Evan DeBack one of this year's two Valedictorians, has got his sights set on a bright future. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Grad season

‘We are ready for whatever change comes next’: St. Mary grad 2022

Jun 27, 2022 | 5:00 PM

Speaking in front of a large crowd Monday at the Art Hauser Centre, Riley Wismer explained change is as inevitable as the rising sun, but expressed her belief that the changes brought about these past few years as a result of the pandemic have helped make this year’s graduating class even stronger.

Wismer, one of two Valedictorians for St Mary High School, also talked about the importance of family, adding family goes beyond your parents, siblings and favourite pets.

“Family is all those people in your life who love and support you,” she said.

Noting the road that lies ahead, and the road behind them, Wismer said the most important lessons did not come from books, but rather was the ability to communicate with others; problem-solving; and developing a greater understanding of others.

“Take a deep breath, make a leap of faith and move forward, We are ready for whatever change comes next,” she said.

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Wismer received a number of awards and scholarships including first academic, deportment, and the Governor General’s scholarship and medal. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Evan DeBack, this year’s other Valedictorian, said the question he struggled with most as he was preparing his speech, was what made today, graduation day, important. He then went on to quote Bil Gates, and how we as a society overestimate how much we can accomplish in a day but underestimate how much we can accomplish in a year.

“It takes time and commitment to achieve our goals and we are here graduating today because we were consistent. We put in the effort and dedication every day for the past four years. Not just one day,” he said.

Also commenting on the change that lies ahead, and the fact that students will be leaving home, going to college, and living on their own, he said what makes this graduating class unique is they have already experienced drastic changes to their environment.

“Even though those changes brought some challenges we were able to turn it into something good. Some of us found new hobbies, some of us still managed to learn without school, and others connected with family. We made the best of our rapidly changing environment and came out successful,” he said.

McKenna Schrader and Lane Vermette share the Nigel Weir Memorial Scholarship. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Calla Henry accepts the award for second academic. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

School Principal Mark Phaneuf reminded the students how their high school experience was far from the one their parents would have had, and he expressed how proud he and the staff were in their ability to find the courage to lead, take risks, and love thy neighbour

“I ask something very simple of you, graduates. Continue to be the person you are as you mature from being a young adult into adulthood. You are the gift that others need,” he said.

Further commenting on the changes the world went through, Phaneuf acknowledged they were unprecedented.

“Every other school in the rest of the world should have been so lucky to have the student leaders we did. You modelled calm, love, grace and most importantly you did it together,” he said.

Mark Phaneuf addresses the crowd during Monday’s ceremony. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Many families were on hand to help celebrate the special day. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell