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The Class of 2025 Describes the Magic of High Meadows
What makes High Meadows School so special? Read about it from our eighth graders who all gave speeches at the 2025 Recognition ceremony. High Meadows is a place where joy, wonder, and discovery happen every day. As one graduate stated, “High Meadows is one-of-a-kind.” Another member of the Class of 2025 said of the HMS faculty, “They don’t teach you basic memorization, they teach you how to understand the world.” Below are excerpts from the graduation speeches.
Some expressed gratitude for the beauty of the campus and the magic of High Meadows.
Ava
“When I was in public school, I yearned for a school that felt alive, a place where learning was joyful and genuine. The heart of this school, besides the gorgeous, sprawling meadows and all the animals that wander are the people. To all who were a part of this beautiful journey of mine at High Meadows, thank you for pushing me to be the best version of myself.”
Jordan
"I enjoyed the Meadow because most schools don't have an area for play like this."
Naomi
“High Meadows School has been a wonderful, magical, amazing experience for me. The people here are so kind, welcoming, and caring. They not only want you to succeed academically but also want to make sure your well-being is maintained. The High Meadows campus is a beautiful, surreal place that is so natural and pretty. The people here are the true center of it all. High Meadows has been a dream for me. High Meadows allowed me to discover my sense of self, confidence, and potential, and that to me is really special and remarkable. Choosing to attend was the best decision I ever made in my life. The whole journey here has been a wish come true.”
“High Meadows School has been a wonderful, magical, amazing experience for me. The people here are so kind, welcoming, and caring. They not only want you to succeed academically but also want to make sure your well-being is maintained. The High Meadows campus is a beautiful, surreal place that is so natural and pretty. The people here are the true center of it all. High Meadows has been a dream for me. High Meadows allowed me to discover my sense of self, confidence, and potential, and that to me is really special and remarkable. Choosing to attend was the best decision I ever made in my life. The whole journey here has been a wish come true.”
Others thanked their teachers and appreciated that they could be themselves.
Audrey
“Our teachers have not just taught us math, social studies, science, and English. You helped us grow, not just academically, but also as good humans. I enjoyed the mini-courses and our beautiful campus. It’s rare to go to a school where you might pass a horse or a donkey on your way to electives or a chicken crowing outside your window during a test!”
Izzy
“To all the Middle Years teachers, thank you for educating me in so many ways and making me a smarter and better person. To the close friends I have made, I really appreciate you all, and I will never forget the memories we have made. You all have a special place in my heart. I have learned who I am at High Meadows School, and I have grown as a person here.”
“To all the Middle Years teachers, thank you for educating me in so many ways and making me a smarter and better person. To the close friends I have made, I really appreciate you all, and I will never forget the memories we have made. You all have a special place in my heart. I have learned who I am at High Meadows School, and I have grown as a person here.”
Jackson
Thank you, Ms. Lovatt. You mean so much to me as a teacher and cross country coach. You taught me how to study and how to look forward to your class. To Ms. Wright, you were always there for me when I needed it. You are such a positive person.”
Thank you, Ms. Lovatt. You mean so much to me as a teacher and cross country coach. You taught me how to study and how to look forward to your class. To Ms. Wright, you were always there for me when I needed it. You are such a positive person.”
Jacob
“I have grown into the person that I wanted to become. High Meadows did not just support my dreams; it helped me to become them. This is a place where you can be what you want to be. I have been able to expand my friendships and 100% expand my knowledge. High Meadows gave me so many new experiences.”
“I have grown into the person that I wanted to become. High Meadows did not just support my dreams; it helped me to become them. This is a place where you can be what you want to be. I have been able to expand my friendships and 100% expand my knowledge. High Meadows gave me so many new experiences.”
James
“At High Meadows, I could be myself. I could share my thoughts and know that I would not be judged. Thank you to the teachers and administration for helping shape who I have become and for always working so hard to make High Meadows a special place.”
