Good afternoon family, friends, teachers, honoured guests, and fellow graduates. As we gather here today, we, the Class of 2016, have the amazing opportunity to share this celebration with the many people who have helped shape and guide us into the unique individuals we are today. Today represents the end of an era, but also the beginning of an incredible adventure.
As we look back at our journey through high school, we remember the moments that have made our experience unforgettable, and realize that "We've Only Begun".
Even though our thirteen years of school have felt like an eternity, many of us can attest to the fact that the past few months have flown by as the reality of our future has begun to sink in. We are now faced with a tremendous change in life. As the transition from childhood to adulthood takes place, many of us may begin to fear the future and doubt our potential.
American author, Suzy Kassem, speaks to this perfectly in her quote, "Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will." Often times we push our biggest dreams and desires aside, because we think that they are unattainable or unrealistic and we fear failure. When we doubt our abilities, we may prevent ourselves from reaching our true potential.
In our lives, there are going to be many individuals that fail to see who we truly are, and we as a generation have the responsibility of not letting their judgement or discouragement change us.
Do not let someone else's opinion of you become your reality, and do not let their doubts destroy your dreams.
You have the power to control your future, and the fear of failure should never prevent you from pursuing your personal goals. We as a generation have so much to offer to society, if we only start to believe in our own abilities.
Now, as we move on from high school, we enter a world filled with endless opportunities. Many lessons have yet to be learned that could never have been taught within the walls of a high school. Learning is a lifetime pursuit, and I would like to thank each and every individual who has helped us come this far.
Thank you to our parents, for protecting, guiding, and loving us. Thank you to our teachers for inspiring, encouraging, and challenging us. Thank you to everyone who has pushed us much further than we could have ever pushed ourselves.
It is now our turn to write the rest of our story.
I know with absolutely certainty, that every single one of my fellow graduates will do great things and make their mark in this world.
Whatever you decide to do, do it to the best of your ability, and never doubt yourself.
I'd like to close with a quote from TV presenter, Richard Wilkins, "Miracles start to happen when you give as much energy to your dreams as you do to your fears."
Congratulations to the very first graduating class of Wm. E. Hay Stettler Secondary Campus, the Class of 2016.
Thank you.