Good afternoon family, friends, teachers, other faculty members, and fellow graduates. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for attending our ceremony today. I am honoured to be standing before you as a representative of the Class of 2019.
Graduation is a milestone that means so much more than academics. It is a landmark that signals the end of high school and the beginning of our future. As we sit here on the stage today, on the cusp of a new chapter in our lives, we must take a few moments to appreciate the journey it was to get here.
When we first walked into this building four years ago, we had no idea what would be coming our way. We have since learned many lessons such as the value of hard work and determination, the importance of friendships, and if you walk on the wrong side of the hallway, you’ll end up trampled like Simba’s dad in The Lion King. These lessons have served as the basis for the foundation that the YRHS has given each of us. Many of us may be heading in different directions after today, but these lessons will serve each of us well wherever we end up.
There have been many ups and downs during our time here, and all of those moments have formed bonds between us. Our high school experience began with Mr. Hackzewicz throwing a fish across the stage to Andrew Yeadon on the first day of Grade Nine. I feel like that was an appropriate start considering we have now seen Mr. Sharpe in a diaper and Mr. Nesseth kiss a pig. No matter how hard we may try to forget seeing Mr. Sharpe like that, it’s those kinds of moments that will stick with us.
I would like to thank our teachers for all the effort they have put into each of our educations. I am certain that many of us would not be graduating today if not for their patience and support. They have taught us many valuable things, both in the classroom and out, that we will carry with us long after we leave this building. They have also always been willing to go the extra mile with both our studies and extracurriculars. The many pieces of advice that they have given us won’t be forgotten, but despite what they may tell you, it’s always possible to cram the night before the final and still get a good mark.
To our parents, I would like to thank you for supporting us through everything we have done. You have cheered us on from day one, and you have always been there to celebrate our accomplishments with us. When we needed someone to lean on, you were also our crutches to help us through tough times. Your continued love and kindness are largely what shaped each of us into the people we are today. Many of us would not be graduating if not for your support. Thank you for all that you have done for us.
Finally, to my class: Today is not only marking the end of high school for us, but the beginning of our future. Although this chapter of our lives may be coming to a close, we have so many more that haven’t even begun. Take a moment to look at the people around you. On this stage, we have champions in football, photography, cosmetology, archery, and a plethora of other areas. We need to take pride in what we have accomplished already, but also in what we have yet to accomplish. As I look across this stage, I know that we will do great things with the rest of our lives that we cannot yet fathom.
Thank you for making high school such a memorable experience for me. It has been a long, but worthwhile journey. As we sit here in some of our final moments together, I know that we have been prepared for what is yet to come. Many of us will go our separate ways after today, but we will always be together in our pursuit of excellence.
Congratulations Class of 2019!