“At High Meadows, I could be myself. I could share my thoughts and know that I would not be judged. Thank you to the teachers and administration for helping shape who I have become and for always working so hard to make High Meadows a special place.”
Lucy
“High Meadows welcomed me with wide open arms. I want to make a special shout out to my favorite fifth grade teacher, Ms. Kraften. She is amazing. Thank you so much. This place has helped me grow from friendships to schoolwork to as a person. Through the ups and downs, I've always pulled through, getting back up. If I fall on the basketball court, lose my shoe in the woods, or trip for the fourth time while hiking up a mountain, no matter how bruised my knees get, I'll make it through whatever is thrown at me in my future."
“High Meadows welcomed me with wide open arms. I want to make a special shout out to my favorite fifth grade teacher, Ms. Kraften. She is amazing. Thank you so much. This place has helped me grow from friendships to schoolwork to as a person. Through the ups and downs, I've always pulled through, getting back up. If I fall on the basketball court, lose my shoe in the woods, or trip for the fourth time while hiking up a mountain, no matter how bruised my knees get, I'll make it through whatever is thrown at me in my future."
Raleigh
“I want to thank Mr. Nuttall and Ms. Shannon Wright for being amazing figures for us eighth graders to look up to. I want to thank my teachers and friends for helping me to learn, grow, and thrive. I made great memories during my time at High Meadows, and I am very grateful for every person who was a part of that.”
“I want to thank Mr. Nuttall and Ms. Shannon Wright for being amazing figures for us eighth graders to look up to. I want to thank my teachers and friends for helping me to learn, grow, and thrive. I made great memories during my time at High Meadows, and I am very grateful for every person who was a part of that.”
Theo
“During my time at High Meadows I had many teachers who supported me and helped me grow. One of those teachers was Ms. Volkers. Ms. Volkers always looked at the bright side of things and helped me so much during my seventh and eighth grade years. I’d also like to thank Ms. Reingold. I was confused on slope in Algebra class, and she took time multiple afternoons to help me. High Meadows has really opened my eyes to how important learning is. I am so grateful that I spent the last four years of my life here.”
“During my time at High Meadows I had many teachers who supported me and helped me grow. One of those teachers was Ms. Volkers. Ms. Volkers always looked at the bright side of things and helped me so much during my seventh and eighth grade years. I’d also like to thank Ms. Reingold. I was confused on slope in Algebra class, and she took time multiple afternoons to help me. High Meadows has really opened my eyes to how important learning is. I am so grateful that I spent the last four years of my life here.”
Zach
“Thank you to all my teachers for helping me be curious about all different types of learning. The High Meadows community is a nice one, and I am glad that I have been a part of it. It is very bittersweet going to high school. I am looking forward to all the new things that I am going to learn, but I am definitely going to miss this place.”
“Thank you to all my teachers for helping me be curious about all different types of learning. The High Meadows community is a nice one, and I am glad that I have been a part of it. It is very bittersweet going to high school. I am looking forward to all the new things that I am going to learn, but I am definitely going to miss this place.”
Many mentioned what they have learned.
Conor
The transition to Middle Years was hard, but I am glad to have experienced it in the comfort and safety of the High Meadows community. I learned how to stand up for myself, how to plan and do my homework, how to write notes, how to study languages, and how to have fun.”
The transition to Middle Years was hard, but I am glad to have experienced it in the comfort and safety of the High Meadows community. I learned how to stand up for myself, how to plan and do my homework, how to write notes, how to study languages, and how to have fun.”
Keelan
“The people here reflect the High Meadows spirit, making it a magical place. Another thing that sets High Meadows apart is the forgiveness that the people here provide for mistakes. I’d like to thank Ms. Spinola. From the moment I walked into the sixth grade Spanish class, she gave me unconditional love.”
“The people here reflect the High Meadows spirit, making it a magical place. Another thing that sets High Meadows apart is the forgiveness that the people here provide for mistakes. I’d like to thank Ms. Spinola. From the moment I walked into the sixth grade Spanish class, she gave me unconditional love.”
