50p
Ellis Lifers
This is the first in a series of Lifer speeches, made by house reps at the annual Lifers’ Dinner in late May for students who have spent four or five years at Brentwood.
Ladies and Gentlemen and Fellow Lifers,
I stand before you today with a mixture of nostalgia and gratitude as we gather here at this Lifer's Dinner. Tonight, we gather not just as friends but as a family rooted in the experiences, challenges, and triumphs we have shared within Brentwood.
When we embarked on this journey together in Grade 9, little did we know the adventures that awaited us. From the first day we stepped on this campus we became part of a community that would shape and challenge us and ultimately become our second home.
During our Zoom year, I remember the countless times when I didn't attend Zoom, but the one time I decided to stay up until 5 am, I got to witness the “Zoom Incident”.
The time when I decided to room with Tom.
The buzzcut that Shaw gave to Tyson when everybody was at Snowball.
The spirited Interhouse events that united us, cheering each other on with unrivaled enthusiasm.
Getting kicked out of every Advisor Meeting for being rowdy.
I remember the late-night study sessions. The impromptu conversations in the common room and the simple acts of kindness that demonstrated the true strength of our bond. These moments remind us that Ellis House is more than just a boarding house - the people, the connections, and the unwavering sense of belonging make it come alive.
We express our deepest gratitude to our teachers, mentors, and families who have guided us along this incredible journey. Your unwavering belief in our potential, tireless dedication, and immeasurable patience has made all the difference. You have challenged us to become the best versions of ourselves, and we are eternally grateful for that.
As we come together tonight as Lifers, let us embrace the memories we have created, the friendships we have nurtured, and the lessons we have learned.
Thank you, and may our futures be as bright as the memories we leave behind.
Donald Von, Ellis ‘23
Ladies and Gentlemen and Fellow Lifers,
I stand before you today with a mixture of nostalgia and gratitude as we gather here at this Lifer's Dinner. Tonight, we gather not just as friends but as a family rooted in the experiences, challenges, and triumphs we have shared within Brentwood.
When we embarked on this journey together in Grade 9, little did we know the adventures that awaited us. From the first day we stepped on this campus we became part of a community that would shape and challenge us and ultimately become our second home.
During our Zoom year, I remember the countless times when I didn't attend Zoom, but the one time I decided to stay up until 5 am, I got to witness the “Zoom Incident”.
The time when I decided to room with Tom.
The buzzcut that Shaw gave to Tyson when everybody was at Snowball.
The spirited Interhouse events that united us, cheering each other on with unrivaled enthusiasm.
Getting kicked out of every Advisor Meeting for being rowdy.
I remember the late-night study sessions. The impromptu conversations in the common room and the simple acts of kindness that demonstrated the true strength of our bond. These moments remind us that Ellis House is more than just a boarding house - the people, the connections, and the unwavering sense of belonging make it come alive.
We express our deepest gratitude to our teachers, mentors, and families who have guided us along this incredible journey. Your unwavering belief in our potential, tireless dedication, and immeasurable patience has made all the difference. You have challenged us to become the best versions of ourselves, and we are eternally grateful for that.
As we come together tonight as Lifers, let us embrace the memories we have created, the friendships we have nurtured, and the lessons we have learned.
Thank you, and may our futures be as bright as the memories we leave behind.
Donald Von, Ellis ‘23