Even though the school has been around for over a hundred years, the culture and personality of the school is determined first and foremost by the students. And the group of students with the greatest amount of influence is the eighth grade. You will set the tone for the entire 2015-2016 school year.
I believe in the idea that we our responsible to make whatever it is we start better when we leave. That should apply to everything we do in life. If you happen to agree with me, your responsibilities as an eighth grader just increased. You have made the school, teachers, and parents proud for the previous 8 years, so I know you are up to the challenge. 
It is also time to have fun. Your eighth grade year should be your best. You have reached the top of the pile and it is time to enjoy the view. You have worked hard to get here and should enjoy the privileges of being the most senior class.What are you looking most forward to as you enter eighth grade? What tone do you want to set for the rest of the school and how will you do it? What will you do, both individually and as a class, during the next year to make St. Joe’s better?