Some graduates provided words of wisdom.
Beni
“I have learned how important these people and this place are to me. I will always cherish the memories that I made. Something I hope you all take away from this is that life is full of changes and transitions, and it’s so important to make the most out of every situation. Make sure to cherish it.”
“I have learned how important these people and this place are to me. I will always cherish the memories that I made. Something I hope you all take away from this is that life is full of changes and transitions, and it’s so important to make the most out of every situation. Make sure to cherish it.”
Kijani
“What I’ve come to understand, maybe the most important lesson of all, is this: The grass is not always greener on the other side, and when you’re always focused on getting over the next hill, you might miss what is happening right in front of you. I would like to thank my parents for providing me with the opportunity to attend this school and all the wisdom they imparted on me.”
“What I’ve come to understand, maybe the most important lesson of all, is this: The grass is not always greener on the other side, and when you’re always focused on getting over the next hill, you might miss what is happening right in front of you. I would like to thank my parents for providing me with the opportunity to attend this school and all the wisdom they imparted on me.”
Class of 2025 members recalled growing up at HMS.
Ben
“High Meadows has been an unforgettable experience for me. Riding the horses and ponies was definitely the highlight of my time. I could not have asked for a better eighth grade class. We started the year with an eighth grade retreat ... and throughout the year, that bond only strengthened. I would like to thank all the Middle Years teachers for all the things they had us do to prepare us for high school and for teaching me things I will never forget.”
Carson
“Over the past 11 years High Meadows has been a home for me. I would like to thank all my teachers ranging from Ms. Stoessel who made such an impact on me to Ms. Kraften who was the best teacher I could have ever asked for to Mr. Barron who was a mentor to me this year to all the other teachers for teaching me the majority of what I learned. Thank you all!”
“Over the past 11 years High Meadows has been a home for me. I would like to thank all my teachers ranging from Ms. Stoessel who made such an impact on me to Ms. Kraften who was the best teacher I could have ever asked for to Mr. Barron who was a mentor to me this year to all the other teachers for teaching me the majority of what I learned. Thank you all!”
Charlie
“When I was in Pre-K, I never fully understood how lucky I was to be a student here. I have been so lucky to have been a student here for all this time. I want to thank my peers in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades. You guys have all made every day of school so special. Last, I want to thank High Meadows. I believe that what makes a school special is not where it is but the people you are surrounded by. High Meadows will always be one of my homes away from home.”
“When I was in Pre-K, I never fully understood how lucky I was to be a student here. I have been so lucky to have been a student here for all this time. I want to thank my peers in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades. You guys have all made every day of school so special. Last, I want to thank High Meadows. I believe that what makes a school special is not where it is but the people you are surrounded by. High Meadows will always be one of my homes away from home.”
Sebas
“Growing up here was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Middle School, specifically seventh and eighth grade, were the most memorable years of my life. Thanks to all the teachers who helped me along the way. Thank you, High Meadows School!”
“Growing up here was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Middle School, specifically seventh and eighth grade, were the most memorable years of my life. Thanks to all the teachers who helped me along the way. Thank you, High Meadows School!”
Sophie
“High Meadows has been a magical place to learn, play, and grow. Every teacher has been an important part of my journey. I am so excited to see what the future holds, and I am so thankful I was able to spend the last ten years with the people on this stage.”
“High Meadows has been a magical place to learn, play, and grow. Every teacher has been an important part of my journey. I am so excited to see what the future holds, and I am so thankful I was able to spend the last ten years with the people on this stage.”
Waylon
“I want to send love to my Grandmomma who believed in this place with all her heart and thank my Granddaddy. You gave so generously even when you thought it was weird I went to school that had horses. To the entire Middle Years staff, my friends, and classmates, and all of High Meadows, thank you for giving me an unforgettable childhood experience. High Meadows will always be a part of me.”
