Clinton News-Record, 1987-07-08, Page 42Page 14
Graduating from Blyth Public School this year with their Grade 8
diplomas were (back row, left) Troy Carter, Chris Bolger, Philip
Hubbard, Timothy King, Rick Howson, David Bell, Chad Gelwicks
and David Hessels. In the front row, left, are Kelly Cook, Tabatha
Montgomery, Leah Richmond, Tamara Bearss, Krista Van Soest,
Darryl Elliott and Michael Pawitch. (Gayle King photo)
working our way up the ladder
By Kelly Cook
Blyth Public School
Teachers, guests and fellow graduates.
As I stand here tonight, it seems impossi-
ble to believe that it's been nine rears
since we started up the endless ladder of
education. As we met each other on the
bottom rung, it appeared that there were
only 15 of us, five girls ten boys. Many
tears were shed upon the departure of
parents in the first few weeks, but we grew
and learned that life was more fun away
from them.
Moving on to the next rung, to Grade 1,
proved to be a bigger step than before.
Reading, writing and arithmetic started,
as well as public speaking. Poems were
said that year and we enjoyed it. Everyone
was keen to win the trophy.
From rung to rung, we moved to Grade 2
where spelling started, and Grade 3 where
written speeches had to be prepared for
public speaking.
Because of our low numbers, only 12 at
this time, we now became a split Grade 4
class with the Grade below us.
Now, as we entered Grade 5, it was hard
to believe we were seniors. But with the
senior ears came harder math and timed
tests.
Onward to Grade 6 came the enjoyment
of a new activity, the winter carnival. I'm
positive Mrs. Hulley will remember it that
year after the fateful obstacle course left
her wearing sunglasses.
The next rung I'm sure I will never
forget! Grade 7, the toughest year with the
toughest teacher. It was a struggle to keep
up that year, but we did have fun getting
Mr. Yeats off topic. Remember when
Yeater's spelling lesson left us knowing
how to tune a piano. Or how about learning
on our own that throwing an eraser, even
when the teacher is out, may still result in
it landing in a full cup of coffee.
Grade 8 is also fresh in my mind. The
memory of the tiring job of Grade 1 tutor-
ing, trying to set a good example for the
younger grades, and the laughs shared
with Mr. Black and the Kolkmans on the
Ottawa trip will stay with me for years to
come.
Tonight we stand, ready to go on to the
next ladder of secondary school. I'm sure
we will all agree that public school has
been informative and enjoyable. The
tL��l;l
(
WE'RE YOUR DISTRIBUTORS FOR JUICE PRODUCTS BY
HOLIDAY JUICE — MR. CITRUS — SUNKIST
BLYTH DISTRIBUTORS
Rick and Pete Aylsworth
(519) 523-9251
teachers are to thank for that If tt wasn't
for their understandi.nc and persistence.
we wouldn't be read} for the next rung.
Also the parents are to be congratulated
for their constant support through the
years, whether it be to push us with our
home work or to come to school for
assemblies, fund raisers or bus trips. We
hope you continue to support us through
'the trying years ahead.
At this time I would like to wish my
fellow graduates the best of luck as we go
our separate ways next year.
Making your way up the next few rungs
seems scary, to me anyway, but it must be
done and some very important decisions
will need to be made. These decisions will
affect your future, and as the years go on it
will become evident that you made or did
not make the right ones.
From high school, to college or universi-
ty, and on to whatever training it takes for
your career choice, the ladder keeps on go-
ing and it never really stops, it just gets
easier to climb. And I'm sure, as we go on
our way, the public school years will be
remembered fondly.
Congratulations
and Best Wishes for
your future success
Complete
Radiator Service and
Re -manufactured Gas Yanks
77 ALBERT ST.
Gory Elliott
Proprietor
CLINTON
482-7770