Salutatorian Speech – Alex Ghobrial (8A)
Good evening Reverend Andrews, Mr. Westacott, teachers, family and friends, and fellow graduates. Thank you for joining us tonight. It’s been an honour to be voted by my fellow classmates to stand up here and celebrate a long years’ worth of hard work.
8A isn’t your “usual” grade 8 class. When I close my eyes and think of 8A, I see this loud, noisy, and funny group of people that I see from Monday to Friday. They’re the people I care about, the people that give me motivation to get out of bed each morning. All of them are unique in their own special way. We’ve had some great times together like back in October when we went to OPC. Sitting around a fire, talking, laughing, playing games, doing weird dances at night. Or with all the weird gift requests during Secret Santa, my personal favourite, French Vanilla from Tim Hortons. Who could forget about bashing Gary’s jokes during math class? These are all special moments to all of us. Moments that we as a class will remember for the longest of times. Moments that make us unique, moments that make us 8A. Then there’s 8B but that’s a whole different story.
I’ve attended PCA since JK and the thought of friends leaving hasn’t crossed my mind until a couple of months ago. A lot of us are leaving next year and I might get all emotional but it’s sad to see the people I grew up with take the road less traveled. I know life ain’t no crystal stair and we’re going to have to take risks to decide whether we will stay or not, but that’s the way it is. Everyone in 8A means a lot to me and I don’t think the year would be the same if anyone was excluded. Everyone finds a way to be unique in their own way and it just adds on to the list that makes us special. $300 worth of special.
The year was long. It required a lot of effort and hard work to make it here and we definitely couldn’t have done it by ourselves. Everyone in 8A wants to thank their families for all the support, love and care they have provided throughout the entire year. We’d also like to thank all the Middle School teachers for putting up with our behaviour for the whole year and we appreciate that. As well as for your kindness, hard work, patience, and dedication towards our education, character, and wellbeing throughout the year. They aren’t your average teachers. They’ll take the extra time before, during, or after class to help us with our academic or personal needs. The amount of time and effort that they sacrifice for us is beyond generous and we really couldn’t ask for anything more.
As we look back and celebrate the good times of our Middle School years, we finally realize it’s come to an end. To all who are staying and to all who are leaving, I leave you with one quote to never forget from a very wise old man who has personally impacted my life, “You live and die by your own choices.
Salutatorian Speech – Mary Zhang (8B)
Good evening Reverend Andrews, teachers, students, parents and fellow graduates. I am here today to talk about 8B, or better known as the 8B family. This family consists of a “Mom”, Mr.Westacott, and 23 kids who are all unique in their own ways. This year has been full of mountains and valleys, not literally, but we’ve had our ups and downs. We have also had some really fond memories of this 2014-2015 graduating class such as the class email only being active when there’s a project. Or always asking for stories or completely unrelated questions to “learn more things”. And who could forget… the grad trip! But seriously, when I think of 8B I think of kind, caring, a family, unity, encouraging, loving, and truly amazing. I think of a class that would help everyone through their toughest times and help get them back onto their feet. I think of 23 amazing individuals and an extremely emotional “Mom”. No matter how hard you try, it’s impossible to not love this class.
One of the reasons that it’s so impossible is our loving homeroom teacher. Mr. Westacott, and as you can tell, we refer to him as Mom. He helps to make this class the best it can be. Also, he loves Snoopy, which is awesome. How often do you come across a teacher who loves their students with a passion and also loves Snoopy comics? He has helped us through so many difficult times and we, as a class and as a family, will never forget the times we have spent with our “Mom”.
As this school year comes to a close, we’ll all be parting ways. Some are staying, and some are leaving to go to other schools. Deuteronomy 31:8 says “ The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” God will be with you whether you go on to another school or stay at PCA. Trust in Him and He will help you through your hard times. Remember Him and acknowledge Him and you’ll all be ok.
Thinking back on this year, I can say one thing for certain. God has blessed us with amazing friends and memories that we will never forget. Thank you.