“I want to send love to my Grandmomma who believed in this place with all her heart and thank my Granddaddy. You gave so generously even when you thought it was weird I went to school that had horses. To the entire Middle Years staff, my friends, and classmates, and all of High Meadows, thank you for giving me an unforgettable childhood experience. High Meadows will always be a part of me.”
And finally, graduates described the seemingly indescribable magic of HMS.
Gracie
“I don’t think there are enough words to describe how much High Meadows means to me, but here I am trying to describe in two minutes what I could describe in two hours . . . or maybe five. Even as a young child, I loved High Meadows. I cherished the snow, the dewy mornings on the Meadows, and the fact I would look out the window and there would be a sheep or a horse staring at me. The teachers at High Meadows taught me to love learning. They don’t teach you basic memorization, they teach you how to understand the world. They see your potential and gently push you to go further. The school motto is ‘what school should be, and this school was. Thank you for everything."
Liza
“High Meadows is not just a school, it is a family. It does not take much to know that High Meadows is a special place. I am so thankful I got to spend my childhood learning from the most amazing and special people. I am also thankful that instead of constantly being stuck in a classroom, I got to play and learn outside with my friends on the Meadow. Leaving High Meadows is hard, but I know that I can look back at my time here and smile because every minute I spent here was worth it.”
Miles
This place is my childhood. It raised me. High Meadows is not a home, it is a bond. It is an encouraging whisper in my ear; it’s a silent promise to be kind. It’s a family. I owe High Meadows for the person I am today. I believe myself to be creative, kind, and curious, and I am always proud to be who I am. It was an amazing experience, so thank you. I love you all, but it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later. No matter what, this place will remain in my heart. Here’s to the wonderful journey that we shared and the extraordinary future that we have.”
Victoria
“High Meadows is one-of-a-kind. I love High Meadows so much, and I am truly going to miss this fantastic school next year. These teachers and students that surrounded me made me who I am today, and I can’t wait to see who I become in the future because of how well this school has prepared me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much!”
Willa
“I put off writing this speech for as long as humanly possible because I realized writing it was my last High Meadows homework assignment. I realized how much this place matters to me. I have spent countless hours here, admiring the wonders it has to offer. This place and these people have gently given me my confidence. It has allowed me to grow from a shy, quiet kid dragged to this school because her older sister went here, to a talented member of the community.”
“I put off writing this speech for as long as humanly possible because I realized writing it was my last High Meadows homework assignment. I realized how much this place matters to me. I have spent countless hours here, admiring the wonders it has to offer. This place and these people have gently given me my confidence. It has allowed me to grow from a shy, quiet kid dragged to this school because her older sister went here, to a talented member of the community.”
Thank you to the Class of 2025 for genuinely expressing the impact that High Meadows School and our faculty and staff had on them during their tenure. We know that the graduates will leave HMS and enter the world as ethical leaders ready to make a positive impact on their communities and the world around them.
If you are searching for independent school and want your Pre-K through eighth grade child to experience what school should be, please inquire today. Let them learn across 42 acres of forests, woods, and beautiful rolling meadows, develop an authentic connection with nature, a love of learning, and be prepared for high school and beyond.
If you are searching for independent school and want your Pre-K through eighth grade child to experience what school should be, please inquire today. Let them learn across 42 acres of forests, woods, and beautiful rolling meadows, develop an authentic connection with nature, a love of learning, and be prepared for high school and beyond.
The High Meadows community celebrates and perpetuates each individual’s quest for knowledge and skill, sense of wonder, and connection to the natural environment. We empower each to be a compassionate, responsible, and active global citizen.
Age 3 through Grade 8 | Authorized IB PYP World School
1055 Willeo Road, Roswell, Georgia 30075 | (770) 993-2940 | info@highmeadows.org
1055 Willeo Road, Roswell, Georgia 30075 | (770) 993-2940 | info@highmeadows.org
