Eighth-grader Lauren Saye was recognized as Darlington's Optimist Club Student of the Semester on Dec. 5.
"Lauren is our representative because she is the ideal teammate or classmate because she is always willing to put in the work to improve, is always receptive to feedback and is always willing to help those around her," said middle grades math teacher Chris Eberhart, who introduced Saye at the awards presentation.
At Darlington, Saye is involved in chorus and plays volleyball and swims for the middle school teams.
Read the full text of her speech below:
Hi, my name is Lauren Saye. I have my parents, grandparents and Mr. Eberhart here with me today and I want to thank the Noon Optimist Club for sponsoring this event.
I came to Darlington School in sixth grade, and I am now in eighth grade. For the last three years, I have been on the volleyball and swim teams for Darlington. Swimming is my favorite sport, and I plan to swim in high school. Swimming has always made me feel more confident, and I like the challenge of trying to achieve my personal best. I would like to swim for the rest of my life.
I also enjoy being in the chorus and playing the piano. Music makes me feel calm and happy. I plan to continue performing in the fine arts in high school. After high school, I plan to go to college and study foreign languages and fine arts.
Mr. Eberhart is my math teacher, and he is special to me because he teaches me math in a way I can understand. Math has always been challenging to me. Mr. Eberhart is also patient and kind as he knows I am very quiet and shy. He seems to understand me and knows how to make me feel more confident in my skills.
I want to thank the teachers at Darlington School for choosing me to receive this special award from the Noon Optimist Club.
