Good evening Trustee Sim, Superintendent Nixon, Staff, Families and Students. We are gathered here today to celebrate the graduation of this year’s student body.
We may not be the first grad class of Clearwater Secondary, and hopefully we aren’t the last. However it’s arguable that we are the best. The people that are leaving this school have made some notable achievements and have started long lasting traditions.
While some of us were accomplishing goals outside of school, like getting youth of the year award, being the youngest female racer on the Clearwater Speedway, or graduating university before finishing highschool. Others were hosting week-long video game tournaments, putting on magic shows for the elementary students, starting D&D clubs, and helping to put together the E-sports team.
We managed to achieve all this despite losing almost two years of opportunities due to the pandemic. When we went into quarantine we were still immature little 9th graders.
When we came back we were now seniors, that needed to set a good example for those younger than us. It was hard to navigate, as covid did not provide a normal growing environment.
Even today I’m not convinced all of us have matured since grade 9. There are other challenges throughout the teenage years too. Like getting over speed bumps without scraping your car, not being tempted to throw a science slide at a window or put badminton birdies in the toilet, or even having three Alex’s in one class.
That aside, we hope new 8th graders entering high school are excited for the full CSS experience, and we would like to take a moment to highlight some of the many offerings of this school. This high-school provides a plethora of knowledge. Usually it’s correct, but I remember one time in my Anatomy 12 class when Ms Herring told us that it only took a person a few months to adjust to a new climate, however Mr Dhanoa is living proof that is false. Sometimes our dedicated teachers will even helpfully demonstrate what not to do, Mrs Lavigne takes it upon herself to show students that hazards can be lurking everywhere even in the most harmless sport. Mr Whelen serves as an example of the value of persevering, even when your favourite team is the maple leafs.
CSS always makes sure to supply its students with the finest of cutting edge technology, however some staff aren’t so lucky. Apparently there isn’t any room in the budget for Mr Menards much needed hearing aids. With all of these wonderful staff, you may never want to leave, I’m sure Mr. and Mrs. Buck can agree.
As I look at my fellow graduates, I can see a diversity of emotions, some joy, some sadness, and some just wanting to get the hell out of here.
However you may be feeling, remember that we finally have a chance to prove that high-school is not the best five years of our lives. Whether it’s moving on into post-secondary, entering straight into the workforce, or taking time to step back and decide on a course for the future, all of us have something to look forward to.
Although, we would like to remind the grads that the path is not always as simple as it seems, life can be like a trip to Banff, sometimes you take a wrong turn and get lost.
But even at its most confusing, there is always a way forward, so long as you keep looking.
Now that the year is coming to an end, we reflect upon our time in high school and see a group of resilient, talented individuals who are ready to take on the world.
Congratulations on your successes so far, we look forward to seeing what you all will do as you assume your roles as the future’s scientists, artists, teachers, and leaders of the world.
2023, Valedictorians for Clearwater Secondary School, Graduates - Martha Taylor and Sawyer Cairns
