With weeks left in the school year, St. Augustine Catholic School graduands have had their time in the spotlight during graduation ceremonies.
Guiding them to their future endeavours at the commencement ceremony Thursday, May 5 was teacher Lindsey Schamber, who gave the keynote address. She congratulated graduates on making it through their last four years of secondary education. Many of the students in this graduating class attended her first Grade 9 class that she taught and they created many memories over the years.
“I definitely learned as much from them as they have learned from me,” said Schamber.
One of the reasons they made the experience so memorable was students’ ability to create a welcoming environment for the younger ones. She advised they look to their future careers and how they can impact people.
Schamber told the story of a young boy who wanted to become a writer. His mother was at odds with his goals suggesting the boy should be a brain surgeon who could not only make a lot of money but could save lives.
After seeing over the years the boy would not diverge from his goal, the mother became exasperated and frustrated with him. Schamber said the boy responded in this way: “Mama, I don’t want to keep people from dying, I want to show them how to live.”
She advised students keep their faith and use it as a mainstay in their efforts. Schamber also told many fun anecdotes involving graduating students over the years.
Two valedictorians
There were two valedictorians at this year’s commencement: Win Anne Nepomuceno and Tristan Wine.
Both used humour as a tool to speak to attendees. Nepomuceno said their fellow students helped create a memorable time in high school and each person’s qualities created an environment that created lasting friendships.
Wine added that being in a Catholic school has its fringe benefits. “One advantage of being in a Catholic school is that we can pray before diploma exams,” he joked.
Both suggested graduates be unafraid to try new things and to make a difference in the world in their own special way.