WEYBURN – The Grade 12 class of Weyburn Comprehensive has come through “a whirlwind” of a school year, but the lessons learned will take them forward into their future, said class valedictorian George Hoffman, addressing the graduation ceremonies on Saturday morning.
Recalling that this class came through COVID-19, he noted classmate Jared Vilcu once came to school wearing a gas mask, then “we got through not one, but two Saskatchewan storms of the century.”
He said that getting over these hurdles has built a strong character that will help them as they move forward in their lives.
“I would ask each one of you to hold your heads up high and tackle the challenges in front of you. Strive for excellence in all that you do, don’t just get by,” said Hoffman. “Be the kind of person you would be proud to be. The resilience instilled in each of us is truly part of the secret sauce of success.”
He went on to recognize the educators that has brought the students to this point of graduation, and said, “It’s been a source of inspiration to myself and many others. While not everyone has loved every minute of science, English and math classes, you can appreciate the dedication of our teachers that they show each and every day in their work.”
He said “poor Mrs. Arnold” has had to put up with him for the past four years, but teacher Colton Neithercut has had to put up with him for far longer, since he was in high school and gave him swimming lessons, and then taught him through the EYES program.
Hoffman noted that teachers are also not the only ones who have made a difference in their lives, but the families of the graduating class have also helped to make them the people they are today.
“It’s important to acknowledge the extracurricular victories that have been achieved this year, from athletics, like football, basketball and volleyball, to the musical, case competition and skills competition, all who participated not only furthered their own learning, but also brought honour to the school and the community. We all made the school proud,” said Hoffman.
“Like all storms, the whirlwind of this year will quiet down with finals, and the busyness of the year will come to a close, replaced by excitement and nervousness, fear and jubilation that comes with a look at our future after high school,” he said. “The worst we’ve had to deal with is already done, and we will make new goals and challenges.”
No matter what a graduate is aspiring to do with their lives, whether it’s to be an engineer, electrician, doctor or lawyer, “I wish the best of luck for you. The future might be full of anxiety, but it’s also exciting and filled with opportunity. Seize the opportunities that come your way, and I’m sure you will succeed.”
