The Agassiz Elementary Secondary School class of 2025 is officially off to bigger and better things.
The grads celebrated a successful close to their secondary school career in front of a gym packed with family and loved ones on Friday, June 6.
Co-valedictorians Adrianah Byers and Lian Espiritu congratulated their fellow classmates in a dual speech, reflecting on the good times.
"As we stand here today, it is hard to believe that these are the same people we entered this school with," Espiritu said. "Although we may not be extremely close with every single person here, there's a special bond between us all built in the countless hours we spent together."
Byers thanked the members of the audience for their hard work and sacrifices in helping get the grads to where they are today.
"You have not only gotten us through these years, but you have also laid a foundation for our lives as we leave these halls," she said.
Representatives from Harrison Hot Springs, Fraser-Cascade School District 78, the District of Kent, Seabird Island First Nation and the Sts'aile First Nation all delivered congratulations to the class of 2025.
"You completed a journey that demanded hard work, late nights, resilience and adaptability," said long-time SD78 principal Stan Watchorn. Watchorn represented Kent in the June 6 ceremonies as deputy mayor. "Especially in this world, where nothing has been predictable, each of you has shown perseverance, creativity and strength. Your community is proud of you. You are the future leaders, thinkers and creators who will shape what comes next, not just for yourselves, but for us now and the generations still to come."
Sts'ailes councillor Cheryl Charlie recalled her own graduation from AESS, reflecting on the friends she made and the life lessons she learned from her teachers.
"I hope your success continues, and as you make your way in the world, I encourage you to never lose sight of the things that matter the most," Charlie said.
SD78 Superintendent Dr. Balan Moorthy invoked the words of Indigenous author Thomas King: "The truth about stories is that's all we are."
"What I encourage you to do is to listen to the stories of your elders, of your parents, of your grandparents, of your friends and your families and all those people that you are going to be working with in your next years of your life, celebrate them and absorb them," Moorthy told the graduates. "(Stories are) not just information. They're bridges. They teach us empathy, reveal truths and help us understand each other in times of division. They connect us in moments of uncertainty. They guide us."
AESS principal Greg Lawley reflected on the many career paths that led him to his current work.
"Most of you will choose a path that will change over your working life. And that's okay. It's normal," he said. "Trust yourself to know and to find out what you like and don't like. Believe in yourselves and don't stop believing that you can accomplish even more than you already have."
