Write each page like it’s your last: grad

look fondly at his teachers and support staff.

“I think we have some very special and dedicated staff at DTSS. Teachers that arrive every day with the intention to inspire students, and incredible custodians that deal with messes you think would’ve been left by a natural disaster.”

Yes, he appreciates the maintenance crews who ensured the fields were mowed and the sidewalks were salted. “I could not be more grateful for all the staff who contribute to something much greater than themselves.”

Needless to say, he owes much to his parents, saying they have set him up for success by letting him be independent at a young age.

“ ey have always been so supportive with anything I do, even if they didn’t agree. I think communication was the best gift we have as kids and parents. Honesty and trust gets you so far.”

I truly feel happy?

Like many of his peers, McMurray is not immune to stress and anxiety. But he has learned to be in tune with his mind and body, and turns to exercise, journaling and meditation to ease his stress response.

What would happen if youth didn’t have cell phones and social media?

“I think our generation would be in a completely different place,” he says emphatically. “We would have stronger, deeper relationships. We wouldn’t feel the need to constantly compare ourselves.”

Without these vices, McMurray believes youth would be more motivated to work towards their goals instead of giving up when it becomes unsatisfying. “Overall, I think mental health would improve drastically, and we would all live a fuller life.”

Another growing concern for McMurray is climate change and how it has become a global crisis.

By Lyonel Doherty lyonel@aberdeenpublishing.com

As Daven McMurray surveys the field of fellow graduates at David ompson Secondary School, he sees a premium bag of trail mix with quite a few M&Ms in there.

“ ey are going to do incredible things,” he predicts, pointing out their diversity and how each one stands tall in a positive way.

“I would name them, but there’s a lot,” the class valedictorian says as he ponders their future as well as his own.

e 17 year old has been taught countless lessons at DTSS, and not all of them were academic.

“I think the most important lesson is there is no ‘right way’ to go through high school. Success is different for every person.”

He says you don’t have to take the hardest classes to succeed, and you don’t have to hang out with friends (who cut you down) just because you’ve known them for years.

“You’re not writing someone else’s story; this is yours. Write each page like it’s the last. at’s success in my mind.”

McMurray is in his element when he is creating something or exploring the outdoors. He admits that he doesn’t excel at anything in particular, but as a problem solver, math is his strong suit.

“I don’t think I can narrow my future down to one career. My overall goal is to make a positive change everywhere I immerse myself,” he says, adding that he hopes to make genuine connections with people.

As a youth, what excites him the most is the opportunity behind the doors in life’s multitude of game shows. “Anything you want to learn, create, or build is accessible like never before.”

But McMurray would be lying if he said he had no worries about moving forward.

“I fear our generation is not taking advantage of these opportunities. I believe we have an uphill battle against a society that favours instant gratification. I’ve noticed that motivation and real connection are becoming rare, however, I don’t think it’s lost on us.”

As he takes one last look at his school, McMurray will never forget those field trips and hanging out with friends after class.

Heh, heh. And there will be things his teachers, and particularly the principal will never forget either.

“In Grade 8, Dylan Morsette and I started selling concession food out of a locker. We were on track to profit $70 from our stock until someone ratted out my name and I was threatened with suspension.”

Okay, so he wasn’t a model student all the time. But hey, you have to have something to tell your grandchildren.

As McMurray hands his books back and says his goodbyes, he can’t help but

He is so grateful for the work ethic skills his dad gave him, and the empathy and communication skills his mom has instilled.

While McMurray embraces the future, he’s not wearing rose-coloured glasses that filter out social ills.

“I do believe we are living in a mental health crisis. Society has changed more in the past 10 years than in the previous decade,” he says. “We’re so connected and overstimulated it’s hard to realize the things that bring real joy and satisfaction. Phones and social media have the potential to detriment motivation, self-esteem and communication skills, all of which are vital at this age. I think it starts with our generation asking ourselves, when do

“It would be irrational to think climate change isn’t a prominent threat. e weather behaviour in the last five years is evidence enough.” e solution? “I think we should address climate change, focusing on individual awareness, so people can become aware of how they might impact the environment and change their daily habits accordingly.” e young man was asked how he would combat hate and racism in the Columbia Valley. His idea is to form a committee to gather community leaders and determine the most effective way to influence individuals to be more welcoming and open-minded.