‘This is the moment’

Retiring principal leaves West Kings grads with key points

As the graduating class of 2017 assembled at West Kings District High School for one last time, Principal Barry Squires was also celebrating a milestone.

When the 33-year educator took his place at the podium June 29, he acknowledged the hard work of his colleagues, paused for applause, then started delivering his final address to a room full of graduates donning red and white gowns.

“You all have long, varied lives ahead of you,” Squires said.

He offered seven key points of advice for the grads to keep top of mind as they navigate through life.

−1. Believe in yourself... “Don’t be afraid to change, or unwilling to change.”

−2. Try to find the passion in your life (even if it takes years)

−3. Take control... “Throw away the map someone gave you.”

−4. Act – don’t wait to be invited. Create opportunities.

−5. Follow your heart... let it carry you in the direction of your dreams.

−6. Live life in the moment... “Whatever happens is happening now.”

−7. Give back. Be generous. Make a difference.

The graduation ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of 160 students receiving their high school diplomas. Squires noted the first graduation ceremony at West Kings was held 60 years ago, with 17 Grade 12 students awarded diplomas.

2017 grads Brooklyn Allen and Baley Anderson started attending West Kings in Grade 9.

“I enjoyed making new friends and if I had a problem with something I could go to any teacher and they would help me out,” said Anderson, an Aylesford resident.

Anderson plans to take a year off to work after high school, and Allen is going to Ryerson University in Toronto to study dance as part of a Bachelor of Fine Arts program.

“The teachers are really good at preparing you for the real world,” said Allen, a Morristown resident who noted all the hard work finally seemed worth it on graduation night.

“This is the moment.”

ASHLEY THOMPSON About 160 West Kings District High School graduates received high school diplomas at the graduation ceremony held June 29.

ASHLEY THOMPSON Graduate Charlie Francis, originally of Indian Brook, was surrounded by family as he waited for the graduation ceremony to begin.

ASHLEY THOMPSON Graduate Erin Sproul was happy to oblige when invited to pose for a photo in her grad gown.

ASHLEY THOMPSON Principal Barry Squires, who is retiring this year, shares some insightful words of wisdom with the graduates in his final address to the students at West Kings District High School.