Vincent Massey High School grads urged to find their ‘passion in life’

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This article was published 29/06/2017 (3201 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The halls of the Keystone Centre were abuzz with nervous excitement as 219 Vincent Massey High School students prepared to accept their diplomas on Wednesday.

As the Class of 2017 donned their graduation caps and gowns, groups of friends huddled for one final behind-the-scenes photo before making their way into the arena.

“(It’s) a big bucket full of emotions — happy, sad, excited to be out — but at the same time, kind of sad because from here on out, it’s just adulthood,” said Hallee Sorotsky, who plans to take a year off to work and travel, before enrolling in a dental hygiene program in Regina.

Cherise Baker said finally reaching graduation day was a relief.

“It was a lot of work to get to where we are now, and getting to do it with my friends is the best part of it,” Baker said. She too plans to take a year off before pursuing an early-years education program in Calgary.

Kelsey Jordan will be attending the University of Manitoba next year, where she will play volleyball. But for now, it’s all about enjoying the moment.

“I’m feeling very anxious. It’s been such a big buildup to get here, and now that it’s here, it’s just really great to enjoy it,” Jordan said. “I haven’t had any stress today so far, I’m just here to have a great time.”

Valedictorian Daniel Lysack’s main message to his fellow graduates was to “never give up on trying to find your passion in life.”

Lysack will be taking sciences at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg next year, where he will also be playing volleyball.

“(I’m) a little bit nervous as I’m entering a new part of my life, but definitely excited to see what’s next and to take on the new challenge,” he said.

Brandon School Division Supt. Marc Casavant told the graduating class that along with their diploma, they are also given a key that will unlock “your potential, your determination, your optimism, and patience — all of these qualities are needed to succeed in life.”

Murray MacMillan has been the acting principal at Vincent Massey since last November. He took over for Michael Adamski, who died in March after a battle with cancer. The well-known and well-respected Brandon educator was on the minds of many, as the Class of 2017 celebrated graduation day.

“I’m honoured to be here on behalf of Mr. Michael Adamski who was a good friend and a close colleague,” MacMillan said, adding Adamski will be “missed by all.”

During the ceremony at Westman Place, MacMillan told the graduates that he was sitting in their place 51 years ago, as a member of the Vincent Massey High School Class of 1966.

While Wednesday marked the official end of high school for the graduates, MacMillan reminded them that school is always in session — education is lifelong.

“I want you to live, I want you learn and when it comes your turn, I want you to pass it on,” he said.

His final message to the grads was a quote from Aristotle: “Remember, choice not chance will determine your destiny.”

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