By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
On the evening of June 28 at Southern Okanagan Secondary School it was all about the grads – more than 90 of them who attended commencement ceremonies.
Principal Tracy Harrington told the young adults they are finally (almost) out of the woods after a gruelling two years of COVID restrictions. She noted they are the first graduating class in three years to have an in-person ceremony. The first prom. The first dance. The first Spirit Day.
“Many of you have stepped up and become leaders amongst your peers even when you might or might not have been called a dictator… right Kelsey (Szoke)?”
Harrington gave kudos to those who looked beyond themselves to make life better for others.
“I have not seen a grad class go to the lengths that you did to provide financial relief for so many.”
However, she said the concept of time and space seems to be hard for some. For example, getting the grad invitations out to staff should have happened some time before the grad ceremony, she chuckled.
The principal encouraged the grads to figure out who they are and what they stand for. “Find your passion and stay true to yourself no matter what.”
Have the courage to take risks and try things you haven’t done before, she said. If you don’t succeed, at least you made the attempt and will know what greatness you can achieve.
Phat Thai and Abigayle Mantua pose for pictures after graduation ceremonies.
Lyonel Doherty photo
Harrington acknowledged that the grads will feel insurmountable stress sometimes, but she noted that life is an endless process of self-discovery and there is time to figure things out. And remember, you are not alone, you have the support and wisdom of the people around you.
“Today is an extraordinary gift. In a world where war is real and many don’t have enough food or clean drinking water, we need to appreciate all that we have.”
Harrington said truth and reconciliation, understanding and healing are the highest priority. Additionally, it is up to everyone to take care of the environment and become better stewards of the land, she pointed out.
“If high school wasn’t your highlight, don’t be discouraged. Many people find success and happiness much later.”
The principal encouraged the grads to always try to make someone else’s day a little bit better.
Sonya Jensen, Osoyoos Indian Band council member and youth coordinator, told the grads they have achieved a lot, but much lies ahead of them.
“Everyone, including myself, will tell you to look ahead, but never forget to look back and remember what you’ve done and where you come from.”
Jensen urged the grads to be thinkers and always question the world and how things work. She encouraged them to always be open to learning and finding their true selves.
“Never compare yourself to anyone else.”
She told the grads to always present themselves with integrity and compassion.
“Remember all those who have helped you and have gratitude for all their teachings whether it was positive or negative.”
Jensen personally gave a shout out to OIB grads Brayden Baptiste, Jimmy Baptiste, Sheriff Chapman-Rolston and Gage Paul for their accomplishment.
Her final reminder to the grads was to always respect and honour everything around them – the land, the plants, the animals, the water, the people and themselves.
Teacher Lauren Ibaraki told the grads that if they get knocked down, they must get back up.
“How do you keep your dreams alive in the face of defeat, obstacles and challenges? You show up, even when you don’t feel like it. You keep going.”
Her second piece of advice was to jump into new situations by making plans and setting goals.
“Be ready to find new ways to go over, around and under. Focus on what you can do, not on what you can’t.”
Ibaraki admitted that her final words of wisdom are contrary to what Harrington said.
“It’s not about you.”
Grads wait for yet another photograph session just hours before the big night.
Lyonel Doherty photo
She thanked her stoic grandmother for that one.
“Even on a night like tonight, a night that honours you . . . it’s not . . . about . . . you.”
She said somebody helped the grads get to where they are. Was it a parent, an uncle, a teacher, a friend, a dog?
“Say or write a thank you. And no, not a text message, but a real letter.”
Ibaraki urged the grads not to be disheartened if it takes them years to figure out what they’re supposed to do in life.
“You all have a gift, you all have a story. Share it.”
Valedictorians Nathan Millward and Nimrit Sidhu said their journey was long and arduous, and expressed their gratefulness to finally experience a regular grad ceremony.
Both embraced the transition to adulthood, agreeing that graduation is simply about growing up. But they admitted this transition to a life of freedom can be daunting.
They quoted the Robert Frost poem The Road Not Taken to reflect their decisions.
“There is no certain path that awaits any graduate in this room. The path of each person’s future is sure to be accompanied by bends and turns and a fair share of forks.”
Millward and Sidhu encouraged the grads not to fear the decisions that come and not to fear the unknown freedom that approaches. If one path doesn’t lead to where you thought it would, choose another trail where beauty could be just over the hill, they said.
