The 2018 grad class stands to be recognizes at the start of the ceremony. (Richard McGuire photo)

Thirty-three Osoyoos Secondary School students graduated last Thursday, receiving certificates from Principal Scott Tremblay and advice on the next stage of their lives from the adult speakers.

The format was changed this year as students entered a darkened gym from the bright outdoors, speeches were shorter and there was no intermission.

Also, instead of some students receiving multiple bursaries and scholarships at the same time, some of the more gifted students were up to the podium and back every couple of minutes.

Tremblay commended Vice Principal Brad Burns for organizing his first-ever graduation. Burns was also master of ceremonies throughout the event.

If there was a common theme to the advice from the adult speakers, it was to get out and see the world and follow your dreams.

“Do what makes you happy, be creative, be adventurous, live life to your fullest, don’t be afraid of challenges or a failure,” advised Casey Brouwer, School District 53 trustee, who coaches senior boys’ basketball. “Learn from your mistakes and better yourself as you travel a life journey.”

Marcus Toneatto, director of learning and inquiry with the school district, warned students that neither bosses nor post-secondary institutions would be accepting letters of excuse from their parents.

“Don’t just get involved,” he said, quoting former U.S. President Barack Obama. “Fight for your seat at the table. Better yet, fight for a seat at the head of the table.”

“A lot of you will want to travel the world and I really encourage that,” said MP Richard Cannings. “Travelling, you not only will see what the world has to offer, see the diversity in beautiful cultures and people around the world, but also when you come back to Osoyoos, you will truly appreciate what a beautiful valley and a caring community that you had the honour and privilege to grow up in.”

Mayor Sue McKortoff advised students to continue learning at every stage of their lives, to keep an open mind, travel, experience the world and appreciate family, friends and community.

She also advised students to become volunteers, both for mental and emotional health and for how it helps their communities.

The keynote speech was a joint effort by teachers Nina Ruck and Cash Conibear, who reminisced about the students, sometimes offering a good-natured roasting.

They suggested there had been barbecues in the shop.

“Apparently we have to ask Mr. (Ivor) Langley (retired shop teacher) about all the details,” said Ruck.

“Then there’s Laura,” said Conibear, referring to graduate Laura Devries. “It’s hard to believe that someone who looks so sweet and nice can be so sassy.”

Sara Smiley, who probably made the trip to the podium to collect awards more times than almost any other student, was singled out for special treatment.

“Oh, Sara Smiley?” said Ruck. “I think I heard that name before. Looks familiar.”

“Sara is female Rattler of the year,” said Conibear. “As well as our citizenship award winner. Sara is kind, intelligent and always willing to help out. One thing is certain. Sara’s future is so bright…”

“We’ve got to wear shades,” Ruck and Conibear said together, putting on dark sunglasses.

Finally, Conibear advised students to take advantage of the pride their families are experiencing now.

“Now is the time to ask them for an Xbox,” he said. “A new phone, a lot of money perhaps, maybe a new car. Might as well shoot for the moon and try for a new house.”

Student historians Janessa Silva and Kegan Tavares also did a bit of good-natured roasting of their fellow grads.

Silva reminded the audience of the time Justin Davis decided to jump headfirst through a glass door, shattering the window.

And of Simrandeep Brar, who knew he couldn’t swim, but jumped into the deep end of the pool and began drowning.

There were accounts of vehicle accidents and bad parking leading Silva to suggest the school should start offering a drivers’ education course.

And Tavares also implicated teacher Boyd Turnbull in the above-mentioned shop barbecues.

Smiley, who prompted her teachers to put on shades, was the class valedictorian.

“We were told that the years we would spend in high school were going to be the best years of our lives,” she said. “I can say I thoroughly enjoyed my time here at OSS, but I sincerely hope that this is not true. This is only the first of many more adventures to come.”

She singled out drama teacher Sarah Gilchrist for special praise, for building the theatre program from scratch, teaching her confidence and trust, “but most importantly, how to belt my heart out to any Broadway song I hear.”

RICHARD McGUIRE

Osoyoos Times

Griffin Johnston received a $1,000 bursary from the Osoyoos Times, one of many recipients of bursuries and scholarships presented on behalf of businesses, organizations and individuals. He is pursuing media studies. Making the presentation on behalf of those who couldn’t be there (or were busy taking photos) was departing teacher Doug Short. (Richard McGuire photo)

Grad class 2018 listen to the keynote speech jointly delivered by teachers Nina Ruck and Cash Conibear. (Richard McGuire photo)

Grad class 2018 listen to the keynote speech jointly delivered by teachers Nina Ruck and Cash Conibear. (Richard McGuire photo)

Keynote speakers teachers Nina Ruck and Cash Conibear had to don shades when they talked about student and valedictorian Sara Smiley. “Sara’s future is so bright we’ve got to wear shades,” they said as they put them on. (Richard McGuire photo)

Janessa Silva and Kegan Tavares were the historians, recalling incidents, some a bit embarrassing, involving the graduating students. (Richard McGuire photo)

Sara Smiley, as valedictorian, told classmates she hopes it’s not true, as some say, that these are the best years of their lives. This is only the first of many more adventures to come, she said. (Richard McGuire photo)

Marcus Toneatto, director of learning and inquiry with School District 53 delivers congratulations to the grad class. (Richard McGuire photo)

MP Richard Cannings encouraged students to travel to appreciate what the world has to offer and upon returning to appreciate the caring community they grew up in. (Richard McGuire photo)

Mayor Sue McKortoff advised students to continue learning at every stage of life, to experience the world and to volunteer. (Richard McGuire photo)

Vice Principal Brad Burns organized the grad ceremony and acted as MC. (Richard McGuire photo)