Elphinstone Grad 2016

My speech to the Elphinstone Secondary Graduating Class of 2016 (revised) on behalf of the SD46 Board of Education

Good evening parents, guardians, staff, family, friends, and Graduating Class of 2016.

I am proud to be here tonight to share WITH YOU a few words on behalf of School District No.46 (Sunshine Coast) Board of Education.

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2016!!!

It’s been 13 years of schooling and here you are…

I cannot believe how fast TIME has flown by. It was not that long ago when you were just 5-years old getting ready your first day of school. Do you remember that??? Who was YOUR first teacher?

Can you remember that very moment when you were about 12 or 13 years old and you were DONE with elementary school?

I remember a time, about 5-years ago… when I WAS TALLER than Chris Norman (your valedictorian). Can you believe that??? I was taller!!!

Now, YOU are mature, young adults… and finished your Grade 12 year.

I had the privilege of working with Wyatt Henley at the board table this school year. He is one of TWO student trustees in the province.

It makes me proud to know that students like Wyatt and District Student Leadership Team represent SD46 students and student voice at the board table. I thank you ALL for your leadership and service.

So, what’s after high school graduation??? Some of you might travel… some might go to work… while others might go back to school.

One thing is for sure… you can say GOODBYE to block rotations, locker combinations, and slushie runs… and say HELLO to your future.

Tonight, I leave you with three of my favourite quotes:

The first quote is from Brene Brown: “Vulnerability is about having the courage to show up and be seen.”

The second quote is from Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

The third quote is from Steve Jobs: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to TRUST that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”

To summarize… Be yourself. Don’t be shy. Don’t second-guess. Just love what you do. You are the learner. There are no mistakes. Try and DO your best. Listen to yourself and your intuition. Don’t over plan or over think. And, take the first step… You never know unless you try.

On behalf of SD46 Board of Education… we honour you… we celebrate you… and, we congratulate you on your accomplishments.

We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

You make us PROUD!!! 

Thank you.