Good evening to all attendees: teachers, faculty, family, friends, and the graduating class of 2008! It's amazing how quickly this day has come – this final goodbye to high school felt so far away, but it caught up with us before we even realized it.
School is a challenging domain in which time can be deceiving; one hour and fifteen minutes can feel interminable, whereas the end of the school year can arrive unexpectedly, much like Brandon Holland running the 200 meter dash. The previous three years swiftly passed by, yet none were as accelerated as this final school year. Undoubtedly, this journey from grade nine to the present moment has been remarkable, Walkerville – thanks to the unforgettable experiences and the exceptional students who comprise this graduating class. There is no educational institution comparable to Walkerville; it surpasses all others in Windsor
...Essex county. Walkerville stands alone in its excellence. Observing this graduating class fills me with pride for the remarkable individuals they have become.
The group of individuals I see here is filled with respect, acceptance, and a lot of class. The talent displayed by the senior year students is exceptional. This senior class consists of incredibly talented actors, athletes, artists, dancers, writers, photographers, singers, intelligent individuals, and musicians. However, at Walkerville, talent knows no bounds and is not limited to just one category. For instance, athletes also engage in art and dance classes, dancers can play the bassoon, artists have the ability to sing, musicians participate in daring stunts like the four-man piggyback, swimmers can play the piano, businessmen try their hand at broomball, historians can write toxic love poems, and male dancers ar
regarded as heroes.
In addition, this graduating class exemplifies the fusion of exceptional talent, integrity, and enthusiasm for our school. Throughout our senior year, we have consistently displayed our affection for our alma mater by actively participating in various activities. One notable example is assisting at events like frosh day, wherein we fearlessly don ridiculous costumes and cheer exuberantly while guiding the incoming freshmen through a gooey concoction of corn flakes and syrup to find pennies. By immersing ourselves in such experiences and igniting their passion for our school, we also inspire them to develop innovative and messy games for future generations of Walkerville students. While frosh day represents just one avenue of involvement, collectively we have contributed to every performance, club, team, and council. Our involvement has yielded unforgettable moments and remarkable achievements in productions like pajama game, midsummer night’s dream, sears festival, and the 24hour art and theatre projects.
The sports teams had successful seasons this year, irrespective of titles and records. Exceptional athletes from all teams have elevated the standards of determination and discipline, and sportsmanship has been exhibited in all aspects. In the boys' soccer team, we understood the significance of maintaining a positive mindset. Despite facing challenges throughout the season, Coach Chris Durocher would always remind us of our earlier experiences in timbits soccer right before every game. He would say, "Oh, and don't forget guys; enjoy yourselves out there."
As we shouted tartans even louder, we were inspired by the baseball team's optimistic outlook. Mr. Cetra, their leader, is committed to ensuring their triumph in the coming year. Engaging isn't solely about winning or receiving recognition; it's about acting out
of love for one another and our school.
I have a deep affection for this school, as well as for all of you, and that will never change. Each and every one of you holds love for this school just as you do for each other, and I believe that our graduating class has been united by this love. Throughout my time here, I have noticed that the divisions between social groups have become less distinct and stereotypes have quickly disappeared. There are no longer barriers that separate us; they have dissolved over the course of these four years. This particular year has brought us even closer together, through moments of joy, laughter, and also moments of sadness.
This year, we are grieving the loss of Kyle Ouelette, a beloved Tartan. Although I didn't know him closely, it was touching to witness the deep affection his close friends had for their fellow tartan. It was also heartening to observe the support provided by both teachers and students during this challenging time, offering comfort and assistance in any way possible. This support has brought our grade closer together, and we witness a similar spirit in another situation: the ongoing battle with cancer faced by our own Scotty Wilson. He gives us another reason to demonstrate our unity as Walkerville stands beside its members, with teachers, students, and faculty alike willing to aid a fellow tartan. Moreover, the compassion of these students extends beyond the school's confines, as demonstrated at Walkerville's relay for life event.
As the night fell, numerous students embarked on the path of luminaries, showcasing yet again the remarkable character of our students. Walkerville once
again revealed its unity by raising over ten thousand dollars for cancer. I firmly believe that this graduating class is truly one of a kind. They possess an unparalleled level of respect that permeates both their words and actions. What sets them apart is the absence of labeling and categorization. It is a rarity to find a collective that embraces and validates the individuality of all its members. No one is denied the opportunity to pursue their passions, even if it means starting to play soccer in grade 12. Additionally, we wholeheartedly accept and acknowledge those with unique tastes, like someone who chooses to wear a mustard yellow tie on every occasion.
Instead of criticism, we celebrate each other and reward those we admire. Good examples are the prestigious “Willistead Park Award” and the “most likely to live in an RV down by the river award”. There are times when you will long for these days of highschool. The days when your spare was spent in the park on a cloudless day perhaps, and the priceless moments in the classrooms. Even the times like Monday morning; first period; sitting down after the national anthem with the long week ahead of you. And yes, even those days in gym class, running the beep test.
Next year, the long hours in the auditorium, the exhilarating practices in the field or gym, and the bus rides with the team to teach the county schools a lesson will all come to an end. The glorious days of the WHL are over, abe – they're over now. The times when you walked slowly down a deserted hallway, gazing at photographs and reflecting
on the history behind each one, are also gone.
These are the things we are leaving behind: an old building with secret passages and ghosts in the walls. The term valedictorian originates from Vale Dicere, which means "to say goodbye" in Latin. Although it seemed like the moment of farewell would never come, it has now arrived. It is a time to move on and embark on new and greater things.
Some friends may drift apart, while others will remain lifelong friends. However, all of us will hold onto the memories that we have made in these halls. As you recall moments such as the widespread "astronaut" pen craze or Robby Hordnicy's spectacular dance moves at prom, remember how Walkerville has shaped your life. Whether it has provided you with a fresh perspective, lifelong companions, or the transition from homeschooling to experiencing the real world, may you always cherish Walkerville as some of the most remarkable years of your life.
As we venture into the real world, we understand that it won't be a walk in the park. Whether it's attending school, starting a job, or exploring Europe with a backpack, Walkerville School has thoroughly equipped us for the challenges ahead. We express our gratitude!
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