Burke.Word loves words. So, it was with great interest that Burke.Word listened to the Graduation speech of Jmaw Moses (’10), who rose to define for gathered friends and family the meaning, application and etymology of a powerful, new word that has been added permanently to the Burke lexicon. Take a look at his Edmundification below, and you’ll get a sense of what it means at Burke to be caring, authentic, willing, dedicated, funny, and fully engaged… what it means to be “Jmawesome!”
What is the most embarrassing song on your ipod?
I don’t have any embarrassing songs on my ipod, unless you include Impossible from the Brandy version of Cinderella or the Cyberchase theme song.
Who’s on your list of Fave Five people of all time?
Ella Fitzgerald, Beyoncé Knowles, Lady Gaga, Aang, Myself 
I wish I knew how to…
I wish I knew how to be completely immature and irresponsible, because sometimes I feel old.
What was the best present that you’ve ever received?
My first dog. His name was Pooh. He was the first thing I loved. Well, I loved my family first, but I loved Pooh without having to love him.
Tell us a piece of good or bad advice you’ve received that will stay with you.
Good advice: Advocate for yourself.
What can’t you live without?
Do I have to pick just one thing? I’m a pretty needy person.
What do you really care about?
I care about people. Specifically, my friends and my family are my life. I always say that I am a passionate person, but my passion is driven by these people. I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without them.
Is there other sentient life out in the universe? – What’s it like?
Yes, I believe there is a world that holds a species that is just as intelligent and technologically advanced as we are, but they are much more emotionally developed. They too have differences in their own species as we have such as race, or sex or sexual orientation etc. They all live by similar philosophies, with very slight differences, which connect them spiritually and emotionally. This creates a world of creatures that is completely peaceful, but with unique individuals.
Do you sing in the shower or the car?
Both.
What phrase do you use too often?
O my god.
What mild mannered person at Burke is secretly a super hero? What’s their power? What’s their super name?
I bet you’ve heard this for every answer. But Jeffrey Robb is the secret superhero of Burke. He is the Keyblade master, allowing him to open any lock of any door, even the door to all worlds, Kingdom Hearts. He’s also able to perform magic.
What’s your super power?
Wouldn’t you like to know.
Truth is…
Truth is many things, but if I had to concisely define it I’d say, having the courage to be honest with others and yourself. Especially yourself. That’s almost impossible sometimes.
Beauty is…
Beauty is indescribable, because it exists in everyone and it is unique to everyone. Not that I’m saying that everyone is perceived to be physically beautiful, that’s impossible. Actually, I’m not saying that everyone is beautiful on the inside either. I’m just saying that it’s inside everyone and different for everyone.
Where do you most like to hang out at or near Burke?
At Burke in the senior lounge. Near Burke nowhere. I would say Cleveland Park, but there’s an interesting story behind that…
What have you learned while at Burke?
I’ve learned to be responsible with time and more organized. I’ve learned how delicate trust can be, and to guard your heart. And I’ve learned about true friendship, what it truly means and how it truly feels.
What’s your most vivid memory of your time at Burke?
In 10th grade, during track finals, the Boys 4×4 team won. It was Michael Tulman, Sam Gretz, Adam Toolanen and me, and after the race the whole team came down and rallied together! We got second place overall, but in my heart we won the whole thing.
If you could change one thing about education what would it be?
If I could change one thing about education, it’d be how kids perceive it. Most kids don’t like learning, but they don’t realize that knowledge is power. 
Tell us about a time when you were really happy.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was imbued with a relentless joy and overflowing at graduation. I don’t know if it was because I had graduated, and that I entered a new era of my life. I don’t know if it was because I was so proud of myself and my classmates. I don’t know if it was because everyone kept saying my speech was so good. But I was happy and I’ll always remember that day.
Close your eyes… what do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
Raising a family with a beautiful husband, and being an actor.
What scares you the most?
The Dark.
What are you thinking when you are running in a meet?
While I’m physically running, I’m thinking about my arms and legs moving as fast they can. I also run to a very specific beat so I think about that. But mostly I think about the finish line.
What role in a play or movie would you most like to play?
I’d love to play Aladdin in a musical!
What is success?
I think someone who has a successful life is someone who is happy, because at the end of the day who cares how much money you have or things you possess if you’re not happy with it. If it makes you happy then all the better!
Who do you think that Edmundification should spotlight next?
Siri Brudevold.
What question would you like to ask the next Edmundification Celebrity?
Why are you friends with Jmaw Moses? Is it his eyelashes?
[Ed. - I can answer that one: we're big fans of Jmaw 'cause of this kinda stuff...
But his mom is JMAWESOME!
wow this edmundification is really jmawesome!