch Ceremony took place with representatives from academics, sports, music, and clubs coming to the floor. The senior leaders in each of these groups stood in front of their underclassmen counterparts, and recited an oath. The school wanted to set a special tone–not just transition for transition’s sake or leadership because of age. They didn’t want it to be just about being the best because that was the new grade or position, but rather because that is the excellence they strive for as a student body.
Student Amanda Hariri composed this beautiful oath and the school kindly provided me the permission to share it with you all here:
I challenge you to set the new standard.
We’ve set the bar, it’s your time to raise it.
Push yourself harder than ever before.
Don’t settle for almost your best.
Weather any storm, but don’t fear reaching out when you need to.
Lead by example, know that you’re a role model.
Shatter expectations and build new ones.
Make every effort count, make every moment meaningful.
Will you do this?
The junior representatives replied to their senior counterparts, “I will.” The seniors draped leadership sashes around the necks of the undersclassmen, symbolizing the passing of the guard.
It was a pretty awesome moment for a school.
Does your organization have a transition like this? Could it? Just a little challenge for you today.
Big thank you to all of the Wildcats at Will C. Wood for letting me be part of today’s festivities.
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