VALEDICTORY SPEECH
- by Kristin Boychuk and Kirsten Stout
"Good afternoon parents, teachers, guests and above all, our fellow classmates. Yes, you are seeing clearly. For the 2nd time in YRHS history, there is a co-valedictorian address. Think of us like pizza - two for one! Even though this is rare, we stand together honoured to represent the 43rd graduating class of our school.
First off, we would like to thank our parents. You have been there for us through the highs and the lows of our entire lives. From our first steps as a small child, to the life-risking driving lessons that you willingly took on. We feel your pain. From putting up with our bipolar mood swings, to helping us find the perfect first date outfit, you have always stood by us. Especially in these last few months, as we have been preparing for grad and what our future hold. You may not have heard it in a while, but we love you. Thank you for everything that you do for us. Grads, your families are extremely proud of you. You can't imagine the sense of relief theyíre experiencing. This would be the most opportune time to ask for money.
To the School Board and community, we would like to thank you for your contribution to our future. It has not gone unnoticed. You make the school an inviting place to learn, as well as to experience many unique activities, such as conferences, sports teams, and other clubs. To quote Nelson Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Thank you for your continuous support and generosity.
To the teachers, we thank you for your patience and kindness throughout the years. Without your many efforts, we would not have achieved our many successes as a class. From teaching us dissection, to how to write the best literary essay ever, you have helped us through them all. We appreciate all the time youíve took out of your busy lives to accommodate ours, especially those who coach, lead teams or stay after class to help us understand concepts or lessons. The lessons we have learned from you, inside the classroom and out, will follow us forever.
We are all gathered on stage together as the Class of 2010. Although we have started from different elementary schools, been involved in different teams and sports, and even come from different towns or cities, today we are graduating together. We began in this school as the Grade 9's who stood in crowds in the middle of the hall creating roadblocks between classes, but have transformed into young men and women eager to spread our wings. We have many memories together, such as being humiliated in front of the school as a freshie, attending crowded pep rallies, dressing head-to-toe in green for Riderville week, and watching The Miracle of Life documentary in Bio. Today is not only a day of looking forward to the future, but also a day of reflecting on all those who have helped us succeed, such as family, friends and teachers. We will always be grateful for all that youíve done for us.
To conclude, we would like to quote Elle Woods from Legally Blonde: "First impressions are not always correct, you must always have faith in people, and most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself." Congratulations Class of 2010, best of luck in all your plans for the future. Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
Governor General's Award
The highest scholastic award is determined by averaging the final marks in a total of seven Grade XII subjects - two Grade XII English credits, Grade XII History, a 30 Level Math, a 30 Level Science and two Grade XII electives. Final averages are calculated and compared and a winner is determined.
In addition to the Highest Scholastic Award, the top Academic also receives the Governor General of Canada Medal.
The Governor General's Academic Medal was first awarded in 1873 by the Earl of Dufferin, and has since become one of the most prestigious awards that a student in a Canadian educational institution can receive. The Governor General of Canada continues this tradition of encouraging scholarship across the nation and recognizing outstanding students.
The medal for the secondary school level is the Governor General's Academic Bronze Medal.
This year with an average of 93.86 per cent, the Highest Scholastic Award and the Governor General's Medal were awarded to Kristin Boychuk.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS
The Yorkton Regional High School has a long-standing tradition of honoring excellence in student achievement. To recognize this tradition, the Academic Excellence awards honouring the highest academic achievement at each of the four grade levels were created.
Each year, students achieving this honor will have their names displayed on plaques which have been established in the front foyer, and will receive an engraved keeper medal.
The Grade Nine Academic Excellence Award is based on an average of all compulsory credits plus one elective class required at the grade nine level. This year's Grade Nine Academic Excellence Award winner with an average of 97.11 per cent is Jenna Boychuk.
The Grade Ten Academic Excellence Award is based on an average of six compulsory credits - two English Language Arts, Science, Math, History or Native Studies 10, Wellness and two electives at the 10 level. With an average of 93.63 per cent the 2010 Grade Ten Academic Excellence Award winner is Caleb Friedrick.
The Grade Eleven Academic Excellence Award is based on an average of English Language Arts 20, History or Native Studies 20, a Math 20, a 20 level Science and three electives numbered 20 or 30. This year's Grade Eleven Academic Excellence Award winner, with an average of 99.14 per cent is Brandyn Rodgerson.
The Grade Twelve Academic Excellence Award is based on an average of English Language Arts A30 and B30, Canadian Studies 30 or Native Studies 30, one 30 level Math, one 30 level Science and two 30 level electives. The 2010 graduate to receive the honour, with an average of 93.86 per cent, is Kristin Boychuk.
YEAR PIN GRAD 2009 - 2010
BOYCHUK, Kristin 94.00; STOUT, Kirsten 94.00; GREEN, Margaret 92.43; MADDAFORD, Nicole 91.86; BUSCH, Alanna 91.00; DOBKO, Lauren 89.71; ELLIOTT, Rylan (Robert) 89.71; STRENDIN, Heather 89.14; EBURNE. Elizabeth 89.00; KAAL, Jilleen 89.00; LANDSTAD, Jessica 87.29; PRYBYLSKI, Mary 86.43; SROCHENSKI, Amanda 86.14; FRITZKE, Emily 86.00; POLEGI, Malorie 85.71; KARAPANOS, Georgio 85.57; SMITH-SOETAERT, Kassandra 85.57; PISTER, Paige 84.86; TAN, Sherman 84.71; WAHLSTROM, Jordan 84.71; WILK-INSON, Karlee 84.00; BUHLER, Bevan 83.86; KARDYNAL, Danielle 83.57; HOLL-INGER, Andrew 83.43; SHWAGA, Jayden 83.29; STRATICHUK, Haley 82.86; LEPPINGTON, Dustin 82.00; TEICHROEB, Brendon 81.57; LAZ-URKO, Dina 81.14; NAGY, Brooke 81.14; SWEEZEY, Kaitlyn 80.86; WILK, Logan 80.86; HENDERSON, Tracie 80.43; FRASKE-BORNYK, Kelsey80.00; LANGLEY, Brent 80.00.
In addition, a total of 82 scholarships and awards were also presented.
