Contributed by Jenn MacNeil
Last week Youlearn.ca hosted its first traditional graduation ceremony in two years at the Atrium of SOSS.
The theme for the evening was based on a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are but tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
The intimate ceremony honoured 10 of the 28 Youlearn graduates who were surrounded by teachers, support staff, friends, family, and loved ones. School board dignitaries, Superintendent Bev Young, school board chair Rob Zandee, and trustee, Rachel Gifford were also in attendance.
Young offered words of inspiration and indicated that education opens doors to new opportunities. She invited the graduates to draw on the resilience they used to overcome personal struggles for navigating future challenges.
Zandee gave an encouraging speech and shared a quote from Mel Brooks: “If you are going to go up to the bell, you better ring it.”
Zandee commended graduates and the teams supporting them for their commitment to “ringing the bell” and achieving their educational goals. Principal Will Eaton encouraged Youlearn grads to work hard at whatever they put their minds to, but to also play hard and make time for fun. He further noted the importance of working hard in collaboration with others to achieve common goals. Speeches were followed by the awards portion of the ceremony. Many of the graduates in attendance were awarded various scholarships and bursaries to pursue their post-secondary aspirations.
Special musical guests, Kelan Harty, former Youlearn graduate, Laura Harty, Grade 9 Youlearn student, and Charlotte Foster, 2022 Youlearn graduate, performed beautiful piano pieces to round out the evening. Graduates, their families, and Youlearn staff left with the notion that great things are possible when we draw on the strength of ourselves and others.
If you are an adult who hasn’t graduated, inquire about the adult graduation program at Youlearn when their offices reopen on August 29. Call 250-498-4597, extension 0.
