Graduation ceremonies and festivities were held today for the Weyburn Comprehensive School Class of 2025. Diplomas were presented, speeches given, followed by a couple of chances for the grads to show off their finest attire for loved ones first, and for the public at the Grad Parade.
During the ceremony at Crescent Point Place this morning, Principal Renee Cuthbert addressed the graduates:
"If there is one thing I hope you have come to realize over these last six years, it is this: you are the author of your own story. The choices you make, the risks you take, and the passion you bring to everything you do will shape the narrative of your life."
Cuthbert also advised them to say yes to opportunities.
Brinley Klapak, in her Valedictorian speech, shared that the class of 2025 could only accomplish this milestone with the help of support systems at home and at school. She said they now have an exciting chapter ahead of them all.
"Our lives as we know them will never be the same. The familiar faces we see daily and the routine barriers will be changed forever. The world is waiting for the impact each of us will have on it. The world needs each of us with our different talents and goals."
She shared one of her favourite quotes: "Be bold, be brave, be you."
"I would like to encourage each of my fellow classmates to do just that as you move on to your next chapter. Be bold. Let the world know why you're here. Follow your dreams with determination and passion. Being bold will help you and others around you to stay motivated to reach goals throughout your life. But being bold does not mean being harsh. I encourage you to stay kind as you pursue your goals and to keep others in mind as you journey through your life."
"Be brave. Moving into the next part of our lives can be scary. Being brave does not mean never getting scared or nervous. Being brave means moving through difficult situations despite feeling afraid. I encourage you to persevere through hard times and decisions as they make you a stronger and better individual. Taking the easy way of your life will not benefit you to expand to be the person you wish to be. Taking your own path is sometimes best and will make you more resilient and prepared for the next hurdle life may throw at you."
"Be unique. This is the most important part of the quote. No one can tell you or show you how to be yourself other than you. Being yourself is what will get you farthest in your life. Recognizing your true interests and skills is what will bring you success. We each have a different story we're waiting to be written. It is important to remain the focus of your story. Focus on staying true to yourself. Staying true also includes being mindful that others may be different than you and that's okay. Our diverse class at WCS has proved many different people can reach the same goal together. We all have roots at WCS but we now must create our own branches."
Klapak congratulated her fellow graduates, "We have made it. Every assignment, test, and adventure during our time at WCS has brought us to today. There is so much to be proud of. Thank you for being an entertaining class to grow up with. From the junior dances to angle pumping just because the teachers might find it funny. Each memory we have made as a class has helped prepare us for our future even if we didn't realize it. I wish you good luck in your future endeavors. You all deserve it. I am so lucky to have spent my high school years with you all. Always remember to go back to your roots if you feel lost. Never stray from who you are and always work towards your goals and dreams."
"Now that you have graduated, nothing is too big or too small. Anything is possible. Be proud of what you have done so far in your life and look forward to your future with excitement, hope, and determination. I know you can do it. Congratulations to all of us at WCS. You've got this. Be bold. Be brave. Be you."
