MALLAIG – The hall was dimly lit, save for the soft glow illuminating the features of the nine individuals donning gowns and suits sitting on the platform, smiling as pictures of their past flashed across a wide screen across the hall.
Below them were rows of seats occupied by friends and families. They laughed along in glee as they watched, until the final photo faded away.
On May 27, Mallaig School celebrated their graduating class of 2023, honouring the alumni as they move on to their next journey.
“Congratulations on reaching this important chapter in your life,” said Principal Kellie Handford, stating the graduates’ hard work, perseverance, and commitment over the past 13 years does not go unnoticed – leading them “to today.”
Handford recalled when she first became a teacher in Mallaig, “you tested the boundaries” and pushed the limits. But, despite that, “you had the desire to excel,” she added, and excel they did – both athletically and academically.
From “awkward junior high students” to a group of accomplished young adults, Handford said she witnessed their growth. She also acknowledged that the journey to graduation was not without its difficulties, comparing it to the ups and downs, and twists and turns of life.
However, Handford encouraged the graduates to approach life's adventures with a positive attitude, emphasizing that their graduation was not an endpoint but a new beginning.
On behalf of Mallaig School, “I wish the graduating class of 2023 great success and happiness in your future endeavours,” she said, gaining a round of applause.
Peter Barron, superintendent of St. Paul Education, was among the number of dignitaries who attended the graduation. He also offered his congratulations to the graduating class, acknowledging that, “This is indeed a very special moment in your life and also the lives of your families.”
Every creation began as a thought in the imagination of an inventor, and medical breakthroughs started as a question in the minds of researchers, said Barron, drawing parallels between the process of creation and the graduates’ future journey.
“At this moment right now, you can begin your masterpiece, your blueprint,” he said, telling the graduates they are the architects of their plans and lives, emphasizing the importance of having a clear vision and direction in life.
He then urged the graduates to seek beauty, love, and possibilities in their lives, adding that by holding onto optimism and embracing possibilities, they would enrich their lives and the lives of those around them.
Shannon Stubbs, member of the parliament of Canada representing the Lakeland, congratulated the graduates via a video message. She acknowledged that while graduation is a day filled with mixed emotions, such as pride, sadness, excitement, or even confusion, she reminded the graduates their future has not yet been determined.
“You can determine how to fill the pages of your story,” she said, encouraging the graduates to cherish the memories of their past as they embark on their new journey, and to be kind, and grateful every day.
Burhanuddin Yamani, valedictorian of the 2023 class, also spoke, noting that it is also equally important to acknowledge the struggles “we faced” through it all as they cherish the good memories. For example, while the COVID-19 pandemic closed many opportunities for graduates to experience high school, “we showed that even in the toughest situation, we will always strive for success.”
He then thanked the parents, families, teachers, the community, and all those who helped them grow to who they are. “I hope we carry these experiences forward and retain the resiliency and ambition that I know each and every one of us possess.”
The sentiment was echoed by Alayna Dechaine, among the graduates, and who passed the Key of Success to the next generation of Grade 12s. Dechaine noted that COVID-19 prepared them “even when you truly don’t know what could be around the next corner. So, “to my classmates... I know some of you may not feel prepared for what is to come – I’m here to tell you that you are ready.”
2023 Graduates
The 2023 graduates of Mallaig School are Alayna Dechaine, Kiana Devlin, Cory Garner-Melland, Kyle Karpyshyn, Brooklyn Kelley, Hannah Pchelnyk, Savannah Robinson, Katelyn Rosychuk, and Burhanuddin Yamani.
