Senior Celebration

On Thursday, May 12, 2005 Dimension Academy held a celebration honoring their 2005 Graduating Seniors. Christopher Adam Phillips, a graduate, was selected to give the Student Reflection speech. His speech reflected the satisfaction graduating brought to him and his fellow students. It also gave special gratitude to the many teachers who had given thier time and support to the students Dimension Academy. Here is his speech:

First and foremost, I want to thank everyone for attending the 2004-2005 Senior Celebration. A lot is to be said about these graduates and the hard work and dedication put forth by every single one of them. For many others and myself it has been a long and strenuous Journey that at times may not have been graceful, but one that was filled with dignity and purpose.

My peers and I will remember this year as the year that it finally happened; we finally graduated from high school. Along with graduation comes a Jot of mixed feelings. The happiness of it all finally being over, but the sadness that comes along with it really being over. These last four years have seemed like an eternity at times, but right now, standing here in front of you, it seems like it was just yesterday that I walked into my first high school class. The speed with which it all happens makes me realize how short life is and how today’s society is so fast paced - with tomorrow turning into yesterday and next year being 5 years ago - all in the blink of an eye.

I hope all the graduates take some time to enjoy this because it is truly once in a lifetime.

There is so much to say about this last year with all that went on - from Mr. Nicholson getting dominated in basketball to kids walking in on Monday morning and realizing that they are Interns, but claim they should be Ambassadors! Memories and friends were made. The social boundaries and clicks like at the other two high schools were demolished. And through it all a family was formed. This school created a bond between all the students. Even at times when arguments happened and students had disagreements, respect was always there. Through and through this school is truly one of a kind - allowing students a second chance - or an alternative to the other high schools. This school year has been an overwhelming success for all the graduates. But none of this could have been accomplished without the life changing teachers who are in the classrooms day in and day out.

So much is to be said about the teachers and staff at Dimensions. Each one manages to push students in the right direction — every day. And believe me, some students like me are very difficult to budge at times. There is not one teacher at this school that I do not have an infinite amount of respect for. Each one I have had has taught me something new - whether subject related or issues in life. Each one has shown me things about myself, whether negative or positive, to improve me as a person in society. The teachers here are more than just teachers. They end up being our friends, counselors, consultants, disciplinarians, and pretty much family. But still only get paid for the teacher part! It is amazing that one year ago I never dreamed that I would be standing her graduating from high school. And I owe so much of this to you, to the teachers at Dimensions. You changed my life and the lives of all these students. You gave each and everyone of us a foundation for life after high school. I know probably a lot of times it seems like students just complain and are ignorant to the hard work and thought that goes into your jobs. But I think tonight all the effort you put forth is being recognized by all the students who are graduating. Tonight is just as much your night, due in part to the fact that your success is measured by ours. I want to just plainly say thank you from me and all of the one hundred something students that have graduated throughout this year.
With the teachers and staff along with the determined students at Dimensions success is really only a matter of time. After this I hope and wish all of my fellow graduates to become something greater in life, to always keep going, to never give up and to never forget these high school years. Listen to the advice of ones that have already experienced these times and enjoy them. Live life to the fullest and remember that every day is important.

I want to thank everyone involved with this school as well as the friends and families that play a vital role in alt of these students’ lives. Without the immense amount of support we all receive a lot of this would riot be possible. So, I thank you once again. And to my fellow peers, thanks for the great year and the times we had. The hard work you put in has finally paid off and you have achieved your goal.

Good luck in life and lastly, congratulations.

Adam Phillips
Dimensions Academy
Norman. Oklahoma
Class of 2005