Graduating students Caitlin Mackintosh, left, and Neha Chahal, right, share some of their fondest memories in their valedictorian speech, ‘Looking Back’, during the OES graduation ceremony, held at the school Thursday, June 27. Erin Christie Photo
A veterinarian, surgeon, musician and professional hockey player.
These are just a few of the dreams that students who graduated from Grade 7 on June 27 at Oliver Elementary School have. Aside from lofty professions, the graduates also hope to be happy in the future, do well in high school, go on to university or college and travel.
The graduation ceremony recognized the students’ achievements and accomplishments, but mostly emphasized the impact the Grade 7s had on the staff and school.
Teachers Jeremy Sherburne and Jacqueline Khodarahmi gave heartfelt speeches advising the students to “be all that they can be,” as they move forward.
“Never take the wonder out of wondering, go out on the diving board, listen, respect everything and everyone, and always get back up when life makes you say awww…pumpkin!” Khodarahmi told her former students.
“Have the courage to face new situations and challenges,” Sherburne added. Have the courage to be an individual and make choices that you can be proud of.”
Khodarahmi and Sherburne also put together a slide show highlighting the students.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” Khodarahmi reminded the audience.
This year’s valedictorians were Caitlin Mackintosh, Neha Chahal, Sahij Gill and Simi Gill. Caitlin and Neha reflected on the past eight years in their speech, “Looking Back,” while Sahji and Simi focused on the future in the second part of the speech, entitled, “Looking Forward.”
“There will be many challenges that we will need to face as we enter Grade 8,” Sahij said. “From this day forward everything we will do shall affect us in our high school years.”
OES staff members line up to bid their outgoing students farewell after their graduation ceremony at Okanagan Elementary School on Thursday, June 27.
Erin Christie Photo
All four valedictorians thanked the teachers and staff for making their years at OES “great.”
Principal Mike Safek capped off the ceremony by encouraging the students to set high expectations in life.
“It never gets any easier. It’s kind of like leaving your family behind. But my years here have been wonderful. It’s been a real treat.”
Erin Christie
Oliver Chronicle
