Good evening graduates, parents, teachers, friends and family.
Todd and I are honored to speak on behalf of the parents of this year's graduating class. This means a lot to us, as over the years we have personally gotten to know a large majority of you. It has been an absolute blast watching you grow up over the years, creating a lot of memories we will never forget.
We too celebrate this huge milestone. It seems in just a blink of an eye we have arrived here and find ourselves looking back wondering how the heck did this happen. It seems like yesterday you were placed in our arms and we were scared to death that we would screw it up and not get you to the amazing young adults you have become. I am proud to say we did get you here relatively unscathed, with only a few bad Mommy and Daddy moments along the way.
It hasn't always been sunshine and roses, but in those moments valuable lessons were learned as we saw your determination, attitude and negotiation skills flourish, your stubbornness shine through and a sense of your self-confidence bloom. You tested and you pushed, and some days we wondered where our child was and what have you done with him or her? In the end, those moments were far and few between and we have gained an incredible sense of pride as we have watched you turn into incredible men and women that stand before us tonight. We are so proud to introduce you to people as our sons and daughters. You have turned out to be more than we could have ever imagined.
We alone cannot take full credit for who you have become. It takes a community to raise a child and we firmly believe this, especially with you growing up in a small town like Stettler.
You have had some amazing teachers, coaches, neighbours, community members, friends and their parents to help us along the way. Sometimes I'm not sure if your friends were really helping or just getting you into more trouble, but when push came to shove, they were there every step of the way and would protect you to the end.
We are sad to see this stage of your life over. It hasn't been easy to let go of the reins and let you guide your own life. It's going to be a huge adjustment, especially for those of us having you as our first graduate.
We are going to miss the empty pantry, the living room packed with kids, the revolving door of kids in and out, stepping over sleeping bodies on the floor, the loud vehicles ripping up and down the street, the sleepless nights of waiting for you to come home, the constant questions of "What's for dinner? Where are my clothes?, Can you pick me up?, Can you help with my homework? It's due today. Can you book my appointments?" and last but not least, "Can I have some money?
Those are memories we will always cherish, but as I say that, we are also so very excited to see you move onto the next chapter of your lives. We will always be your biggest supporters and fans and can't wait to see how it all turns out. We wish you a lifetime of new memories and happiness.
We congratulate you.... The class of 2016...
Now go celebrate this milestone with your friends and family, you have earned it!!!