A FAirytAle Prom MERRITT SECONDARY SCHOOL
GRAD 2022
Good evening to all the family and friends of our 2022 graduating class. I would like to acknowledge that we are meeting today on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx Nation. Today is a very special day for all of us, especially those of you who have been plugging away for the last 13 years of your lives to reach this moment. So, to you grads of 2022, I have a few words of advice and some acknowledgment as you head off into the world. There you are, brain and legs soon to be stretched out on some damp piece of lawn under the canopy of the wide universe. It is you and some fellow graduates. A delirious cocktail of imagination, confidence, and a new freedom raging through your veins: there is literally a new world for you to discover. In the past two years you have witnessed an incredible amount of turmoil in the world. Not in my lifetime did I ever think we would live out what we only have seen in science fiction movies. You not only witnessed a global pandemic, but saw an entire world of scientists come together and develop vaccines in less than 18 months. History has proven, however, time and time again, that in times of great peril, amazing things can happen. The best way to describe it would be like a phoenix rising from the ashes. The tragic death of George Floyd, and resulting Black Lives Matter movement, also brought the world together. We all
witnessed the thousands of protests, and saw a global movement to question and demand change around social injustice and racism. And soon after that, we once again were brought to our knees because of the horrific discovery at the Kamloops Residential School, where 215 young souls lost their lives to a corrupt and racist system. Yet, once again, like the Black Lives Matter movement, a new movement has emerged. People all across this country are participating en masse to shed light onto the tragic occurrences in residential schools across this country. I am so proud that Orange Shirt Day has become a statutory holiday and will be forever recognized in this country. The Every Child Matters movement is growing exponentially across our country and there has been an overwhelming cry and push from all people to once and for all end the systematic racism that has inflicted insurmountable damage to Indigenous families across this country. And just when we all thought we were through the worst, our community was befelled by mother nature herself. We saw so much physical devastation not only to our school, but to our community. The mental strain and accompanying stress floored so many of us during this time, and honestly it felt like it would never be normal again. However, just as swiftly as tragedy struck, our community rallied together. Many of you, grads of 2022, stepped up and
volunteered and literally gave the shirt off your backs to help your neighbours, often complete strangers. And once again, out of devastation came humanity and every single one of you showed that your character is strong, and you will do right when the moment calls. I am so very proud of you grads of 2022. To graduate at this time, and to be forever connected to incredible tragedy and a unifying sense of kindness, is an amazing privilege. Whatever it is you decide to do, I think the real work on your journey is to keep on becoming the most amazing individuals you can be in thoughtful, proactive strokes. To keep moving through the water, even as you try to figure out all the undercurrents of life. Try not to get stuck in your search for life. Live, love, and think. If you do this, you will graduate, time and time again. I would like to conclude by saying congratulations to all of you on your graduation, and wish you all the best in your future goals and dreams. I am very proud of all of you. I know the knowledge and skills you have gained during your time here at Merritt Secondary School will be a great asset to you as you move through the next stages of your lives. I hope that you will stay in touch and keep us informed about the many exciting activities and adventures you will encounter in the future. Congratulations, graduates of 2022! Mr. Slanzi
Abigail Bateson, William Stamp, Robert Sterling and to the rest of the LNIB Graduates!
You already have everything you need inside of you right now, today – Alicia Keys
Office: 250.378.4524 2975 Mamit Lake Road, Merritt BC