Merritt Secondary School
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Grad 2014
Prepare yourself so that you can be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud. I was reading a newspaper article last week about heroes and how most of today’s heroes are male athletes. The article suggested that this is wrong and we needed more female heroes and suggested a few — astronauts, doctors and politicians. As I thought about the article later, I realized they still had it wrong. For me, a hero is an ordinary individual who does something ordinary so well that it inspires or supports others. A hero to one person is not necessarily a hero to others. For example: Mother Teresa was an ordinary nun who took caring for the poor and sick to a new level and became a hero to the world. Terry Fox was an ordinary Canadian who moved the marathon to a Marathon of Hope; a hero to a nation. Maya Jonas is an ordinary runner who qualified for the Boston Marathon. You might think, no big deal, a lot of people qualify for the Boston Marathon. But she becomes an inspiration when you learn Maya is a blind breast cancer survivor; a hero to the blind and cancer communities, and to her family. In Maya’s words: “People look at me and see a cute, marshmallow girl. But
I am a tough little cookie.” Remember, a hero is an ordinary individual who does something ordinary so well that it inspires or supports others. Like these 110 “ordinary” individuals graduating this year, who have inspired and supported their peers and families. These 110 students are heroes and I ask that you join me in congratulating them for this achievement. To these 110 heroes, I want you to listen to the words of another world hero. Her parents divorced when she was 3. She was sexually abused when she was 9. A single mom at 17. Became a shake dancer, prostitute, and cook. Yet when she died last month, she was mourned throughout the world. You see, she went on to be: A singer. An actor. A civil rights activist. A college professor. A writer. And a renowned poet. This was Maya Angelou. I challenge you with her words: “Prepare yourself so that you can be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud.” Congratulations to our grads, our heroes, and the best of luck in being someone else’s rainbow. Dr. Robert Peacock Superintendent, School District 58
Congratulations Alisha! We are so proud of you and of all of your accomplishments . As you begin the next chapter of your life remember that we will always be here for you. Keep smiling, have fun and study hard! We love you and will miss you.
Phone: 250-378-2332 2025 Coutlee Ave., Merritt
Love always : Mom, Dad, Samreeta and Miya. xoxox & Appliances Ltd.