Class of 2023 Graduation

Congratulations to the Class of 2023 who officially graduated on June 21 at a ceremony attended by proud family members, staff and board members.

 

Graduates met in the Rossy Agora to receive a yellow boutonnière and pose for their final class photo, then it was off to the ceremony where they were piped into Coristine Hall, in order of years attended (from most recent to "lifers"...those who have been at the school since Kindergarten).

 

The ceremony was filled with memorable speeches and awards, including the new "Carol Manning True to Others Award."

 

Headmaster Mike Downey and Valedictorian William Carvalho-Guertin set the tone with their inspiring words. William spoke about the class's unity, saying that "Our brotherhood is a tangible force that impacts our lives. It is the arms that lift us up when we stumble, the voice that echoes encouragement in our ears, it is the heart that beats to the rhythm of ours." Headmaster Mike Downey reminded the boys to keep Veritas close to their heart and apply the four truths in everything they do." Senior School Director did a stellar job sharing full biographies on each and everyone of the graduates.

 

Grade 11 student James Downey expressed his joy, saying, "Having both my parents on stage to give me my diploma was a memorable moment and made the experience all the more special!"

 

We wish the graduates all the best as they embark on their next academic journey in CEGEP, Grade 12 and Prep Schools. May they continue to work hard and pursue their dreams, no matter where their paths may lead them.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. My name is William Carvalho Guertin, and I have the honour and privilege to be the valedictorian on this momentous day marking this important milestone. I am overwhelmed with humility and pride to be trusted with the task of reflecting upon our collective journey and offering words of inspiration as we embark on this new chapter in our lives. As someone who has been here since kindergarten, I feel I am in a unique position to chart the journey we have all been through. A journey that was made possible through the endless support of our parents, teachers and the whole Selwyn community, who have guided us along the way. 

I had the privilege of starting this journey with 11 exceptional individuals, "my fellow lifers" These 11 gentlemen are diverse in their strengths and passions. Nonetheless, we were always united through the memories we formed early on and continue to create. From running around the east yard with our toy planes or toy cars or fidget spinners or blade blades or the countless other things, we forced our parents to buy us…to taking naps after lunch, which, believe it or not, was one of the harder activities to do. These memories filled us with joy while they emptied our parent's wallets. 

Now as elementary school progressed, we were introduced to the real world. I mean, we had to wear the real school uniform, which is still a struggle today, and to actually have to learn and not take naps, is also still a struggle today. And along the way, many new students were added to our band of brothers, and they made the experience a whole lot better. 

Ces etudiants qui sont arrives par groupe où parfois seul ont sincerement laisser leurs traces et ils ont solidifié une fraternité déjà existante avec tous ces gars  nous avons écrit notre histoire, des souvenirs pour la vie.   Ensemble nous avons franchi des moments importants dans nos vies, en passant par des sorties dans la nature, ce qui signifiaient de passer quelques jours loin des yeux attentifs de nos parents aux bals de l'école où nous avons vécu nos premières rencontres avec les filles.   

Now I remember the summer going into Grade 7. I was worried because I was unsure how all the new kids would affect what was already established. I mean, obviously, they made the Selwyn experience better, but what shocked me was just how much closer we got as a grade with them now as part of the family. Coming from diverse schools and stories, within no time, it was as if I had been with them since the very beginning. They added so much value and joy to our everyday lives. Together we always had a tradition of playing west-yard soccer. A game known to be played Brexit style, but most importantly, a game that brought the whole group together in unity to essentially kick the ball as hard as you can in whatever direction. Along the way, there were a couple of injuries in this beautiful game but like all things, if you die without any scars then you never did anything worth fighting for, and all the memories are certainly worth fighting for.

As we moved through high school together, we challenged ourselves endlessly through sports, academics, and the arts. Always pushing the limits of our capabilities to be better. During any occasion, whether we were on the field, in the classroom or on the stage, we were always rooting for each other from the sidelines. In life, though, things happen, and we have all felt those low moments. Experiencing seemingly dark times is inevitable but together, they were nothing more than a bump on the road. This is because our brotherhood is not just a lofty idea but rather a tangible force that impacts our lives. It is the arms that lift us up when we stumble, it is the voices that echo encouragement in our ears, and it is the hearts that beat in rhythm with ours.

These past few weeks, surely we have all felt it, a wave of sadness because it is over. As Mr. Deegan said, it is these memories that make Selwyn a home for us. And today marks the day when we must say goodbye. Like all things in life, change may hurt, but what I have come to realize from these 12 years is that change is necessary and good. For if not, I would have never met most of you. Without change, our brotherhood would've never been this strong, and all the memories that bring us together would've never happened.

What is important about change is that we change to push ourselves to take one step closer to achieving our goals. Every single one of you is capable of greatness, and I know that for a fact. I have seen it and lived it. So don't be afraid to change, take that risk, and don't worry if you get pushed a couple of steps back because you know that you can achieve anything because even in those darkest moments, you can always come back home and lean on your brothers. 

Look around you, this feeling, everyone in this room is here for you, to support you and ultimately wants what is best for you. Remember this feeling because during those low points in this long journey of life, let it be our pillar of strength. Let it be our beacon of hope. I know you are capable of greatness, and as we leave this room, the one message I want to give you guys is to go out there and become the greatest version of yourselves, not just for you but for us, the brotherhood that will always be by your side cheering you on. 

Thank you"