Good Evening graduates, family members, friends and staff. Tonight we come together to celebrate the graduating class of 2012. For many of the parents in our audience I’m sure that seems as if only yesterday your son or daughter was excited about starting Junior Kindergarten. You worried how they would ever manage throughout the day without you by their side. Would they eat their lunch? Would they find some nice friends? Would they like and trust their teacher? Would they be kind to others and learn how to read? Would they use the bathrooms while at school? LOL. And although it seems like only yesterday, 10 years have passed and here we sit, ready to honour their elementary school career and send them off on the next part of their journey ~ secondary school.

But before we do, we need to stop and cherish today ~ Graduation is one of life’s important moments. The teacher in me, can’t resist reading you a story and hopefully you will be able to make some of those important connections that we’ve worked on so thoroughly in the past couple of years.

Cherish Today ~ A Celebration of Life’s Moments ~ by Kristina Evans

Stand up, be proud, hip hip hooray!
You’ve accomplished your goals and your’e on your way.
I know you feel awestruck, estatic, and thrilled.
You’ve completed this round; I admire your will.

The gifts that you have shine more than ever.
You are loaded with wit, and you’ve proven you’re clever.
You’ve been given the tools to build on your dreams.
You have just scored a point for the game-winning team.

The game is now over, but there’s more to do.
And your teammates are no longer right beside you.
Which way are you going? Now who’s got your back?
If you keep pushing forward, you’ll find a new track.

Let’s be honest; there may be some days
When your life will resemble an underground maze.
Every time you go out, you’ll be routed back in.
Every light in the tunnel reveals a dead end.

This is when feelings start to get hyped.
Your heart begins pounding; should you forfeit this fight?
You can still join the race, but you can’t always lead.
And it may take some time to find your own speed.

Some days it might feel like your path isn’t clear.
Our prayers are behind you and we’ll help you steer.
Will you stay focused and follow your heart?
Even though it may lead you straight off the chart?

Just remember to honor those who came before.
They carved out the path, now you open the door.
You can do it! You hold the key
To persevere and uphold our rich legacy.

Exciting adventures lie ahead in your path.
For every tear shed, you are promised tow laughs.
So just take it slow, one day at a time,
And you’ll find that your path is truly divine.

It won’t be easy; you’ll be put to the test.
But challenge is worth it when you find yourself blessed.
There’s no right or wrong way, you must pull from within.
You’ve finished the warm-up…let the true race begin.

On your mark: get set; ready; and run!
You’ve inspired so many with a job well done.
But before you set off, just let me say:
The future’s tomorrow,

Cherish today!

We started your grade eight year with purposefully having you walk across the stage at Banting making a commitment to setting a goal for your final year at Wilfrid Jury. We asked you to think about the legacy that you were going to leave as you graduated. Your goals varied from helping others, to making a commitment to being environmentally responsible, to improving in various subject areas. Now that your final year has come to an end, I wonder if you were able to meet those goals? What were the challenges along the way? What were the rewards as you finally met your goal? Are you proud of the legacy that you will leave us with as you continue your educational journey into secondary school? I know that Wilfrid Jury is a better place because you were a significant part of our school community. We are proud of your accomplishments in the Arts, Athletics and Academics. As a result of your time here at Wilfrid Jury, you are poised and ready to take on the challenges that await you.

On behalf of the entire staff, We wish you all the best and we can’t wait to celebrate your future successes.

Once a Wilfrid Jury Wolf, Always a Wilfrid Jury Wolf!