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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2002-06-26, Page 15THE HURON EXPOSITOR, July 11, 0001- er:9ratulati,ev‘.s class of 2001 i_eavi,ng Secifortk `Pulol�c wi,�� Ie like losi.rig aKd old frient • By Blake Griffiths, Valedictorian Fellow graduates, parents, teachers, and distinguished guests. It is both an honor and a privilege to have been chosen valedictorian and to have been given the opportunity to address this assembly this evening. Congratulations Seaforth Public School Graduates 2001! We've finally made it!! Today we will take the knowledge gained over the past nine years and continue on the path to fulfilling our dreams. No matter where this road takes us - high school, college, and university or into the work force, we will always treasure our time here at Seaforth as we head into new endeavors. We call this graduation because it is a new beginning, not an end. We have celebrated so many graduations in our lives thus far play school, kindergarten and for some of it was grade 4 at Walton Public School, to name just a few. Each one of these was one more stepping stone down our pathway of life. It is important to set goals throughout our lives and to work to the best of our abilities to achieve these goals. Always aim high don't sell yourself short. There will be times when we do not succeed or our pathway changes but this is when we must stop -refocus -and then continue on our journey. It doesn't seem that long ago since we entered public school as little people full of apprehension and fears but we soon overcame these feelings. Through the transition of years we went from being the youngest to the most senior students. And guess what we get to do it all over again in September when we enter high school!!! We have all become so comfortable with Seaforth Public School that I'm sure it will be like losing an old friend. But life carries on and with the experience and knowledge we have accumulated over the years it will make the transition to high school a smooth one. The world we live in is changing at an unprecedented speed and this will challenge us in our career choices. You have the ability to do whatever you choose. Never be afraid or hesitant to step off the path into your own direction if that is what your heart is telling you to do. It's up to each of us to decide which way we want to go. How far or how fast we go in life are the choices we must make for ourselves. Some of my fondest memories at Seaforth Public were the production of the Fabulous Fifties directed and produced by Mr. Flood. Many of us experienced skiing for the very first time at Bowler Mountain and later at Talisman Ski Hill. Skating and swimming were often completed by lunch out with friends. Dances were attended during lunch period in grades 4 to 6, and later after school in grades 7 and 8. We've competed as a school team in many sports events such as Volleyball, soccer and track and field. Camp Celtic graduation trip was spectacular and enjoyed by everyone who\ attended. It could be said that we were well taught at Seaforth Public School but we were also a little spoiled!! This day could not be celebrated without the dedication, love and support of our parents. The persistent efforts and encouragement from our fine teachers, principals, support staff and the volunteers who gave so generously of their time. In closing I would like to share a poem by Jancari Camp called; Never Let Go of Hope One day you will see that it has finally come together. What you have always wished for has finally come to be. You will look back and laugh at what has passed And you will ask yourself, How did I get through all of that? Just Never let go of hope. Just Never quit dreaming. And Never let love Depart from your life. ecaforEL 177)%4I2iLG ch.00A wciroil, ws.10%..1•%.er3 J.W. Talbot (academic): Kirsty Currie, Blake Griffiths; Citizenship: Tory Scott, Spencer Zaple; Publie Speaking: Blake Griffiths; Language Arts: Erica Dietz; Sportsmanship: Krista Shortreed, Scott Dalton; Super Fun: Krista Forde; SAC (School Council): Kelsey Bennewies; French: Troy Hopkins; Music: Katherine Yee; Leadership: Lindsay McNichol; Science: Elise Ringgenberg. t'I tprecLctc61e riew c�.aPter of our Itves By Chris Cronin and Ashley Marion Valedictorians On behalf of the graduating class, we would like to welcome everyone here tonight to share in a reflection of our past years here at St. James School. After tonight, we begin a new chapter in our lives, containing •the unpredictability and suspense of the future. As we face the greater challenges that will be brought to us throughout the years to come, we pause tonight to celebrate our past successes. First and foremost, we would like to thank the Graduating Class of 2001 for giving us the opportunity to speak on their behalf. It is with great honour and privilege that we stand before you tonight. Expressing the emotions that were brought about when we were selected to represent the 25 unique individuals in our class is beyond words. One tremendous thanks goes out to Mr. Landers. What this man has done for us this year is indescribable! Not only has he prepared us academically, but Mr. Landers has taught us the many social skills, responsibilities, appropriate attitude and positive outlook that we will be required to call upon throughout the upcoming years in high school and beyond. Thar* you for making our last year at St. James one that we will certainly cherish. Good luck to you and your family in your future endeavours at your new school in St. Marys. We would also like to thank our principal, Mr. Murray. Principals are a very important influence in the school community; as we know, they can make a dramatic difference. Mr. Murray's positive Christian attitude, leadership and faithful school spirit will definitely be remembered. We would also like to thank him for organizing arrangements for these lovely corsages to be made. They look great! We wish continued success to Mr. Murray at his new position in St. Marys. At this time we would also like to acknowledge a former principal, Mr. McDade, who emphasized the importance of the Notre Dame rules during our early years here at St. James. With Father Dino as our spiritual guide, we prepared ourselves for the Sacrament of Confirmation. We extend our thanks to him for helping us