The Citizen, 2007-07-12, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007. By Grant SparlingGood evening, parents, sib-lings, teachers and guests.Welcome to the graduation
ceremony for the Blyth
Public School Class of
2007. Thank you for being
here to share a memorable
day in the lives of an out-
standing group of young peo-
ple.
We are classmates. We are
friends. And it is my privilege to
provide this valedictory address on
behalf of the class.
Most valedictory speeches contain
similar words, quotations and famil-
iar messages of hope and opportuni-
ty. There are valid reasons for these
messages – and I appreciate that
there is a certain methodology to
valedictory speeches.
In considering how these familiar
themes relate to this class, this noble
class of 2007, I thought about the
people I have spent the last 10-years
with. A decade of learning and
laughing. Of winning and losing. Of
growing and maturing – all in prepa-
ration for “What comes next,” and
more importantly, for “The dots
ahead.”
In a speech to a graduating class at
Stanford in 2005, Steven Jobs, co-
founder of Apple, referred to life as
a journey which is connected by the
people we meet along the way.
Sometimes the places and the events
– but always the people. These peo-
ple are what Mr. Jobs calls, “The
Dots of life.”
Mr. Jobs never went to college,
but he managed to co-invent the per-
sonal computer industry and
become a billionaire by his 30thbirthday. He says, it all hap-pened by “Connecting thedots.”
When I think about this
class, I thank each of you
for being part of my jour-
ney. Classmates, teachers,
staff, parents – I am con-
nected to each of you as the
dots in my journey. The chal-
lenge, according to Mr. Jobs, is
that we cannot look forward and see
dots, only behind. It’s why we must
journey forward with our eyes and
our minds …wide open.
When I think about this class, I
recognize the strength of the people
in it. Somehow, we have managed to
challenge each other, while still
being supportive of each other. We
are a collection of individuals, each
one making a meaningful contribu-
tion to the other – and to the class.
Even if you didn’t realize it. And
even if you were not trying.
When I think about this class, I
realize that I have spent more time
with each of you, than any group of
people that I will ever go to school
with. Ever. Most of us have been
together for 10 years. Sure, we have
attended class, done the work and
passed each grade on our way to
graduation, but the education we
have acquired at BPS is not limited
to the curriculum.
When I think about this class, I
appreciate that I have learned some-
thing from each one of you. It’s not
the kind of stuff that appears on a
report card. But, it’s what I will
probably remember 20-years from
now. It’s what our parents and
grandparents call “Memories.” Not
the tests, the reports and the projects
– which seemed so tough at the
time.
I am sure what you and I will
remember is the dots that connected
the stuff.
I am sure what each of us will
remember …what each of us should
be thankful for, is each other and our
shared experience.
Tonight, I offer my observations
on this theme. I thank my classmates
for what they have taught me:
Collin Whitfield – Whitty and I
have been through a lot together,
we’ve had a lot of fun, and thanks to
him, I have learned to appreciate the
importance of a regular hair-cut.
Mathew Steele – Thanks to
Mathew, I have learned about the
“forces of nature,” and that it may
not be a good idea to bring a lamb to
show and tell.
Jack Weiler – Thanks to Jack, I
have learned that if someone does
bring a lamb to show and tell …keep
your distance.
Brandy Gregory – Thanks to
Brandy, I have learned to see the
humour and the lighter side in
almost everything.
Angie Fraser – Thanks to Angie, I
have learned the value of persever-
ance – and for the record, Angie has
probably read more books this year
than anyone else in our class.
Ross MacDonald – Thanks to
BB ll yy tt hh PP uu bb ll ii cc SS cc hh oo oo llBBllyytthh PP uu bb ll ii cc SS cc hh oo oo ll
2007 graduates - Grade 8 graduates from Blyth Public School were, back row, from left: Matt Chalmers,
Kirby Cook. Next row: Trevor Tyler,Adam Cronin. Second row, standing: Tyler Black, Ross Macdonald, Jack
Weiler, Alex Raynard, Jason Young, Grant Sparling, Collin Whitfield. Front: Mathew Steele, Tonia Ritchie,
Emily Nicholson, Brandy Gregory, Laura Peach, Angie Fraser, Kelly Macdonald and Amy Root.
Continued on page 18
Best Wishes To The Class Of 2007!
Congratulations
from all of us
at
Scrimgeour's
Food Market
Queen Street, Blyth 519-523-4551
ELLIOTT NIXON
INSURANCE BROKERS INC.
Established 1910
BBeesstt WWiisshheess ttoo aallll oouurr GGrraadduuaatteess
Blyth 519-523-4481
Blyth Decor Shoppe
Queen St., Blyth
Don "Barney" & Linda Stewart
Bus.: 519-523-4840
Home: 519-523-9448
GRAND VIEW
RESTAURANT
& GAS BAR
FAMILY DINING, GREAT COFFEE,
HOMEMADE PIES
AND DESSERTS,
DAILY SPECIALS
Blyth 519-523-4471
Best Wishes
to all the Grads!
2007
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Blyth Building
Supplies Ltd.
Blyth 519-523-9305
Your building and hardware store
Luann's Country Flowers & Gifts
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• Fresh or Silk Flowers & Gifts for all occasions •
Serving Wingham, Clinton, Brussels, Goderich, Bayfield, Port Albert & Area
Free delivery to funeral homes with a minimum $50. order
Luann Taylor
TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU!
409 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4440 34 Kingston St., Goderich 519-440-0987
1-800-610-7757
The Suntanning Parlour
Chances are...you'll love it
Established in 1982
Chauncey's
Hairstyling
211 Dinsley St., Blyth 519-523-9722
located on upper level of store at
Chauncey’s Hairstyling
Suntanning & Lingerie
211 Dinsley St., Blyth
catcougar@bellnet.ca
Lingerie
Best Wishes
Grads