Good evening, teachers, friends and family. It is an honour to be giving this speech, and to be standing before you all today. As we all graduate today, let’s not forget those who got us here. Energy drinks, Google, and definitely not Wikipedia, Mrs. Moser. But for real, don’t forget to thank the teachers who got us here, our parents, friends, role models, and John... thanks John.
First, my good ol’ buddy, Tyler Gauthier. We’re all glad that you didn’t confuse today for your mandatory day off, or “sleeping in” as you call it. You’ll find the key to success... under your alarm clock. Tyler is a good friend, and isn’t ever afraid to give his opinion on any given topic.
Next up, Cameron Wadden. Thanks for making it, and finally handing in all of those assignments to Mrs. Moser so that you could sit up on this stage with us. Most of my memories of Cameron are of him and his many fixer-uppers. He’s always tinkering away at something and making it the most redneck it could possibly be. He always finds the cheapest fix, mostly with the use of duct tape and a few household items to hold his work together. But, all of his questionable techniques aside, he’s one of the first people I would call if I was stuck on the side of the road and needed a lift. He knows his stuff, and I wish you well with your future in mechanics.
Tyrel Lee. Both of us living on farms, we had quite a bit in common, but with your immense fear of the opposite gender, we never really got to be friends until our older years. I remember when we were younger and I used to throw these huge birthday parties every year, and I would invite everyone, including you, and yet, you never showed, always coming up with some sort of excuse. One time, you almost worked up the nerve, you had your gift all ready and everything, then you chickened out and went home, don’t worry though, I forgive you. You and I may not have always gotten along, but in the end, everything seems to have worked out. I wish you well in your future, give those other power line techs a run for their money.
And last, but certainly not least, my sidekick Beatriz Medeiros. You and I have certainly had our moments, both good and bad. But, I am grateful for you putting up with all of my annoying quirks and not smacking me when I pester you in class. My favourite thing to bug her about now, since this past May is her wonderful driving skills. Her and I were headed into Prince Albert to go summer shopping, and me being a supervising driver decided to let her in the driver’s seat to drive us into the car wash, thinking “hey, what could possibly go wrong?” Right? The answer was a lot for driving only five feet ahead. We were turning around the curve and all of a sudden, up on the curb she goes. Five feet, and she was up on the curb, that was it, I was never letting her drive my car again. My advice to you guys, drive the other direction if you see Beatriz coming. All jokes aside though, you have been my best friend for this entire grade twelve year and you’ve helped me through a lot. Thank you for being by my side always, you’ll do great as a nurse.
Thank you all for being such great friends throughout the years. Despite our many differences, I consider you all family, I hope you all succeed in everything you do, and wish you well in your futures.
This valediction speech has been edited and condensed for space.
