So, for all of those who know, my convocation happened tonight... Actually, since it's 3:00 AM, it happened last night.

It was kinda surreal, knowing I am now finished high-school. But, there were a few surprises: I not only gave a Valedictorian address that I feel went great (I cried too), but I won a few awards!

I won:

Méritas
Awarded to all students who have achieved a minimum average of 80% in their Grade 12 year, with no grade lesser than 75%.

Cory Anderson Bursary - 150$ cheque with a 100$ gift certificate to Colours Art store.
Awarded to the graduating student who demonstrates ability and talent in art.

Prix d’excellence René-Deleurme - 200$ cheque
Awarded to a student who is a graduate from the St.Vital French Immersion Program, has attained a high grade point average and is involved in one or more school based activities during their final year.

Freakin' fantastic!!

Seriously... I'm having a real hard time realising that I graduated...

And here's what mine and Alex's speech turned out to be: (There is some french in there, sorry for those who don't understand)

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Alex: Good evening family, friends, honoured guests, CJS staff and fellow classmates. Un grand bon soir à la famille, à nos amis, aux invités d’honneur, aux membres du personnel et bien sûr, à nos très chers amis finissants.

Kerry: 18 years ago, our parents watched us, amazed as we clutched onto them, stood up and struggled to take our first few uncoordinated and uncertain steps. They weren’t sure if they should let go in case we were to fall. We took the risk of falling, knowing someone would be there to pick us up.

Alex: Imagine our parents’ pride when we were able to let go of those guiding hands and take our first steps on our own. That feeling of confidence and pride is present in all of us today. We feel honored to present to you the graduating class of 2009. Je vous présente la classe de 2009.

Kerry: Some thought this day would never come, some might be shocked they’re actually sitting here today, and for some the thought of leaving a place they have come to think of as home might bring tears to their eyes.

Alex: Le Collège Jeanne Sauvé est devenu un endroit de bonheur, de bien-être et de confort mais ce n’était pas toujours le cas. Ce qui est important est que nous avions nos familles, nos amis et nos enseignants qui étaient là pour nous et qui nous ont aidés à nous mener ici. We had our family, friends and teachers who helped us along the way and all contributed in getting us to where we are today.

Kerry: We arrived at CJS nervous, naive, and scared of the unknown. Little did we know we were about to experience some of the best days of our lives, influenced greatly by the people surrounding us on that day. Ce n’était pas évident à ce temps que cette école allait occuper une place importante dans nos cœurs pour toujours.

Alex: Left to fend for ourselves in a chaotic and confusing environment, we navigated our way around the school, got used to the eternity of the hour and fifteen minute classes and found our own identities amongst the melting pot of grade 9 students from many different schools.

Kerry: The comfort of elementary school was gone and we were invited to meet new people, make new friends and survive in a very different world: 10 different subjects, thick textbooks and very challenging math classes.

Alex: Initially we weren’t sure how to proceed. Encountering many obstacles and lacking the knowledge of the necessary precautions to take, we appreciated the help of our teachers who tested our independence and encouraged us to step outside of our comfort zones, meet new people and try new things. Before we knew it the stress of exams and major projects was over and it was on to grade 10. We travelled new paths on our journey to independence. We learned to drive, participated in band and choir trips and ski trips to Banff.

Kerry: Without our parents, some of us took our first international steps to France. There we were immersed in French culture and cuisine. That gave us the chance to improve our French oral skills by chatting with the locals, and we saw many sites that revealed the very interesting history of France. It was a completely enriching experience! But how can we ever forget… the shopping!

Alex: Entering grade 12, we had high school figured out, especially the teachers. We knew that if we wanted to find Mr. Johnson, all we had to do was look for Mr. Albrecht. We knew to line up early in the cafeteria for Rolande’s exceptional lunch specials. Any gossip shared was sure to be passed on by Mr. Freynet to the rest of the school. We knew not to get in the way of Mr. Vermette’s snack time during class since his obsessive bike riding had worked up his appetite.

Kerry: We knew if we had M. Ragoonaden as a teacher, his first class was used to teach us to say his name: not Ragamadoo, or Rugimadi, but Ragoo-na-den. There were no projectiles allowed when Mr. Lo was substitute teaching. Some things would be hard to live without and forget, like the comfort we found in the always-smiling faces of Mme. Bazin, Mme. Lamoureux and Mme. Capina.

Alex: Not to mention the look on Mr. Peloquin’s face when he arrived at school one June morning and saw that the grade 12 students had camped out. After giving us a much deserved round of applause, he delicately removed the underwear from the flag pole.

Kerry: Teachers wanted to throw us out into the hall occasionally. Still they were always there to support us and push us to do our best. We really appreciate the steps you took to get us to this special moment.

Alex: The realisation we were finally graduating occurred when Mme. Bazin reminded us there was much to do: a Grad committee to assemble, money to raise, and our production of “La Peur Bleue” to create.

Kerry: During Peur Bleu, those who were shy got out of their shells and amazed us. Though at first apprehensive about how the show would turn out, we felt immeasurable pride for pulling off such a great performance.

Alex : Aux profs- depuis nos quatre années ici au Collège Jeanne Sauvé on peut dire que vous n’avez pas seulement été des guides de l’éducation, mais aussi des amis pour la vie. D’accord, on n’a pas toujours été des anges, mais au moins on vous a offert un cadeau…celui de la patience. Grâce à vous et votre dévouement à votre travail, nous, les 12e, sommes fiers d’être devant vous.

Kerry: Where would we be without our parents? You guided us with our first steps, picked us up when we fell, brushed us off after a difficult day and encouraged us to do well. To you, we say thank you. C’est à vous qu’on dit merci.

Alex: To our fellow graduating classmates, after tonight the path we are about to embark on may seem similar to our first steps as infants. Some may start out shaky and uncertain; perhaps holding on to the ones they love for support. Others, will begin more self assured in pursuit their goals.

Kerry: Ce que nous avons appris ici nous aidera certainement à naviguer nos chemins, peu importe qui on est. Des expériences et outils qu’on a reçu du Collège Jeanne Sauvé seront inoubliables, précieux et surtout incomparables.

Alex: To our classmates, teachers and CJS administration:
Let me say before we part, so much of me is made of what I learned from you. The hands that have guided our steps through high school will surely leave a handprint on our hearts. We’ll cherish these experiences we have shared and anticipate the new ones to come.

Kerry: We will walk tall and proud, striding confidently towards our futures. As Olympiens, we take it one step at a time. Oui, comme toujours…Un pas vers l’avenir.

Kerry and Alex: Congratulations, class of 2009! We did it!