Society marks the graduation ceremony as the commencement of adulthood, which makes me question if society has ever met some of these guys. Although weÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™re not done growing, the nurturing village of Kelowna Secondary School has been a cornerstone of our personal evolution.
My classmates, as you stand on the cusp of lifeÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™s next chapter, I can assure you, that this village has equipped you with the resources to flourish. Each person I've acknowledged thus far has played a distinct and valuable role, needless to say, there are countless others whose influence I hold near to my heart.
To the KSS Graduating class of 2025, congratulations. Whether youÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™ve hurdled over every obstacle or stumbled along the way, as I know I have, there is power in accomplishment, and today my friends, we celebrate ours. Just three years ago, we stood wide-eyed in the MPR, intimidated
by an ocean of new faces.
Today, I look at those same faces in the crowd with familiarity. We gather here as a unified grad class. As you've navigated these past years, you've formed bonds that have shaped your life greatly.
The friendships forged in classrooms, hallways, late-night study sessions, and the parking lot that takes 40 minutes to get out of, have not only made this journey more bearable but have also taught you the value of collaboration, empathy, and unwavering support.
As a graduate trained to think critically, you often value what can be seen, measured, or proven. Yet, as you step into the next chapter of your
life, I urge you to recall the words of Le Petit Prince: "On ne voit bien quÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™avec le cÅ“ur. LÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™essentiel est invisible aux yeux.
"For those of you who did not have the privilege of analyzing this book in FRAL 12, this translates to, ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½œIt is only with the heart that one can see truly, what is essential is invisible to the eye."
This truth challenges you to recognize that the most vital aspects of our journey forward, love, purpose, belonging, and the courage to persevere, cannot be quantified. No formula can define the impact we'll have on others, the pride we'll find in our communities, or the dreams we'll strive to achieve. This isn't just poetry, it's a call to broaden your understanding of what truly matters.
As you move forward, may you lead with heart, recognizing that the future demands not just intelligent individuals, but compassionate, grounded,
and deeply human ones.
In closing, let us carry forward the spirit of our village, Kelowna Secondary School, into the world. As you embark on your individual path, recall that you are not a solitary thread, but an integral part of a larger tapestry. Let us extend gratitude to those who have shaped us, our families, teachers, and friends, and embrace our responsibility to contribute to the villages we are yet to encounter and create. Whether you plan to continue your studies, enter the workforce, or explore the world in your own way, ahead lies a vast horizon, with limitless villages awaiting you, eager to welcome the ever-blossoming person you are.
May we continue to support, uplift, and inspire one another, weaving a future where community paves the way for a brighter tomorrow. Congratulations, graduates. Let us always remember - it takes a village, and today, that village is us.
Thank you.
