Message to Graduates from Principal Kupchenko of Two Hills School

with these grads and their families. Looking back at those 17 years, I have realized that I have done a lot of learning just as I know you will. So, I thought I might share with you some of those tidbits that I maybe haven’t had a chance to talk with you about over the years, but seem all the more relevant as you are getting ready to embark on the game of life.

Hello Tiger Grads of 2023, Grad Families, Honoured guests, Friends and Two Hills School Staff,

What a good looking group! I am so glad to be here celebrating with you all today. It is my honour and privilege to speak to you on this very special day. A day of accomplishment, a day of achievement, a day to look back on how far you have come and reminisce on a pretty darn good chapter of your lives. I have certainly been doing some reminiscing in the last few weeks. I started my teaching career in 2006. That is the birth year of some our grads! It has been a little surreal for me to think about that, but it has certainly been an honour to be a part of the journey

1. 1)Your ears aren’t just for decoration! Listen to those that care about you. They have been through this and made mistakes that they don’t want to see you make. I mean … we are all going to make them … I have watched all of you make them (some since kindergarten). You’ve moved past them wonderfully and are now confident young adults because you corrected them. That is one important way that we learn. However, another intelligent way to learn is to learn from the mistakes of others. So open those ears to those around you who offer advice.

2. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. Now … there is a balancing act here. This can lead to mistakes if time is not put in to weigh the risks and benefits, but not being afraid to try something new can open your world and help you to go further than you ever imagined. On top of that, it helps to keep life interesting and keep moving yourself forward and on the path of continual improvement. Whichever path you decide to go down, meet it head on with the ferocity of a Tiger. Be stronger for the experience, or change and adjust confidently if you realize a path wasn’t the right one.

3. When you fall, get back up again. There are going to be times that aren’t that easy or maybe things that you fail at, but you all have a team that is routing for you. The gym today is full of your teammates that have already helped to support you to this point and will always be there should you need a shoulder. As you experience more things and meet more people, your team will grow and that safety net will get even stronger the more hands that are added to catch you. The people around you will make life worth living to its fullest and help you through the trials as well as allow you to have the confidence to do things that you never thought you could.

Grad class of 2023, in the time I have spent with you, I have known you all to be respectful of the people around you and grateful of the opportunities given to you. I have always been proud to take you on trips as ambassadors of your school and community. Don’t get me wrong … you are still teenagers. There were some shenanigans and hiccups, but as I said earlier, we all need to make mistakes to learn. You were always quick to correct. Often, your mistakes were even made out of a place of caring and respect. Please continue to carry on the positive outlook that I have known you all to have throughout your lives. It will serve you well. Another name for graduation is commencement. Commencement means the beginning. This is the beginning of a new chapter for each of you. I know you will make it a good one.

The school, this community, and of course, your families have been through 18 years with all of you. Darn right we are proud of what you have accomplished and who you have become. Congratulations on this big accomplishment! Go Get ‘em Tigers!