Bright futures
Class of 2017 bids farewell to the halls of Kinkora Regional High School
Olivia Mullins doesn’t like change, especially one that means leaving her close friend, Meghan Morrell, behind.
“I’m going to school in Ontario, and she is attending school in New Brunswick,” said Mullins.
Morrell agreed. But she conceded that fresh faces at postsecondary might be good for everyone who graduated from Kinkora Regional High School on Thursday.
“It’s going to be a big change. It’s almost like we know each other too well. We’ve all grown up together, so it will definitely be an adjustment for us all.”
Thirty-five Grade 12 students became Blazer alumni, including valedictorian Bailey Dawson, who took time to thank the staff at KRHS as well as parents and guardians.
“Teachers, you may not know this, and we definitely do not show it as often as we should, but we are grateful for all you have done.”
Even when students struggled, the staff at KRHS never gave up on them, he added.
“Now parents, isn’t it funny how time goes by so quickly. We all started as little bundles of joy and soon turned into innocent little boys and girls. Now, we are irresponsible young adults ready to make our mark on society and all you can hope for is that we learn from our mistakes… but seriously, you will never know how blessed we are for all you have done for us.
Before bidding adieu, he spoke to his fellow graduates.
“We have been through so much together. From being those awkward minor niners to fighting side by side for our benches in the hall. But we survived.”
He continued, “I will tell you this, as Blazers, we are powerful when we stand together. We are resilient when together, and we are not afraid to stand up and fight for what we believe in.”
In his speech, Dawson also encouraged his classmates to take life in stride.
“Life is going to beat you down sometimes. But do not let the bad times overrule the good times in life… We are all chasing different dreams, whether it’s a higher education, the working world, becoming a professional athlete or travelling the world. “…As you walk out these doors for the last time, no matter where your future endeavours take you, always remember the people who got you there. Don’t forget to look back, but do not slow down.”
KRHS principal Jaime Cole passed on her wishes for the class, including remembering their time at the school with fondness and basing dreams on passion and then making them a reality.
“My third wish is that you are defined by your actions… live with integrity, resist the urge to be someone you aren’t and continue to be a Blazer.”