Final farewell
Forty KISH students say goodbye to high school
For Jacob Blackett, and other Kensington Intermediate Senior High School students, graduating means leaving a community.
“As valedictorian, I took on the role of representing the entire student body. We’re all so close. We all know each other.
“But one thing that I learned this year was to really respect other people.”
Not that he didn’t already respect his classmates, he added.
“I really tried to get out there and connect with the other students, but also connect the groups within the school with each other.”
In his speech, Blackett compared his year to the graphic novel “Watchmen”.
“Each stage in our lives is like a different chapter, filled with different lessons… such as having the courage to commit to something and follow through with it.
“Or how every character in the story leaves their mark on the world around them and just how important that is to making them the characters they are by the end of the novel.” He also commended his classmates for showing a united front, adding that despite the shrinking number of graduates, they’ve learned to work through their problems.
“We’ve learned that not all issues can be dealt with alone, and we’ve learned to get over the small details for the sake of a relationship, otherwise you’re in for one bumpy chapter. It’s earning that trust in your fellow graduates that has brought us so close.”
Blackett also urged his classmates to hold on to something sturdy as they ride up and down in the story of life.
“Live for the journey not the destination. Take your time to enjoy the smell of flowers, appreciate the sunrises and indulge in the Sunday breakfasts, like they’re extra strength Advil.”
Mary Kate Picketts, the Governor General’s Medal recipient, said the importance of kindness was a lesson for her.
“I because friends with a student from a lower grade. I didn’t realize how much friendship could mean to someone until I got to know them. It was nice to see them come out of their shell, to see that friendship and kindness was infectious.”
For Picketts, prom was her favourite night of the year.
“The entire night was a hit, from the event to the safe prom afterwards. Things tried to be as inclusive as they could be. It really allowed us to come together.”
Janette Kerry noted that the students should value their experiences at the small school.
“Coming from this tight-knit community, we should value the small opportunities and the connections your build.”