RYAN SHAVCHOOK

Austin O’brien Catholic High School

It is my great honour to have been afforded this opportunity to deliver the Valedictorian speech on behalf of my fellow 2020 graduates from Austin O’brien High School.

I would like to first acknowledge the extensive support network comprised of our families and friends, educators and support staff as well as our clergy and the Austin O’brien community. You have all played a pivotal role in our successful journey to this moment. On behalf of my graduating class, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

To my fellow graduates: High school is a very special time in our lives where lasting friendships are fostered and meaningful memories are made. As I reflect on the past three years, I can honestly say it has been a remarkable journey.

That being said, I am sure that none of us could have predicted the outcome of our senior year. With the abrupt cancellation of classes due to circumstances beyond our control, we suddenly found ourselves facing a new challenge. The shift to remote learning became our new normal that precipitated a great deal of uncertainty and unsettled emotions.

Despite all of this, we continued to succeed by relying on our faith, tenacity and dedication, coupled with the ability to adapt in the face of adversity. Congratulations to us all! Although our graduation is not at all like what we imagined it to be, it will surely be remembered like none other.

As we move forward on our lifelong journey, it is important for us to realize that we will all face various personal challenges along the way. However, as we draw from our experiences and navigate through all of life’s uncertainties, we should never be discouraged from aspiring to achieve our goals. God has an amazing plan for each and every one of us and with His plan, He has gifted us with choices that allow us to make mistakes on our path to success and happiness. Learning from our mistakes allows us to grow stronger and become better versions of ourselves as we journey through life.

I would like to leave you with an inspirational quote: “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So ... get on your way!” (Dr. Seuss.)

Congratulations to all of my fellow 2020 graduates on your academic achievements thus far. God bless you and good luck. I wish you all a very happy, healthy and successful future, wherever your path may take you.

Ryan Shavchook is the 2020 valedictorian of Austin O’brien Catholic High School