Springer Achieves Wilson® Accredited Training Partner Status
August 13, 2025
#1 Task to Make Mornings Smoother
August 22, 2025
As we begin a new school year, we look forward to the progress our students will make—often in ways we cannot yet imagine. Gabrielle’s story reminds us that growth can take many forms, from building new skills to gaining the confidence to share them with the world. She wrote and delivered this speech beautifully at her 8th grade commencement last spring. We are proud to share it with you.
Hello everyone, my name is Gabrielle. First, I want to thank my mom for helping me through the journey here at Springer. Today I will talk to you about my obstacles and achievements. An obstacle I've overcome is my fear of speaking in front of large crowds. (And look at me now!) I got over this fear by running for classroom representative. Normally, I would not run for classroom representative because I felt really discouraged by the responsibilities they have. Specifically because they had to read aloud to their classrooms. This would obviously be hard for me because I had a hard time reading aloud.
However, with a lot of practice, I was able to get better at reading aloud. Some of this practice came from Wilson, which is Springer's reading program. Another way I practiced was reading my book club book aloud and if I needed accommodations my wonderful literature teachers would help me find another way to practice reading. Getting to speak in front of my class felt easier because I felt like I could read without making mistakes on my words. Now, I have no trouble speaking in front of crowds. This makes me proud of myself!
A person who has influenced me to be my best when reading is Jordan Chiles. She is a gymnast who has influenced me to work hard in everything I do. She once said "I will approach this challenge as I have others and will make sure that justice is done." Reading is like that challenge that she is talking about. It is scary at first and it makes you feel like you can't do it. But if you persevere, you will feel like a champion that you were meant to be.
