Class of 2029 Eighth Grade Promotion: Learning to Lead with Humility

The following is an excerpt of a speech by Liliana Pullis, one of several students chosen to speak at the Class of 2029 Eighth Grade Promotion. Read the other student speeches.

By Liliana Pullis, member of the Class of 2029 and edited by the Eastside Catholic School Marketing and Communications team

Albert Einstein once said, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” These past two years at Eastside Catholic have shown me the significance of his words. EC taught me how to give back to the community and opened my eyes to the concept of servant leadership. To me, servant leadership goes beyond meeting the requirements of service hours— it’s about changing lives and making a difference in our world.

Eastside Catholic Middle School has shaped me into a person who will make an impact in this world by being a servant leader in high school and beyond.

As a new student in the Catholic school system, I had limited knowledge of how Jesus exemplified true leadership and how His teachings prioritized compassion and a servant’s heart. Jesus emphasized that a servant leader places the needs of others above personal interests. I was eager to implement this when I prepared a meal for Helen’s Place.

My involvement with the non-profit organization Cancer Kids First inspired me to embrace the role of a servant leader, and it was extremely rewarding. Additionally, Jesus conveyed that humility is a fundamental characteristic of Christian leadership. This realization opened my eyes to a new perspective. Rather than pursuing my ambitions, I now recognize that caring for my community should take precedence. A particularly impactful biblical teaching comes from Philippians. Paul, inspired by Jesus, highlights the significance of humility and valuing others more than oneself, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

To me, servant leadership is beyond meeting the requirements of service hours; it's about changing lives and making a difference in our world.

Eastside Catholic has deepened my appreciation for the opportunities I have to assist those in need, both in and outside my community. Learning to grow as a servant leader has equipped me with essential life skills for the future.

This year, I participated in the SKIP project, where we had the opportunity to interact and learn with older adults at their community center. Our eighth-grade class affectionately referred to our new acquaintances as “grand friends!” This became especially meaningful to me when I met Sue. Sue is an adventurous woman who dedicated her life to being a park ranger, has traveled the world and lives life to the fullest. Without children or a husband, she was thrilled to know that her legacy would continue through me as a member of the SKIP project.

Since then, I have shared her fascinating life story with my friends and family, who all agree that Sue is genuinely remarkable. Spending time with Sue during the SKIP project opened my eyes to the importance of listening and ensuring that everyone around us feels valued and heard.

Eastside Catholic has deepened my appreciation for the opportunities I have to assist those in need, both in and outside my community. Learning to grow as a servant leader has equipped me with essential life skills for the future.

As we transition from middle school, I understand how Eastside Catholic is preparing us for high school and our future lives as adults. I don’t know about you, but I have been thinking a lot about the person I want to become one day. And I realize there will always be a desire to find leaders who contribute to a team by being servant leaders.

When I entered Eastside Catholic Middle School, I felt confused about my purpose in the world. However, as I leave ECMS, I feel confident knowing my objectives. Eastside Catholic Middle School has shaped me into a person who will make an impact in this world by being a servant leader in high school and beyond.

If you have questions about the Eighth Grade Promotion speeches, contact Middle School Principal Ashley Hylton.

Want to learn more about Eastside Catholic School's Touchstones, the core values that shape our community and inspire our students every day. Visit our website to learn how these principles come to life in academics, faith and service.