Grade 8 Inspirations is an exercise in reflection, a formal speech, and one of the highlights of a student’s Middle School career. In English class, each eighth grade student develops an eight-minute presentation about something or someone who is a source of inspiration. The speech is an opportunity for students to share their passions with others in the community. Family members and the person who is the subject of the Inspiration often attend, and the supportive atmosphere created by the audience is uplifting. This is another example of how we build a sense of community in the Middle School.