Kwalikum Secondary valedictorian's speech from Weston Zelisko on June 27, 2024:
Welcome family and friends, teachers and staff, honoured guests, and of course, my fellow 2024 graduates. Thank you for trusting me to represent you on this momentous occasion. You’re actually in pretty decent hands, as with the last name Zelisko, I have over 12 years of related experience at the end of class attendance lists, so I’m no stranger to having the last word.
I wouldn’t have believed anyone if they had told my Grade 10, fresh from Alberta self, that just a few years later I’d be representing my entire graduating class on this stage. I feel so blessed and incredibly thankful for the support and opportunities I’ve received, particularly in my senior year. It just goes to show that for better or worse, circumstances are not permanent, and growth at any rate is guaranteed, given time, so enjoy every moment for what it is before it’s passed.
There are so many people, both in and beyond this gymnasium, who have helped shape our graduates through their years leading up to today. Our families saw our first steps, first birthdays, first jobs and now watch proudly as we’ve crossed this stage, diplomas in hand. For all of you, our gratitude runs deep. Thank you for all your love and support, for everything you do that goes unnoticed or underappreciated, and for trying to make us the best we can be for the road ahead. And to the teachers and staff at this school, many of whom go beyond their job title as educators to become mentors, confidants, and even friends, our sincerest thanks for all you’ve done. Future classes here are so lucky to have you on their team. We were also lucky enough to have a fantastic prom at Arbutus Meadows last Saturday, which wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering dedication of the executive parent council, student volunteers, other parent and KSS Staff volunteers, and the generous donations and support we received from our surrounding community. Thank you for your contributions, and making our final year well worth the wait.
So, here we are. A moment that once seemed so distant has finally arrived. Commencement is more than just a monumental stepping stone to what lies ahead. It is the pinnacle of the commitment and achievements you’ve made over the last 12 years. It’s every class, test, and quiz. Every group project and last-minute English paper submission. Every sports match, band performance, and art exhibit. Every mental breakdown, estimated midlife crisis, and mathematical struggle turned analogy. It’s also every dollar spent on caffeine, clothes, and car maintenance to subdue said breakdowns, crises, and struggles. It’s all the time and dedication you’ve put in, the things you struggled through but never talked about, and how you rose above it all to grow into the version of you you are today. It’s also every friend you’ve made, all the laughs you’ve shared, and the promise of a wonderful life awaiting you beyond these doors. No matter how many of the last 5 years you’ve spent at KSS, you’re part of a lasting legacy that I’m proud to share with you. The home of the Kondors is now also the home of tomorrow’s innovators, who will shape the future of our world as we know it.
The KSS Class of 2024 contains so many unique individuals, and I wondered how I’d be able to represent you all in the ways you deserve. Some light perusing of the internet suggested beginning with a relative personal story, which up until yesterday morning I was convinced I didn’t have, until I woke up to find that my entire speech had deleted itself. Panicking at a now blank document and convinced I had been ill-voted for this task, I embarked on an impromptu run to the Deep Bay spit, a place I’ve often gone to sort out my troubles for the past few years. I was quickly reminded, that though I am many things, an athlete is not one of them, and was soon humbled by my particular dislike of cardio. A wheeze, stumble, and multiple cramps later, I
arrived and heroically crashed onto the beach. I began to ponder what we, the youth, needed to hear before taking our next steps forward into “real life”. I thought of the mixed emotions I’ve heard in our halls regarding what comes next. And then I thought of the blank Word document awaiting my return at home. Maybe you’ve graduated today with your next few pages pre-typed. Maybe you’re unsure, and still playing with the fonts. Maybe one night you’ll fall asleep with it all written down, and wake up the next morning to a blank page. (You certainly will if you don’t save your Word documents). Blank pages can be daunting, but thankfully some parts of your book have already been written. You can always reflect back on previous chapters to remind yourself of what you’re working towards, or maybe what you’d like the change in the future. Just keep typing, learn from any mistakes, and then flip to a brand new page, with a new day and a new chance to make the world a better place. To seize your full potential, just follow the words of Ms. Worthen and “make it a good read.”
Graduation is seemingly one of the highest points of potential in a lifetime. We enter these doors as youth and exit them young adults, with an expired life ‘free trial’ and the world at our fingertips. But what is potential? In physics, we learn it is a type of energy stored in an object in a higher position relative to other objects. Google defines it as having qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness. And no, before you panic, I’m not about to question science or arguably more importantly the almighty Google. But I think there are also some misconceptions about potential. Some believe that an individual's potential is influenced by their age, assumed failures, or the labels that are placed on them. Although these things may be a part of you, they do not define you, and in any case, should be used to fuel you forward. Your adversities only grow your potential more. What happens one day does not define the next, as every day the sun will rise again, dawning with it the same full potential you carry today, and always.
The best way you can go out into the world is to just be yourself. In the wise words of Jennifer Coolidge “you like like the fourth of July, it makes me want a hot dog re-” OK nope, wrong quote. In the wise words of Jennifer Coolidge, “you already are everything you need to be.” Don’t waste any energy trying to be something you’re not, find yourself, and love that person unconditionally. At our simplest form, we are human, and it is in this single shared connection we must rely on to keep us united together. In an ever-changing world that seems to reveal a darker side every day, we must focus on working with, not against one another. There’s already plenty of strife across the globe, and we don’t enter the same world our parents and elders did. As the next generation we have a responsibility to speak up and take action for what we know is right.
The world will only know your name once, so make it count. Exceed expectations, for they are only suggestive walls. And surpass limits for they are just invisible lines. Be proud of everything you’ve overcome, stay true to yourself, spread good when others won’t, do what brings your life authentic joy, and live it in full colour. Since technically speaking we’re all in the same boat right now, as they say in the marine industry, I wish you fair winds and following seas. I also truly wish you all the best in your future endeavours, and I can’t wait to see all the incredible things I know you’ll accomplish. You’ve survived a global pandemic, high school, and now this speech, and I’m confident you have all tools to make your mark in the world that awaits before you. Graduates, let me be one of the first of many, many, more to say a heartfelt congratulations. Thank you so much for having me. We did it!
