HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2008-07-10, Page 13THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2008. PAGE 13. By Kayla ThalenIt is difficult forme to stand hereand deliver this
speech. I am
overwhelmed by
happiness and
sadness. I am
happy because
this makes my
next step in this
journey that we call life, yet sad
because Brussels held a special place
in my memories and heart.
As I look out I can see that my
classmates feel the same. My
teachers and peers have seen me
grow, many of you helping mold me
into the person I am today. We have
made memories that will last a
lifetime and we have met people who
we have since learned to rely on.
It is strange though … I remember
being in kindergarten and seeing
what I considered to be the “big
kids”, the eighth graders, going home
early to prepare for their graduation. I
pondered when my time would come
to graduate, feeling as though this
would make me an “adult”.
Now that I have reached this day, I
do not feel any different, perhaps
wiser but the changes I have
undergone are up to the people who
have seen me grow.
After kindergarten we stepped up
and suddenly we were Grade 1
students, this marking a new chapterin our lives while still coming closerand closer to this ruthless goal ofgraduating. Certainly Grade 1 was a
joy all year round.
Soon all of the younger grades
were behind us and we were quickly
rising to the top, taking hold of the
key and slowly twisting it; gripping
the wheel and preparing to floor it.
The teachers that taught us so
much, never cease to remind me that
the memories we share here tonight
are also part of the learning
experiences.
These memories allow you to laugh
with your friends and bring you close
together, but as we venture all on our
own and continue to climb the never-
ending ladder, we always had faith
that our class would once again be
returned in the same classroom.
As we have welcomed new peers
and have said goodbye to other
students, we are fortunate to be here
together, looking our very best and
celebrating the day that we thought
would never come.
Grade 8, it’s one of our most
cherished years yet, has in itself had a
lifetime of memories that I’m sure we
are all excited to share.
For instance Camp Celtic, gave us
the opportunity to meet new people,
to get muddy, and to challenge our
independence. From there we
brought back songs, games, stories,
and the rule about elbows on the
table, that we are still getting busted
for at school. I’m challenging you all
to keep your elbows off the table by
the way, If you get caught, oh ya, we
are so getting you. Bring it!
Even though Camp Celtic supplied
us with so many stories and Kodak
moments, some of our fondest
memories still live in the classroom.
Right Mr. Westra?
It was April 1. We all knew that this
was our last chance to get Mr. Westra.
Mrs. Dolmage was up for the
challenge so joined in right away.
Our cunning plan started as soon as
she called Mr. Westra out of the
classroom to receive a phone call. We
got to work.
First we twisted the cap off his
water bottle and poured some salt in.
Rachel tried adding coco into the
mix. When we were finished we put
the water bottle back in place and
waited for him to arrive. The bell
rang suddenly and everyone sat in
their seats. It seemed that nobody
could contain themselves so as he
reached for the water bottle, piercing
Emotions high as students graduate Grade 8
BB RR UU SS SS EE LL SS PP UU BB LL II CC SS CC HH OO OO LL GG RR AA DD UU AA TT EE SS —— Brussels graduating class of 2008 is,
back row, from left: Marc Westra, Breanne DenDekker, Rachel Oldridge, Josh Struthers, Dalton
Hamilton, Trevor Nesbitt, Austin Grant, Chris Ross, Rileah DeVore, Kayla Thalen, Sarah
Gerber, Julena Pipe and Hannah Pedersen. Front row, from left: Krista McKay, Lauren
McNichol, Danielle Ducharme and Marlene Dale.
BBrruusssseellss PPSS 22000088
Continued on page 18
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