Tom Henihan
Express Staff
smokyriverexpress.com
@SmokyRiverExprs
G. P. Vanier School Valediction 2018, celebrated on May 19 was appropriately theme “We Made It.”
That the graduating students have prevailed over that first major test both in terms of education and in life and made it this far is, of coures, a remarkable milestone.
Following the procession of faculty, staff and the graduates, the graduates took their places seated on stage and waited their turn to receive their diplomas.
Graduating from high school is very much a collective experience, a shared, exciting occasion before heading out to make it in their own individual ways, to discover and follow their particular vocation and pursue their own destiny.
As they stepped forward to receive their diplomas from G.P. Vanier Principal, Pam Heckbert and have their brief biography read, the young men and women certainly had the confident look of having made it and poised to make it in their future endeavours.
Principal Pam Heckbert presented her address, welcoming everyone and wishing the graduates the best in the future.
However, instead of making the perfunctory speech, she made a novel departure from the norm, playing the guitar and singing a song composed for the occasion that encouraged the students to realize their potential and to take pride and solace in where they come from.
Alex Rondeau, delivered a brief Valedictorian’s speech elaborating on the theme “We Made It.”
Rondeau said that at first he had misgiving about the “We Made It” concept but ultimately believed it was appropriate for himself and his fellow students on this proud occasion.
Following the Valediction ceremony at Georges P. Vanier gym the celebration continued with a reception for all invited guests at the Centre Chevaliers in Falher.
At the reception, which included dinner, there was the ceremonial grads parade, the parents’ dance and then, much to their relief I’m sure, the graduates, with some supervision, were able to dispense with all the formalities and party among themselves.
