Elmwood High School - Inscripta Yearbook (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada)

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George Durnin GDVERNOR- GEAERAL’S MEDALLIST Ever since Junior High School George Durnin has been noted for his outstanding scholastic a- chievements. Once again he has shown us that he is a student of the highest calibre by winning the Governor-General’s medal for 1961-62. A Governor-General’s medallist is selected partly, but not solely on the basis of academic achievement. In addition, the winner of this coveted award, must make a substantial contribution to the life of the school by participation in school activities, and must have a degree of ability in leadership in some phase of these activities. While many students might qualify in one or other of these respects, George was one of the few who qualified completely. Throughout his school years George has con¬ stantly been at the head of his class. He has won many School Board prizes for the highest average in each grade. Now he has culminated all this by winning the highest award his school has to offer. Although a great deal of work was necessary in maintaining such a high level of scholarship George did not neglect School activities. His high degree of participation was partly responsible for his winning the medal. George distinguished himself as the president of the Science Club, which had the most successful year. One of the projects entered by the club won second prize in the Chemistry division. George also participated in the French Club. He was a continuous aid to lytr. Davidchuk in the administra¬ tion of the club. We have seen George’s success continue into Grade XII. He achieved city-wide acclaim as he and three other students demonstrated their knowl¬ edge and ability by winning the “Reach for the Top” Competition. We are pleased that George has received the Governor-General’s medal, which his industry and initiative so richly warranted. We wish to extend to George our heartiest congratulations and wish him success in whatever course he may choose to follow in the future. 12

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GRADUATES

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VALEDICTORY Virginia Gerelus Mr. McIntyre, honored guests, ladies and gentle¬ men. I would like, first of all, to say how grateful and pleased I am to have been chosen to deliver the valedictory speech. This night, fellow-graduates, signifies the cul¬ mination of twelve or thirteen years of schooling. Gone are the carefree days of childhood when the world seemed to be a place only for fun, for play and for pleasure. No sorrows or problems beset us then. However, as we grew older, gradually we realized that there was much more to life than mere play. We became aware that there was pain and suffering in the world and that there were problems to be met and dealt with. Through these growing-up years, however, there was always some¬ one to comfort us in our sorrows, to aid us in our distress and to teach us to take failures in our stride and to face reality and the future with con¬ fidence. As we say farewell to this school I would like to add on your behalf a sincere thank you to perhaps the best and truest friends we will ever have, our parents and teachers. Not only did we learn facts from textbooks, but we learned also about life in its many facets. These patient, understanding people prepared us for our meeting with the rest of the world. We may not fully appreciate their advice and their teachings at this time but in later life we will remember and say thanks again. The words, “Take up our quarrel with the foe To you with failing hands we throw the torch: Be yours to hold it high,” are familiar to everyone, but now they should hold a special meaning for each one of us. They should remind us that now it is our turn to catch the torch and to fight to free the human race from the oppressive chains of poverty, prejudice, communism, ignorance, and disease. Let us use the education obtained here, within these walls, to the advantage of mankind; to build up our civilization, not to destroy it. Let us not forget the lessons learned here but use the knowledge to aid those who have died fighting so that we may live in a better freer world, and keep up the fight never giving up, no matter what obstacles bar the way. And now, fellow-graduates, I say farewell on your behalf and end with these words. “Brothers in learning And brothers at heart, Life lies before us Here’s luck to the start.” 13