‘These moments helped build us’

Neelin’s valedictorian on Wednesday told her classmates that they have the power to define how challenges and obstacles are handled.

“Whether we struggled, persevered or simply looked the other way, these moments helped build us to who we are,” Dana Linov told her fellow École secondaire Neelin High School 2026 grads during the afternoon graduation ceremony.

She said life isn’t always going to be easy, but that every single person can show their “true strength.”

Linov was one of 85 graduates who received their diplomas and tossed their mortarboards in the air to the applause of hundreds of family and friends in attendance at Brandon University’s Healthy Living Centre.

“It’s OK to not be OK, but it’s never OK to suffer in silence. Once you embrace that, you’ll realize that these hardships aren’t pulling you down, they’re the very thing that will build you up into who you’re meant to be,” Linov said.

During the graduation ceremony, she gave the highlights of what her four years at the school were like, and the memories she will keep with her.

“I’m just so proud of how far we’ve all come,” Linov said.

Principal Bas Nundu congratulated his students, while poking fun at the shenanigans students have come up with.

“Looking at all of you, your resilience, your determination, and incredible skills to be sneaky when using your phone in class is very, very impressive,” Nundu said to a laugh from the crowd.

He said he has learned a lot from his students, including that a hall pass apparently means a drive to McDonald’s or Wendy’s.

Nundu told this year’s graduates to be passionate about whatever they do next, whether it’s post-secondary, getting a job, travelling or even playing video games.

Vice-principal Malcolm Oldcorn wished students well, and said it’s great to see how far each have come.

“It’s exciting to imagine what the future holds,” Oldcorn said.

“Whatever your path, we’re proud of you and wish each and every one of you all the best moving forward,” he added.

Meanwhile, Brandon School Division Supt. Mathew Gustafson told the 85 new alumni dressed in Neelin-green gowns that they should think about the gifts of gratitude they have received. Gifts, including notes, cards and messages that serve as a reminder of the positive impacts people make on others.

“We are most authentic when our internal compass drives our work, and then that work in turn creates tangible impact for other people,” Gustafson said.

“Regardless of which path that you take after today, I believe that your path will be most rewarding when you focus on those gifts, the positive impact that you leave on others, and the integrity with which you approached the past.”

» alambert@brandonsun.com