Maryvale 2017 Graduation Speech
Jacob W.
June 13 th , 2017
Good afternoon Your Excellency, Reverend Fathers, Mrs. Champion, Members of the board, teachers, schoolmates, family, and of course, fellow graduates.
I am honoured to speak on behalf of the graduating class of 2017 and to welcome you all to this significant and emotional celebration.
Although my time in Maryvale has not been as long as that of many of my classmates, and although I may not have many embarrassing ones to recall (… ahem… Adam) I, too have had many fond memories of the school, the people, and -yes- even the work. For me, the gala was a particular highlight that combined diligent work (you might remember that between speaking, singing, and selling, I was the star of the evening) with fun and fellowship. I am sure that the memories we’re making today will surpass even those of the gala.
We have worked very hard to reach this point, but despite our efforts we wouldn’t be here without the support of the following people:
Our teachers. You are dedicated to our well-being and challenge us to push ourselves to our limits even when we don’t want to. You take the time to make your classes instructive as well as interesting for both us, and for yourselves. Thank you for sharing your time, knowledge and talent with us.
Our Parents. You take an enormous amount of your time for us: dragging us out of bed, driving us to school and back, attending our events, and listening to our daily dramas. You also sacrifice your money to allow us to attend Maryvale, where we have received an education you believe in.
Our Friends. The Maryvale community is so supportive, and is like a big family, that never hesitates to help each other in times of need. Our classmates keep school fun (not that it isn’t already), and help us to learn more about ourselves.
The board members and principal. Without you, this graduation wouldn’t be possible… literally. You have established a “rigorous and rewarding classical academic experience… so that all students may reach their
highest individual potential as a child of God”.
I could go on and on about how many people have helped us in this journey, but the point is, that behind each student is a supporting cast of plenty of generous people.
Although I am sad to leave these great people from Maryvale (and I am sure you will miss us even more), I suspect that the whole graduating class shares my excitement to set off on a new journey, building upon the stable foundation that Maryvale has provided.
Bernie Siegel once said: “God wants us to know that life is a series of beginnings, not endings. Just as graduations are not terminations, but commencements.” One thing I know for sure is that my fellow graduates
will agree that our time at Maryvale has helped us prepare not only to succeed wherever we go from here, but also, and most importantly to serve as a beacon of Christ’s light to others now and for the rest of our lives.
Thank You