The graduation ceremony for Eighth Avenue Learning Centre was a mix of celebration, thanks and words of inspiration on June 22 at the ADSS Auditorium.
“We have walked with each and every one of these beautiful people who walk our stage tonight, each of them having a special journey, and you are a part of it,” principal Dave Maher said to family, friends and staff gathered to witness the ceremony.
Graduates entered the auditorium to loud applause as they found their seats on the stage.
“Each of you has demonstrated remarkable dedication, perseverance and unwavering commitment to being your best throughout your educational journey.
“Congratulations,” vice-principal Nick Seredick told the grads.
Valedictorian Sierra Martin said the final few weeks of the school year were filled with collective excitement and nerves. She talked about the family connections that were made at school, that are only now becoming visible as students prepare to leave. “It’s all we know, it’s all we’ve ever known. Now we’re expected to create a whole new life for ourselves for the first time, which is exciting but scary,” she said.
“In three short months we’re expected to look back and say this is the past…hold onto every last second of it. Do the things that scare you…make mistakes…live like this is your last chance to be a teenager. Hold on to the last possible moment.”
Staff and students also took a moment to remember classmate Jermaine Frank, who died earlier this year. Both tears and cheers were present when Frank’s photo appeared on the stage’s big-screen, and Maher spoke a few words about Frank and his impact at EALC.
Damon Rampanen, a Learning on Land Knowledge Keeper, reminded students that while they are all individuals “we all have education in common. Your path of knowledge started the day you were born, wanting to figure out the world and where you fit in it,” he said.
“Throughout the school years you learned to pick up this tool belt of education and as it went on year after year, you picked up tools along the way.”
He acknowledged that school became more difficult as students got older. He reminded them that the people gathered in the auditorium helped them along the way. He encouraged them to keep learning and evolving after graduation.
“As this chapter comes to an end, the next chapter begins. Fill your book of life with as many chapters as you can, and reach for the stars. Strive for greatness. But most of all, become the best version of you that you can. Because the only person you should try to outdo, to try to be, to become better than, is yourself.”