Every September a new group of eager young kindergarten students begin an exciting new chapter of their lives. A tiny army of backpack-clad cuties file into elementary schools in Nelson eager to learn, meet new friends and open new worlds.
Thirteen years later and hundreds of new experiences gained, they become the next grad class at L.V. Rogers secondary school. A little more jaded and whole lot more wise, the pack of polished publicly-educated teenagers celebrate a massive milestone.
Both parents and students are left wondering where did the time go?
For parents, it seemed like only yesterday the runny-nosed wee ones were being shuffled out the door with a nutritious lunch and encouraging words. The stress and worry of “will my child be happy and successful today” always on their minds. When it comes to chiseling out a future for your children, every day seems huge. The culmination of all those days, more enormous than any other achievement a parent will ever accomplish.
For students, the last 13 years are a blur of mathematical equations, grammar lessons and science experiments. A marathon of daily challenges and new frontiers. Basking in success and picking up the pieces after failure. Meeting new friends and creating lifelong bonds that even at this moment are difficult to comprehend. At times it likely seemed the end goal was impossible to reach, but each day the building blocks created what these young men and women are today.
Grad weekend is a time to celebrate. That’s never a problem in Nelson. Few other small communities can boast a downtown cavalcade where close friends and complete strangers line the streets to enthusiastically cheer on the graduating class. It’s one of the days that help make the place we call home so special.
Congratulations to the Class of 2013 on a job well done. With the help of your parents, teachers, family, friends and entire support system you have made this community proud. Your success is our success and we will continue to cheer you on as you head out into the next fantastic chapter of your lives.