embark on our journey as adult Christians in the church. Your easygoing personality and unique sense of humour have been greatly appreciated by our class. Good luck and may God Bless as you begin a new passage in your life in Windsor. Many thanks also go to the wonderful staff members who have shared their vast knowledge with us all through our years at St. James. In particular, we'd like to thank Mme. Meyer, who has taught us French for the past six years. Her patience has proved to be of benefit, as we have acquired quite an extensive vocabulary. It has been a great pleasure to have shared this year with so many wonderful teachers, namely Mrs. Millian, Miss Zutt and Mrs. Van Steelandt. Thank you all for helping us along our journey here at St. James School. One last, very special thanks goes to our noon hour monitor/supervisor, Mrs. Price. Her infinite patience deserves special recognition; it is quality that receives our outright admiration. Last, but not least, we salute our loving parents who were our first teachers and continue to nurtte and support us in Congratulations Class of 2001 From All Of Us At 11 II 11 11 II II 11' 11 1 11"1;1 11 ergip tt,fso rlfi i 111167 Firsitere • Moyipt Applegate* Mar Cow** •?VRVCR Box Furniture lab St. SNlbrth 52740e0 44a4421100$ . ba' May all your hopes and dreams come true in the years to come. Congratulations on a job weN done TNu Chose Howse Seaforth Zurich LeLv�.s wt,t�, suis g Pense And know that you have accomplished a great success in your life. You've taken a dream, added a splash of determination, And created the reality which you hold in your hands today. And as you stand among the future of our world, In that fleeting moment, take time to reflect on the past; On obstacles you've had to overcome, On mistakes you may have made, And friends you've known along the way. Dream of tomorrow; envision with awe all that it holds for you, And be sure that there are no obstacles you can't overthrow, And that mistakes can be rectified, And that the friends who have been with you will always be with you, Because the gift of memory will keep them forever alive in your heart. So as you end a chapter in your journal of life, And embark out into an unchartered sea, You will tread the uncertain waters with caution, knowledge and respect. For although you can't see to the ocean floor, You have the courage to look deep within and make the changes you know you can, The knowledge not to disturb the good that .is already there, And the self-respect to be the best that you can be. To the graduating class of '01: Congratulations on the successful completion of our journey through elementary school. May your dreams that you aspire to tomorrow be a reflection of the success you have achieved here at St. James School. Let the determination and perseverance that it took to carry you here tonight be the deciding factor as to where you cast your rainbow of success, as we are sure it will be prosperous and renowned. • our lives. Their infinite love and perpetual patience have brought us a long way over the past fourteen years. As our role models, you have taught us the many skills and valuable lessons that will help us as we prepare to encounter the challenges that await us in high school. Though, as teenagers, we don't always show our love, we will always love you. Here's a little something to show how much we really do appreciate the endless efforts that you put forth in order to have us reach our maximum potential. (handing out of roses) School is not just about the assignments and the homework -- it's the people who have been there along the way, that create the memories that we will value and hold so dearly to our hearts. Tyson, for his adoration for farming. Ashley B, for her enthusiasm for playing squash. , Amanda, who will never run out of gum or lip chap. Julie, who never let her size interfere with her ability to sneeze. Ashley F, whose constant passion has been her horses. Erin, whose special addition to our classroom this year and spiked hair will always be remembered. Lukas, the Great Swiss Athlete whose soccer skills still amaze us. Mark, whose extraordinary ability to play the guitar still dazzles the class. Rob, whose addition to the school last year definitely contributed to our x -country team's success. Allie, for her generous personality and remarkable sincerity. Matt, for his athletic ability and familiarization with vacuums. Kali, for her quiet and caring character. Jim, for always being the object of the guys' affection. Jeremy, who was always willing to give others a second chance. Tommy, for his affection toward his pigs. Curt, for his continual interest in mechanics and farming. Joel, whose grandma contributed none other than the Queen's Hotel to our community. Jon, whose quirky sense of humour never stopped entertaining the class over our years at St. James. Shawn, whose voracious appetite for knowledge, notably history, kept Mr. Landers on his toes. Brett, for the great bond between him and his rabbits. Kim, who has a special way with little children; I think they really appreciated an older student who was around their own size. Tyler, who was our class fountain of useless information and Ryan, for being the class's die-hard Leaf fan. As we end the chapter on St. James here tonight, we acknowledge everyone present. You have all influenced our lives in ways for which we can only be grateful. Our memories of the marvelous people, environment and happenings here at St. James will certainly be treasured. We would now like to share a poem by Pamela M. Ogilvie which we feel best expresses the wonders of graduation. Look at yourself as you stand among the winners. See yourself as one, belonging to, an elite group of individuals, Class of 2001 Congratulations The future is yours! ce of Ontario 'Savings Office The Province of Ontario 49 SavMall'iragromuthWie. , ' Box 5g 'Year deposits witheal /best i Sincere Congratulations 2001 Graduates Boxd Funeral Chapel Christopher M. Smith Funeral Director Award Winners appear on Page 12 C0mgl hileti0as Sraduat•s from the staff and management at 4ffilW) IVC Hwy. 8, Seaforth 527-1823 You make us all Proud Seaforth PublIc School 0011.1a4o,"iiit NA'n To All OFF Oar �radavW ARTECH Signs & Graphics 'The New Name For Woodway Signs" Hwy. 8 West Sestorth Keep up the GREAT WORK! Janet's Country Donut Cafe 527-2551 r