SUNDRE – Over the past four years, the Class of 2023 faced head-on pretty well anything and everything life could throw at the Sundre High School graduates.
During his address at the cap and gown ceremony held on June 28, Sundre High School valedictorian Tristan White thanked his classmates for making the past four years that much more enjoyable and also praised them for never stopping in the face of life’s many pressures.
“The drive I’ve seen in you people as you’ve overcome all obstacles that come in your way has been utterly amazing,” he said.
Extending gratitude for his family’s support and patience as well as his friends’ insistence on “dragging me away from that damned tree and forcing me to participate in normal conversation,” White also expressed appreciation to the school’s staff.
“I know numerous teachers who stayed late well past the end of the school day to offer additional help to students, and other teachers who were forced to stay late because their carpool wasn’t ready to leave yet but would still help a student regardless of how annoyed they were,” he said, later adding it was evident they “wanted us to succeed and I’m grateful for it.”
Reflecting on the roller-coaster that was Grade 10, which for the Class of 2023 coincided with the COVID-19 virus and the many challenges presented by the pandemic – along with perhaps some unexpected perks like studying in pajamas – White also recalled the stressful uncertainty of never knowing when they’d be studying in class, their bedroom, or quarantine.
But things finally started to look up the following year when “a semblance of normalcy at least seemed to return,” he said.
Then came the whirlwind of their senior year.
“We were all heading in different directions,” said White. “A lot of you were pursuing the trades and work experience, many of us were in the sciences and preparing for post secondary, and a very small but super cool contingent of us were in calculus.”
Yet regardless of what direction they had set their focus on as they prepared for adulthood, “I think each of us have some memorable moments to reflect on,” he said.
Jokingly confessing that the nostalgic walk down memory lane served to fill out the time for his speech, White said he also wanted to highlight an underlying thread that connected the Class of 2023.
“You overcame every stumbling block thrown at you,” he said. “Whether it was COVID, online classes, or the sudden thrust of diploma exams after two and half years of not doing final exams; you didn’t let it stop you.”
Despite everything so many students had on their plates, “I don’t think a single one of you let any of that pressure stop you,” he said.
Bidding a fond farewell, White offered some parting thoughts on what lay ahead.
“We’re all planning to do something different,” he said. “Some are going to school, some are working, some are planning to stay here, others are moving, and still others are going traveling; probably in a beaten down old van while getting lost somewhere in the Australian outback,” he said.
“I look to the future with hope, specifically your futures,” he said. “Because I know you and I know that no matter where you’re going, you’ll take it head on and overcome any problem you need to.”
Principal Scott Saunders reminded the students that the end of high school was merely the start of a new chapter in life with the rest of their stories still to be told, and expressed confidence not only in their ability to overcome obstacles but also to embrace opportunities as they present themselves.
“Think of the skills and attributes you have been forced to learn in the past few years: resilience, perseverance and how to make your teachers think you are taking part in a Google Meet from home while you are actually playing video games or making Tik Toks,” he said, conjuring up a few chuckles.
Saunders also urged the students to always reach for their potential.
“Follow your passion, move in the direction of happiness and pursue a career path that interests you,” he said. “But don’t settle; continue to chase that dream.”
Fate is what one makes it, and one’s success hinges largely on what they put in, he said.
“You are the designers of your own destiny,” he said. “Your success in life will be determined not only by your academic achievements, but also by your values, character, and the relationships you build with others.”
Provided they relentlessly follow their hearts with conviction, the principal expressed certainty that the students “have the potential to make a positive impact in the world, and to effect change in the areas that matter most to you. So go out there and make a difference.”
Sundre mayor Richard Warnock also addressed the graduates, expressing congratulations on behalf of council and wishing them well on their endeavours to come.
“We encourage you to dream big, pursue your passions, and never be afraid to take calculated risks,” said Warnock. “The world is yours to explore, and we have no doubt that you will leave an indelible mark wherever your paths may lead.”
Also offering well wishes were Terry Leslie, Chinook's Edge School Division trustee, and MLA Jason Nixon while Kevin Challoner, the school's science teacher, emceed the ceremony.
