Valedictorian Speech
Lori Boyle
Presented on Graduation Day
It is a great honor for me to speak this afternoon on behalf of the graduating class of 1989. As we spend this day celebrating one of the most important achievements of our young lives, we take time to reflect on the meaning and significance of these moments. We are seated here today with the people who mean so much to us. Together, let us take a few moments to share our thoughts and feelings on this special day.
Four short years ago we timidly approached the front doors of Mount Royal Collegiate. We dreaded the possibility of being classified as "Freshies" by the other students. But four years have passed and our experiences have changed our perspective. The morning journey to school is no longer filled with uneasiness, but the anticipation of seeing good friends and respected teachers. We are successfully passing through the doors of Mount Royal and now we are faced with the doors to our future. Mount Royal has allowed us to grow and has prepared us for unknown obstacles which we will be able to meet with confidence and certainty.
High school has a different meaning or significance for each one of us. Some of us have been eager learners while others have found high school a difficult challenge. Whatever attitude we have associated with school, one thing is certain: at various times in our lives we will find ourselves thinking back to our high school days. The memories of Mr. Selin's cafeteria scrutiny and our first football game will undoubtedly trigger a smile. These cherished memories will allow us to recall our old friends and teachers with fondness.
Today is not only just a day of celebration, it is also a day of sadness. Even though our high school relationships are quickly coming to an end, we have developed friendships which will last a lifetime. Graduation is both an end and a beginning as we all go our separate ways. The paths of the friends who keep us laughing during the tough times and made the good times even better may never cross again. School has a social atmosphere as well as a learning atmosphere; the casual camaraderie enjoyed between classes and at lunch will be sadly missed.
Teachers have played a very important part in our high school lives. They have watched us mature, helped us learn, and taught us the meaning of responsibility. Whether we are having school related difficulties or personal problems, they were always there to lend support and encouragement.
Probably the most important group of people who have helped us through our high school years are our parents. These past four years have been the hardest that we as teenagers have had to struggle through and in turn they were not easy for our parents. Now it is our turn to express our appreciation for the many things we have unthinkly taken for granted. We have expected you to be there when we needed you, but we were not always there when you needed us. Thank you for including us in your plans although you were seldom included in ours. And thank you for all your encouraging words and affectionate advice which allowed us to meet each and every challenge. Even though we have not returned all that you have given us, we hope you forget all the times we have disappointed you and remember all that times we have made you proud. You, Mom, Dad, we love you.
Having completed our grad 12, we have reached a crossroads in our lives. We are faced with many alternate routes and unfortunately there is no set direction. We are now the decision makers. The road ahead is full of choices that we will have to make. Hopefully our decisions will bring us to success. Even though the future promises triumphs as well as failures, we can learn from the words of the pet Chris Jansen:
IF IT SHOULD HAPPEN
THAT YOUR DREAMS
ARE SHATTERED
DO NOT BE AFRAID
HAVE THE COURAGE
TO PICK UP THE PIECES
AND SMILE AT THE WORLD
FOR DREAMS THAT ARE
EASILY SHATTERED
CAN BE EASILY REBUILT.
To all for you goodbye and good luck and I hope all of your future dreams become reality. Thank you.