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Determination Not Destiny
St. Mary’s Class of 2023.
(Olsen Creative Art Photography/Submitted Photo)
Determination Not Destiny Path to Success
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
That quotation was written by Henry Van Dyke and selected by the St. Mary’s Graduating Class of 2023. During the banquet celebration Town of Vegreville Councillor Dave Berry remarked: “When I saw that quote I thought of a poem, a particular verse from The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. I shall be telling this with a sigh. Somewhere ages and ages hence: two roads diverge in wood, and I, I took the one less travelled by. And that has made all the difference.
I pondered what was the difference? Neither road was particularly different. So, I came to the conclusion that Frost must have liked himself. That he was who he was because of his experiences. He was comfortable and had made good choices. The decisions you make, the road you take, leads you to who you become and who you are in life.
The road not travelled would not take you to the same place same time or same identity. The road not taken is the unknown of which the certainty of better things is not assured. It is important for you to be yourself. To be whom you want to be. To follow your own heart. To travel your own road. To make your wise decisions. Always stay true to yourself. Never stop believing in your dreams, because they will not work, unless you make them work. So, you must be determined to succeed.”
Handing down of school colours and candle. From L-R: Jordan Coffey, Owen Sims, Selby Labuschagne and Eboni Bast.
(Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Tina Warawa brought greetings on behalf of Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs. “Shannon was not able to attend but want you to know how special it is for me to be able to bring greetings in her place not only as a staff member and town councillor, but because I have special connections and seen so many of these kids grow from small children to the adults you see here today.
I think one of the most special things about being from a small community is the personal relationships that you make. Sometimes, I think those in the larger centres they miss the importance of graduation because they’ve never experienced it through the eyes of a small community. Small town mayors and councillors when it comes to protocol, it’s actually they know the kids and probably their parents by their first names. The residents and even local business members who may not be necessarily be invited to ceremony often go to places like Pysanka Park to get a glimpse of the graduates because they probably sponsored some of your events over the years and they’ve watched you grow. For me, I’m not from Vegreville originally, but I did grow up in another small town nearby, which actually is the same community a few of the parents of the graduates came from. So, I do have an understanding of what it’s like to have 14 extra sets of eyes watching you all the time, and I’ve watched you kids. I’ve judge public speaking I seen some of you in Ukrainian dance performances and countless hockey games over the years. I’ve even camped with a few of you and I can say with some, even watched the sun come up. So, I kind of feel like some of these kids are like another one of my own.
So, just like those community members trying to get a glimpse of you, I am so thankful to be a small part of your day today. I want to acknowledge and thank the staff at St. Mary’s and EICS for being the type of schools that still embrace interaction with their community, their town council, their provincial and federal representatives and the fact they understand how important community is, is a true blessing for us.”
Elk Island Catholic Schools Superintendent Paul Corrigan told graduates it was an honour to stand before them and said he chose to attend their graduation was because he graduated from a small town as well. “The community atmosphere at St. Mary’s is palpable and it has such a rich history. So, it’s a privilege to be a part of it.
Tribute to teachers L-R: Jordan Coffey, Kiera Lakusta and Keila Almoite.
(Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Congratulations graduates. This momentous occasion marks the culmination of years of hard work dedication, determination as you’ve said and perseverance. I am filled with the overwhelming sense of gratitude to be from afar to watch your growth both academically, personally and spiritually throughout your high school journey.
This year we have a theme at EICS. It was called Better Together. It is a simple, but profound concept that reminds us the power of unity, collaboration and support. St. Mary’s has fostered a community that believes in the strength that lies within our collective efforts. We’ve learned that when we come together we can achieve remarkable things.
As we celebrate graduation today, let’s pay homage to Mary’s guidance and emulate her virtues in our lives.”
Corrigan challenged the graduates to express their gratitude and acknowledge the contributions of others, specifically to their parents, staff and faculty of St. Mary’s and the Town of Vegreville.
“Remember the bonds you have formed, the friendships you’ve forged and the opportunities this community has granted you. Embrace the responsibility to give back and be an active participant in the continued growth and prosperity in Vegreville.
Dear graduates, let us share the spirit of gratitude as you embark on the next chapter of your lives. Remember the power of togetherness inspired by the example of Mary and strive to build a world where unity, compassion and collaboration is valued above all else. As you move forward, embrace the idea that we are indeed better together and let gratitude be your guiding force as we move forward to build a bright future. Congratulations class of 2023. Go forth and make a difference. United and inspired by Mary’s love. God bless you all.”
Tribute to Parents by Britney Berry and Drayden van der Torre.
(Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Principal Mr. Salsbury stated that, “Graduation marks the culmination of hard work and dedication and kindness and commitment and I want to congratulate each and every one of you on this incredible achievement.
As you move forward from this moment, I want you to remember that the world is filled with infinite possibilities. You have the power to shape your own future and to make a positive impact on the world around you.
Whether you chose to pursue further education, launch a career or blaze your own trail, know that your potential is limitless. You’ll find yourself in a new environment filled with a mixture of different opportunities, people, values and different norms. You have the power to transform that environment to make it more just, make it more compassionate, more loving and more Christ-like. Trust in God and the value that you have in your life to continue to guide you.
In closing, I want to leave you with a quote from Mia Angelou. I’ve learned that people will forget what you’ve said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel. So, as you embark on the next chapter of your lives, I encourage you to be kind, the kind of person that leaves a positive impact on all of those around you.
May God strengthen and guide you on your path and may you be filled with joy, purpose and faith. Congratulation class of 2023.
