2010 commencement at Sharbot Lake High School

Oct 14, 2010

Photo: Jody Lemke made the valedictory address at Sharbot Lake's 2010 commencement ceremony on Oct. 8

Jody Lemke was chosen as the class of 2010 valedictorian and made her speech at the end of the commencement ceremony held in the school’s cafeteria on Oct.8.

Lemke at first jested with the school’s mascot Panther and presented him with a number of special mementos but later got down to basics, highlighting her career as a student at the school. She recalled her most memorable experiences at the school through which she and her fellow graduates made life long friendships. Some of those memories included grade 9 orientation at Sharbot Lake Provincial Park, winter carnivals, numerous school dances and coffee houses, school trips and leadership camps, inter-murals, sports teams, student council, school band and the proms. Lemke spoke with conviction and humour adding, “All these years of torturous essays, fetal pig dissections, science projects and exams have finally paid off.”

She thanked the ongoing support of the teachers and all support staff at the school, plus family and friends stating, “Without your help we wouldn’t be who we are today.”

“Our high school graduation is a big accomplishment but is in no way the end,” she continued, pointing out that many graduates will be setting out on new and diverse paths that include continuing studies at various universities and colleges, entering the work force and attending one last “victory lap” at the school. After wishing her fellow graduates luck she looked beyond. “Our future is not something that just happens to us but is something that we have to create.” Lastly she addressed her fellow graduates directly, stating with confidence, “We have the power to do anything, to achieve everything and to soar beyond all expectations.”