Kindergarten teacher's touching speech and song at graduation

Kindergarten teacher Jeff Berry gave a touching speech at the Lawrence High School graduation on June 18, recognizing that many of the grads had been part of his kindergarten class when he began his teaching career 13 years ago.

During the speech, he reminisced about his first days standing before a room full of students in September 2001. He said some kids were "tattling, crying. Some not listening to directions at all. Some kids will openly pick their noses with an amazing sense of purpose ... much of what we learned in kindergarten still applies in your young adult lives."

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He went on to say that, "These are just simple truths that remind us all how we should conduct ourselves, whether we are 6, 16, or 60. Share everything. Play fair. Don't hit people. Be aware of wonder. Remember that little seed in the paper cup? First the roots grow down and then the plant grows up? And nobody really knows why ... but it does."

With that, he broke into John McCutcheon's sweet 'Kindergarten Wall' song, inviting the students to recall days long ago when learning to tie their shoes was all that really mattered.

Good luck holding back tears as you listen to his song -- and thanks to all the teachers out there who work so hard to make our days -- from kindergarten to graduation -- just a little more special.

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