Convent of the Child Jesus - Yearbook (North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada)

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Valedictory I t is my honor and privilege, on this, the fourteenth day of May, 1967, to give the farewell address on behalf of the COCJ graduates. I am told that the world is progres¬ sing, and that each day one learns something new; life consists of learn¬ ing, and of growth. A child, within the space of a few short years, learns to walk, to talk, and to express him¬ self. From the moment one is con¬ ceived, the process of learning be¬ gins, and it continues until the day one dies. Along the way of life, one makes many important decisions, starts out on many new paths, reaches many milestones. One of these milestones is reached the day one graduates from high school. To a girl who is gradua¬ ting, the event is indeed a memorable cne. A girl is a very special individual, for there is bom within her the ability to love, the capacity to give, the in¬ spiration to add grace and beauty to a world of cold reality. As these young women leave their homes to venture into the world, we must pray that they will not lose their simple trust, their gentleness, and their generosity. But we know life can bring many heart¬ aches. The experiences of loneliness, rejection, perhaps even degredation and despair may come their way in future years. Because they have faith and pride in womanhood, they have within them the power to overcome all difficulties. As I look at each of the graduates, I see my friends, but more than that I see in each one of them, an indivi¬ dual. It is a profound moment when cne realizes that never again will one meet anyone exactly like this. To watch this group of young women, in work, in thought, and at play, is a very rewarding experience, for at some chance moment, one may behold the truth reflected in the eyes of a thinker, hear a laugh out of good spirits, or see a mischievous grin, or twinkle in the eye of a not so serious student. In this pressurized society, individualism may easily be lost. It is something we must work and strive for, and when we find it, guard it carefully. I cnce read that it matters not so much what one is in life, but that one is an individual. At this time in our lives, when our future seems so im¬ portant, we must not forget the pre¬ sent. We must live every day to the fullest, and when it is over, ask our¬ selves: “Was I honest with myself to¬ day? Was I true? Did I try my very best?” Certainly these are soul-search¬ ing questions, but if we can answer them in the affirmative, then surely happiness will be ours in life. If we can find contentment in ordinary things — a child’s laugh, a sunrise, if we can enjoy a gentle breeze on a bright spring morning, then life will seem to us beautiful and good. And always, we remember that for each one there is a special job to do: “The world is waiting for somebody, Waiting and watching today, Somebody to shield and strengthen, Somebody to lift and stay. Do you thoughtfully question “Who?” ‘Tis you, my friend, ‘tis you. The world is waiting for somebody And it has been years on years; Somebody to soften its sorrows, Somebody to heed its tears. Then doubting question no longer “Who?” For, oh, my friend, ‘tis you, ’tis you.” There are many to whom we feel grateful and indebted on this occasion. To the teachers, we say “thank you”. You have taught us much in the space of a few short years — unity, charity, kindness, and obedience. Yours are the lessons that will help us in our lives to come. Dear parents, thank you. Yours was the gift of life, pre¬ cious and valuable; but, you not only gave us life, you loved us, even when it must have been impossible. You were patient when we were wrong, and angered when we were unjust. Your love has taught us responsibility and maturity. To all others who have helped us on our way, and by good examp.e and encouragement were a source of inspiration to us, we are also grateful. To the graduates, I say farewell. Each one of you, in your wisdom, has helped me to grow up. May good for¬ tune be with you, and your lives be happy. I wish this for you, but more than this, I wish for each one of you to be a woman, wonderful and wise. Accept each person you meet in life, not by his rank, but by his character. Look forward to each day in your life — make it golden, something to be re¬ membered. But always, be kind, for kindness stems from love, and love is the true beauty of a woman. Our years at the Convent have been eventful ones, perhaps some of the most important in our lives. Certainly we will remember these years of our youth as happy ones, for it is here that we learned how co-operation can make dreams come true. On an occasion such as this, we realize just how much we have learned at the Convent — especially the lessons of truth, wisdom, and love. I’m sure each one of us feels within, the true spirit of COCJ. In conclusion, I would offer you this challenge, for it is one that if taken up, will help each person to live, to love, and to be happy. “I would be true, for there are those who trust me, I would be pure, for there are those who care. I would be strong, for there is much to suffer, I would be brave, for there is much to bear. I would be a friend of all the poor, the friendless, I would be giving, and forget the gift. I would be humble, for I know my weakness, I would look up, and laugh, and love, and live!” — Lynda Gnadt, Valedictorian — 35

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s wmmmm Father Adam Exner, OMI, Guest Speaker Pretty picture? We think so! I L ' v 1 1