ADVOCATE HARBOUR, N.S. — For Skye Berry delivering the valedictory address to her fellow classmates in the Class of 2019 at Advocate District School was a little surreal.
She was finding it hard to believe that high school was over for her and the three other members of the school’s graduating class.
“This year for me was one of the strangest years yet,” she said. “I was applying to universities and getting prepared for graduation. But my mindset was nowhere near in realization of what was actually happening. Even now reading this speech I don’t know when I will accept the fact that I won’t be walking through those doors in September.
“I can still remember very vividly walking through the double doors in Grade 6 and feeling so cool and mature and ready to take on the world. But now the double doors aren’t cool anymore so it’s kind of a let-down.”
Berry accepted both the Governor General Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Medal which recognize academic achievement and school and community involvement.
Berry, who is attending Mount Allison to study toward a bachelor of science, said she has learned nothing can prepare a person for his or her graduation moment. Talking to the school’s other students she suggested they not stress over graduation or what they will do after high school.
“Do not stress about what you are going to do once you are done high school because I still can’t believe I am graduating tonight. Trust me you have plenty of time to figure things out, so just enjoy where you are right now,” she said.
While they didn’t all start their school journey together, Berry said she’s happy they’re ending it together.
“We have grown up with each other, and watched as we each matured,” she said. “So thanks to you for being patient, funny, and supportive of each other. I know that our future endeavors are and will be special in their own ways. So, whether you know now, or figure it out later I will be stressing this phrase to myself and you – wherever you go, go with all your heart. I believe that this will lead us on a path of success, happiness, and fulfillment within our futures. I wish you all good luck, and farewell.”
Other members of the grad class include: Scarlett Morris, who will study English and history at Mount Allison; Ryan Durant, who is going to NSCC to study refrigeration and air conditioning (geothermal) and Keagan Grant, who is entering the workforce.
Berry accepted an entrance scholarship (renewable) of $3,000 and an entrance bursary of $1,500 totaling $13,500 over four years while Morris received an entrance scholarship of $3,000 per year over four years and an entrance bursary of $2,500 for a total commitment of $14,500.
Jenna MacGillivary was recognized as the Lt. Governor Medal that is presented to a Grade 11 student for academic achievement and school/community involvement.
Other awards included:
University of Toronto Book Award –– Skye Berry
Cumberland Child & Youth Foundation Bursary –– Scarlett Morris ($500)
Parrsboro Lions in Memory of Vernon Nuttall Bursary – (Skye Berry for $150 & Scarlett Morris for $150)
Parrsboro Shore Historical Society – Skye Berry – ($200)
IODE Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire Bursary- Scarlett Morris ($500)
Guy Brown Cumberland South Liberal Association Bursary – Skye Berry ($100.00)
Joggins Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion Bursary – Skye Berry, Ryan Durant & Scarlett Morris ($100 each)
Patty Spicer Memorial Scholarship – Skye Berry ($200)
Red Cross Scholarship – Ryan Durant ($60)
Stay-In-School Initiative – Keagan Grant ($50)
WestCumb Amateur Radio Club – Scarlett Morris ($200)
Cumberland South PC Association Bursary – Ryan Durant ($200)
Municipality of Cumberland – Skye Berry ($500)
W. Johnson Tax Services Ltd. Bursary – Ryan Durant ($100)
Georgie Dunbar Memorial Scholarship – Ryan Durant ($60)
Advocate & District Home & School Association Bursary – Skye Berry ($600)
Perley Wright/Pharmasave Bursary – Skye Berry ($250)
Advocate Volunteer Fire Dept. Ladies’ Auxiliary Bursary – Skye Berry ($200)
Advocate & District Volunteer Fire Brigade Scholarship – Skye Berry & Scarlett Morris ($250 each)
Advocate & Area Small Business Scholarship – Skye Berry and Scarlett Morris ($900 each) & Ryan Durant ($650).
