School NEWS
2 graduations in 1 year: 2020 and 2021
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raduation ceremonies at Selwyn House in June of 2021 were unforgettable, following a unique pattern that befits what Headmaster Mike Downey called, “the most memorable year of all time.” To mark their year end, the Class of 2020 had a three-day “Drive-Bye” event, but they did not have their Graduation for the presentation of diplomas and prizes until June 12, 2021. A video of the graduation speech by 2020 Head Prefect Isaac Cape was included in a compilation of remarks from valedictorians from across Quebec that aired on CBC on June 19, 2020. “Inevitably, some of you will leave high school thinking that you really didn’t learn anything—nothing of any substance, at least. But I can assure you that this is far from the truth,” said Isaac Cape in his televised address. At the school, retiring Headmaster Hal Hannaford, delivering the final address of his Selwyn House career, enumerated the four qualities of leadership: vision, passion, integrity and trust. “And, of those, vision is the most powerful. Our vision for Selwyn House is that each of you will develop a lifelong commitment to Selwyn Veritas.” On May 28, 2021, a ceremony awarding ties and graduation caps, and including a valedictorian’s address by Head Prefect George Adamopoulos, was held under the tent in the Guzzo Family Playground. “I don’t know how we did it, but we made it. Grad 2021,” said George Adamopoulos, quoting Nelson Mandela when he said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” “We are living in a global pandemic, an event that will be taught in history classes at Selwyn 20 years from now,” George said, adding that his classmates find themselves in “a different world from the one their parents graduated into, with myriad problems that their generation must solve. “I think we can get there, and I think we must.” Veritas, page 36
Isaac Cape, Valedictorian 2020
George Adamopoulos, Valedictorian 2021
“I’ve seen 30 previous graduating classes and, in all honesty, I don’t think I’ve ever been as proud of a graduating class as I am of you guys,” said Headmaster Mike Downey. “You guys hung in there and kept smiling.” The Classes of 2020 and 2021 both held their graduations this June, with
graduating students separated into pods in order to respect social distancing rules. The Class of 2020 held their Graduation with parents on June 12 at the school; the 2021 graduates and their parents gathered at the Cinémas Guzzo Spheretech Theatres for simulcast presentations of awards and diplomas.
From left, Aidan Rawas, Michael Feldman and Aiden Cohen (all 2021)
