Haliburton Highlands Secondary School valedictorian Miles Bascombe said he had moved house during his life, and with that comes the fear of change.
“It’s terrifying.”
However, he has always persevered during the transitions, so knows he will be okay.
“The same goes for every other change that will take place now that we are graduating,” Bascombe told his Grade 12 peers June 26.
“Switching schools, switching routines, switching jobs, living in a new town. I know that I will make it through and I know that our graduates will too, like we all have many times before. They say that change is as good as a rest. I sure hope so.”
After thanking everyone, Bascombe said, “what a wonderful night it has been; to see our graduates walk across the stage, watching everyone get their moment that they worked so hard to achieve, is truly amazing.”
He noted grads’ perseverance through freak weather, COVID-19, conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Palestine. There have also been family deaths and sicknesses, addiction, lack of motivation, mental and physical health issues, financial issues and stress. “But every graduate here today fought through their struggles.”
He said as Red Hawks they’d learned their talents and shortcomings.
“Graduates, if you don’t believe in yourself, take time to remember your greatest high school achievement.
“Our time here will never be forgotten in this special little County. We had it good here. When change comes, you will always remember the good old days at Hal High. Do not be sad for what you lost, be happy for what you’ve had.”
Master of ceremonies, vice principal Martin Gage, said graduation is a rite of passage. He said students began to cross the stage for their diplomas as students, but re-emerged as adults.
Trustee Gary Brohman told grads they’re going to be “all-stars because their family and friends who graduated from HHSS are. “Work hard, be enthusiastic, live life with passion.”
Melissa Stephens spoke on behalf of the scholarship committee, thanking the “generous people” of Haliburton County who contributed to awards and bursaries, including the inaugural Dan Gimon Memorial Apprenticeship Bursary.
Principal Jennifer Mills told the grads, “it has been a joy to watch you grow into the people you are today. I can’t wait to hear about your future successes.”
