1 Massey-Vanier High School 224 rue Mercier Street, Cowansville, QC J2K 5C3 Tel: (450) 263-3772 Fax: (450) 263-7613
Graduation Speech 2008
Teachers, Staff members, Parents, Honoured Guests, Mr. Chairman, and most of all Class of 2008. As I was preparing for this speech I read this passage by the comedian George Carlin. " Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." When you looked at the program this evening you noticed the word “Graduation;” this is a direct result of what you have done and the effort you have invested. This does mark the conclusion of your high school careers. This evening is merely a conclusion to a journey that began twelve years ago. Throughout that time you have worked and studied, in order to reach this day.
Commission scolaire Eastern Townships School Board, 101 rue Du Moulin, bureau 205, Magog, QC
J1X 6H8
(819) 868-3100
2 Massey-Vanier High School 224 rue Mercier Street, Cowansville, QC J2K 5C3 Tel: (450) 263-3772 Fax: (450) 263-7613
When you reflect upon your high school careers, you will have made lifelong friends with whom you have shared great memories. Reflect back to your first day at Massey-Vanier, when you got off the buses with 2500 other students and suddenly realized that you were no longer in elementary school. But each of you soon adapted to your new surroundings and embraced your new challenges. Here you are today. After five years, your time at MV has come to a conclusion. Each of you has left a mark on Massey-Vanier and as I look at the group, many of you have provided me with those breathless moments that I spoke of earlier. As well, Massey-Vanier has left its mark on you. No matter where life takes you and what experiences lie in your future, there is one tie that binds you together and that is being a graduate of MasseyVanier High School. Wear it proudly as we are very proud of you and your accomplishments.
Commission scolaire Eastern Townships School Board, 101 rue Du Moulin, bureau 205, Magog, QC
J1X 6H8
(819) 868-3100
3 Massey-Vanier High School 224 rue Mercier Street, Cowansville, QC J2K 5C3 Tel: (450) 263-3772 Fax: (450) 263-7613
Today is a “success” and is a reflection of your commitment to a better tomorrow. Many of you have been confronted with challenges and by being here today, you are creating that breathless moment. Sadly, we lost Maya Janishevski in November 2006, and Alex Roy in December 2007. It was quite impressive to witness the class bond together in both these times of need. It demonstrates your strength of character and your sense of community as you supported each other. As you sit here this evening this will be the last time that you are together as a group. Cherish this moment, as it will not be repeated again. As I look out into the crowd, I see many proud parents, family members and teachers. As Principal of Massey-Vanier High School I must say that each graduating class has a special place in my memory, and the class of 2008 is no exception! Each year I chaperone the level V students to New York City. This year, as in previous years, the students represented their community to the highest possible standard. Any time you take 50 High School Seniors to New York City, you must expect the unexpected; however, none of my fears were
Commission scolaire Eastern Townships School Board, 101 rue Du Moulin, bureau 205, Magog, QC J1X 6H8 (819) 868-3100
4 Massey-Vanier High School 224 rue Mercier Street, Cowansville, QC J2K 5C3 Tel: (450) 263-3772 Fax: (450) 263-7613
realized, once again demonstrating that the students of Massey-Vanier High School are among the very best. Each year we have the pleasure of welcoming international students to Massey-Vanier. Each of you brings different experiences and adds unique qualities to the school. I thank you for enriching the life of Massey-Vanier and hope that we have enriched your life as well. Today is a success, but it is not final. You are merely graduating from one step of your life into another. It is also a beginning. We may ask our selves the question: what were the last twelve years of education for? After tonight, I will greet you not as a student of Massey-Vanier, but as a citizen of the world. You do not leave your life as a student behind as much as you begin your life as an adult in an adult world. With this new position that you assume tonight go many rights, responsibilities and expectations. The very fact that you are here this evening means that you have completed your studies and are prepared to accept those responsibilities and meet the demands of the adult world.
Commission scolaire Eastern Townships School Board, 101 rue Du Moulin, bureau 205, Magog, QC J1X 6H8 (819) 868-3100
5 Massey-Vanier High School 224 rue Mercier Street, Cowansville, QC J2K 5C3 Tel: (450) 263-3772 Fax: (450) 263-7613
This new chapter of your life will bring with it many successes, but at times there will also be failures and difficulties. You will also learn that not many of these failures are fatal; they are nothing more than challenges that will cause you to question your abilities. You must see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Take what you have learned and use it. Use it as you begin your new life as an equal partner in the world. Use it as you meet challenges. Use it now and throughout your lives. May it serve you well. Grab hold of tomorrow, and use what you have learned in the past, build it into a bright and shining future. It is the hope and the prayer of everyone here that your pathway may be straight and true and that your destination may be golden with happiness and alive with vibrant promise. All of this will be defined by your courage to succeed in the face of failure. Let me suggest that they were not to prepare you to end or conclude this portion of your life, but they were to prepare you to begin a new part of your life.
Commission scolaire Eastern Townships School Board, 101 rue Du Moulin, bureau 205, Magog, QC J1X 6H8 (819) 868-3100
6 Massey-Vanier High School 224 rue Mercier Street, Cowansville, QC J2K 5C3 Tel: (450) 263-3772 Fax: (450) 263-7613
The following quote written by Winston Churchill always come to mind at the time of graduation. “History shall be kind to me for I intend to write it.” Graduates go forth into this next chapter of your life and write your own history, as you will only be limited by your strength of character in the face of adversity and by your struggle to create breathless moments. We all wish good luck, success, and hope for a better tomorrow after a very successful today to the class of 2008.
Commission scolaire Eastern Townships School Board, 101 rue Du Moulin, bureau 205, Magog, QC
J1X 6H8
(819) 868-3100