Courage, Resiliency, and Gratitude

Good evening, administration, faculty, parents and friends. My name is Adrian Vidal, but most of my classmates know me as Vidal. I feel blessed to have been asked to give this year’s Pin Mass address on behalf of my brothers, the Class of 2028. 

This evening, we celebrate the many memories we have shared, the friendships made throughout our middle school years and the lessons we have learned. As I think back on the past three years, I can’t help but notice how much we have grown physically, academically, spiritually, and personally. In preparing my speech, I reflected on how we got to this point. Our journey started with some challenges. I don’t know if you remember, but many of us took the Belen entrance exam at home. (I remember freaking out because I couldn’t get into the system). When we started in 6th grade, we were still living through the COVID pandemic and our first run through the Wolverine tunnel was wearing a mask. Entering a new school, with new people, behind a mask, made me feel a bit intimidated and even isolated. But little by little, as the months passed, we were allowed to remove our masks. And as we did that, we not only took off our masks literally but figuratively as well. In doing this, we were able to start showing our true selves to one another as we helped each other adapt to our new school. 

Our class also had our own unique version of a Lock-in. Although we didn’t stay overnight, we still had fun doing things like laser tag, mini Olympics, and minute-to-win it. From there, we had our first field day and became the first sixth-grade class to use the new pool during that event. We still had our masks, but we added some tutus and face paint to hype each other up. We were also part of the first Wolverine Run. As 6th graders, this Chapel was inaugurated. Today, we received our pins in this beautiful, sacred space where we were also confirmed. All these firsts evolved into repeated experiences that now are a part of who we are, not just as individuals but as a class. 

Throughout the past three years, we have had our fair share of funny moments, like our soccer matches at lunch, when we thought we were all professional soccer players in La Final. We have taken chances academically by taking more challenging classes or new electives. For example, when I started in 6th grade, I didn’t know how to play the drums so I joined band and I love it! We have also participated in different sports teams and clubs, giving us a chance to pursue our passions. And when we needed help, we found support in one another. 

Tonight is also an opportunity to express our gratitude to the many people who have been with us throughout our middle school years. First, we need to thank God. God, today we stand before You and owe You all that we have and are. Thank You for so many blessings, for the hope You bring, and for strengthening us to fulfill Your purpose. 

To our teachers - Thank You for your continued guidance and support, and the lessons taught in and out of the classroom. Lessons like Dr. Jordan’s lobster story are a reminder that we are growing out of our shells and working our way to becoming who we need to be, and as we grow into that person, we remember that courage has to be our friend. Recently, when reading To Kill A Mockingbird in Mrs. Alonso’s class, I read a quote and underlined it because it stood out to me. It read:  “I wanted to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand.  It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.” That is what we’ve done. Regardless of our circumstances, we have tried our best to show up ready to give our best and that has required courage. 

Thank you to the administration, which leads the Belen community with faith, dedication, and commitment. 

Thank you to Mrs. Homans, who has been a guiding light for us. A heartfelt thank you to the cafeteria staff who lovingly satisfy our appetites and serve us with a smile and kindness every day. My most sincere and endless gratitude to my parents and all our parents for tirelessly showing up every day for us with so much love and unconditional support. Thank you to Belen, for it is here in places like this Chapel, the field, and the classrooms that we’ve grown and will continue to grow into men of faith, character, and integrity. But most importantly, as men for others. 

Our middle school years have helped form a strong foundation in us. We have been taught never to give up, to show up, to do the work everyday, especially on days you felt you wouldn’t win. And I hope you will never forget when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!

 

As we prepare to transition into high school, we need to ask ourselves what we, as the class of 2028, want to be remembered for. What will our legacy be? Each of us, with our unique gifts and talents, has a lot to offer. Let’s use our gifts to serve others: 

Serve our brothers - by being there for one another whether we are close friends, or not; 

Serve our family - by being present;

Serve our community - by helping those in need;

Serve our school - in and outside of the classroom with respect, doing the MAGIS; and 

Serve God - by doing all things for His greater glory. 

I am looking forward to sharing the next four years with all of you. I know that it will be remarkable - but first, let’s finish the year strong and enjoy Gradventure!

Thank you and God bless you all.