Valedictorian Address:
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty, proud families, and my fellow graduates,
My name is Sam, and I am deeply honoured and humbled to address you as the Valedictorian of our graduating class. Today, we celebrate the culmination of years of hard work and dedication and embrace this important milestone before embarking on our bright futures with hope and determination. Our experience hasn’t simply been about learning facts and figures but forging friendships and discovering passions that will guide us far beyond graduation day. Man! Grade 8 was tough, but we got through it! Who’s ready for high school??!
That's awkward. I guess I got my speeches mixed up—after all, there was never an opportunity to do an 8th-grade speech in front of an audience. Maybe we’re all sick and tired of hearing about COVID, but the truth is that its profound influence on such a significant portion of our developmental high school journey cannot be overstated. It cultivated a sense of community and innovation within our class. It showed us that even in the face of adversity, there are opportunities for growth and connection. We made the most of our situation by playing games like ‘Among Us’ when we were supposed to be doing schoolwork, which allowed us to connect while staying 'socially distanced.’ We built ourselves and our community up from the ground, proving that we can overcome any challenge that appears with perseverance and support. Graduation is an important benchmark, and this is our class's first authentic graduation ceremony. As you move your tassel today, let it mark our achievements and symbolize the dreams of that 8th grader who never had the chance.
To our teachers and the staff at Secord who have endured more than just our overdue submissions, late slip requests, and lack of motivation during 8 am Zoom calls, thank you. You've served as our navigators in the academic wilderness, inspiring us when we needed it most. Your strategies for getting us off our cell phones—such as threatening to drop-kick them into the Welland Canal—have been necessary for success. And we would’ve never been on time if it weren't for those of you who shouted ‘get to class’ down the hallways at 8:05. You’ve set us up for success, and for that, we appreciate you.
High school equipped us with essential skills, such as learning to use the quadratic formula, which will serve us well in our daily endeavours. This experience hasn’t simply been about mastering subjects like math, science, and English; it has allowed us to delve into our identities and understand the world surrounding us. I guess you've evolved considerably since ninth grade—I certainly have.
Part of the growth we experienced was due to involvement outside of the classroom. Secord is inarguably unique in what it provides to its students. Many of us were drawn here by the strong sense of community and vast possibilities. Several students arrived at 7 a.m. and stayed until late in the evening, not out of obligation but out of sheer passion. Whether making music, involvement in elaborate productions, competing in sports, creating visual art, dancing, or building in the shop, our shared enthusiasm to work together to create incredible things drives us to show up each day. Events that stand out are the musical, of course, since it impacted the whole school whether you were involved or not; student vs. teacher games where the students had the opportunity to CRUSH their teachers or vice versa; the cliché but unforgettable school dances; and of course, a grade 9 staple (grade 10 for us): Cow Olympics. These are the things you truly remember about high school. It is important to recognize the time you’ve committed, as your participation in these things makes this school such a beautiful place. It is where you’ve formed the strongest bonds and learned important insights about yourself. Let's continue to pursue our dreams with the same unwavering commitment and determination necessary to make it through a musical year.
It's undeniable how swiftly our time has passed. This past summer, I spent some time in Ecuador. It really is a beautiful place, with its rich ecosystem and plentiful biodiversity. Each day was packed with different volunteer opportunities, and we worked hard to meet tree-planting quotas within set time frames. As the term drew to a close, our director called for a moment of silent reflection. He reminded us of the hustle and bustle that we were bound to return to in a few days and provided for a moment of mindfulness. This is something that we often forget to do. Amidst all the chaos of exams, graduation, and prom, it's crucial to remember the importance of living in the moment. I’d like to invite you to join me in a moment of mindfulness. We may not have a view of the Pacific Ocean; however, it’s necessary to acknowledge the beauty of this moment and those surrounding us. It’s true that this practice is pretty common in high school speeches, but I’d like to extend an invitation to pause, reflect, and live in the present.
As we take our own unique paths, let's not forget the lessons we’ve learned, the bonds we’ve made, and what we’ve achieved. As we stand on the threshold of the future, let us remember that our journey doesn't end here—it's just beginning. Each of us holds the power to shape our own destinies and impact the world around us. So, let's embrace the challenges ahead with courage and determination. Let's strive for excellence in everything we do and never lose sight of our dreams. Consider this not as a farewell but as a "see you later," with the hope that our paths will cross once more. Let’s keep the spirit of the class of 2024 alive.
Before I go, I want to leave you all with a piece of advice from the great philosopher Ferris Bueller: 'Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.' So, let's take these words and embrace the richness of each passing moment because the journey is more important than the destination. Congratulations to us all. Here's to cherishing these memories and a future filled with endless possibilities.