Following is the speech written by Ashlyn DeWitt, valedictorian for the JL Crowe class of 2024. DeWitt gave her speech to the 160 graduates receiving their B.C. Certification of Graduation or School Completion Certificate during convocation, held June 21 in the Trail Memorial Centre.
Good evening J.L. Crowe staff, family, friends, dignitaries, and the grads of 2024.
Thank you grads for selecting me to represent our class here today.
This in process I haven’t taken lightly because of a certain message I received on our first day of grade 12.
This message came from a dear family friend, a second mom, and a beloved member of the community, Aladina Sheets.
The text said, “Enjoy your year. Before you know it, it will be done, I’m trying to say don’t wish it away, take it all in.”
So when I was preparing to run for valedictorian a few weeks ago, I knew this was a message I wanted to share with all of you in her honor.
I was determined to represent you here today.
I know it’s cliche, and I know my English teacher wouldn’t be happy, but that text reminded me of how Aladina wanted to spend the rest of her time here, she wanted to live life to the fullest.
When I say live your life to the fullest, I think of seizing opportunities when they are presented to you, finding the people who make you the best version of yourself, and choosing to enjoy the ride.
Today marks the day that one journey together turns into upwards of 200 different ones.
I’m going to get real for a second.
Before you get too excited about all this freedom, you have remember that a journey is only what you make out of it.
Apply for that job, buy that plane ticket, pursue that hockey career, and move to that city because opportunities aren’t going to present themselves every day, but when they do, go for it because they’ll help achieve your goals and dreams.
On the other hand, sometimes saying yes can be uncomfortable.
Look at Cooper Jones.
He had zero idea why he was n bio 12, he shocked us every time he made an appearance, and could’ve easily dropped it, but with a slight push from his mom, he made it through.
We had eight people run for valedictorian this year, most there’s ever been, and it takes a lot to put yourself out there like that.
And let’s talk about the participation in the first-ever inflatable costume teacher race.
They had to risk pulling muscles just to provide us with great entertainment, and Ms. Ewankiw with the opportunity to take out her biggest enemies, Mrs. Deadmarsh and Mr. Morrisette.
Whatever the circumstance may be, whether it’s chasing a dream or as trivial an inflatable costume race, what I’m saying is go for it.
You will always have regret for not doing something, but you will never have regret for trying.
No matter what could go wrong, it’s worth going for it.
Say yes to life.
The same idea applies to relationships.
Say yes to the ones that will help you grow, and get rid of the dead weight.
Up until this point, we’ve had family, friends, parents, guardians, coaches, teachers, and instructors support us during our time here.
These relationships helped form who we are.
As much as I love to tease her for holding the record of the most amount of time spent at Mr. Morrisette’s desk, I definitely wouldn’t be who I am without my best friend Bella Conci pushing me to be the best version of myself every day.
I owe so much thanks to her.
It’s relationships like these that have introduced us to a new side of ourselves.
And this includes the J.L. Crowe staff and its students who have encouraged us to be ourselves and do what we love.
People like Mr. V and his band crew, Mrs. Lafond’s drama group, Mr. Winkers’ artists, Hebert with her field hockey gang, Mr. Smyth in the shops, Mr. Coombs’s rugby crew, and the list goes on.
So as you go off into your future, you need to think about, who do you want to be?
And who do you want in your corner to give you that?
Life is short, don’t waste it surrounding yourself with those holding you back.
Surround yourself with those who will move you forward.
Now, I’m not up here to be cringe, but I’m going to hit you with one more cliche, “Happiness is a choice, so choose to enjoy life.”
When we got to high school it became apparent that we needed to be working towards something for the rest of our lives.
If you wanted to go to college or university, your grades mattered.
If you wanted to financially support yourself, the money you made at your part-time job mattered, just a lot more started to matter.
We’re always working towards something to keep us going, however, sometimes you need slow down and enjoy the ride.
Don’t get me wrong in all this hustle, you’re allowed to feel worry, stress, fear and agony, but make sure it doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Smile like J.D. as he cruises the halls, laugh like Alora when we accidentally “turkey,” greet your friends like Isaiah does as he runs by, wear your favorite color like Johnny wears red every day, do what you love like Nathan Gross playing basketball in the gym every morning, sing and dance like the cast of Mamma Mia.
Once time is spent, it’s gone for good.
Work towards a goal, chase a dream, but remember to choose to enjoy the ride along the way.
Before I wrap this up want to give a heartfelt thank you to my parents for providing me with opportunities and giving me the support to be on this stage.
Grads, take this moment to think about those who’ve been in your corner and supported you along this crazy journey.
Make sure you find a way to recognize and thank them this weekend.
So, as we move on to our future remember to be proud that you said yes to that opportunity, and if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t matter.
Because you’ll have the right people in your corner who lift you up, and move you forward.
Even though I will be crying my way through this weekend thinking about how this year is now done, grads, I want you to remember to choose to enjoy life and live it to the fullest like my dear friend Aladina.
Congratulations to our graduating class of 2024.
I wish you nothing but the best. Thank you.
