by QUAID NICHOLSON
Valedictorian
Good evening teachers, parents, community members, guests and my fellow graduates.
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Quaid Nicholson. On behalf of the graduating class I will be sharing some memories of our years at Westmeath Public School. Our time at WPS contained three factors that have shaped us into the young leaders you see tonight: our community of Westmeath, our teachers and staff, and our fellow classmates. I will speak shortly about each group.
A big part of our success at WPS was how people helped us outside of school. The community is a very important part of this school and I would like to thank the Westmeath District Recreation Association for everything they do, especially for the skating and Mel for always coming out to Zamboni. I would also like to thank the Parent Council for all the work they did to organize the Spring Flings and the Christmas concerts, plus the lunches and all the other things you have done. I would also like to give a special thanks to Ralph Martin, our bus driver for all the graduates who, for many years, put up with us. Those are just a few of the people from our community who helped my fellow graduates and I. Thank you to everyone.
Next, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the teachers and staff, like our custodians, Educational Assistants, secretaries and lunch monitors, who work to not just teach us, but also guide us through elementary school and prepare us for high school. I’ll talk about a few of them who made my time at WPS memorable:
Mrs. Douglas, whom Mason and I had for four years as a teacher. My favourite thing about Mrs. Douglas was how she would find funny YouTube videos about really interesting projects to do.
Mr. Boudreau had a great impact on all of us, not just through his teaching, but through his focus on sports. Since he joined our school, we’ve done so many sports, which really helped all of us to gain more skills and confidence.
My memories also include Mr. Popke who taught for many years at WPS. He was a very fun guy to be around, always leading assemblies with funny songs.
The person I feel had the biggest affect on all students was our secretary for many years, Miss Lynn, as she was always there for you. No matter what you needed you could count on her to make it happen or call home when you were sick.
Another thing I would like to talk about is my fellow graduates, Mason, Kyle and Maddie. One of my first friends, Mason and I have been in the same class since Grade 1. I’ve shared some great memories with him from winning the world series to winning WPS’ first soccer game and of course all of our hockey victories.
Kyle came to WPS halfway through the school year and my favourite memory is during the soccer tournament he came wearing cargo pants and was unable to play, so he helped coach. I wish Kyle could have been with us longer here at Westmeath so we could’ve shared more memories.
As for Maddie, I was never in the same class as her, but because our school is so small, I still got to know her very well and I’m glad she is graduating with us.
I hope my fellow graduates and I will share even more memories together in high school.
Finally, I would like to thank the teachers, community members and parents for making my time at WPS the very best. I know everything you did has helped prepare my fellow graduates and I for the next chapter of our lives. As the last class to graduate from Westmeath Public School, I know we are all leaving with strong minds and compassionate hearts.
Thank you everyone for sharing tonight with us.
Westmeath Public School Awards
Literacy: Quaid Nicholson
Numeracy: Quaid Nicholson
Social Studies Award: Quaid Nicholson
Science and Technology: Kyle Littlejohn
Instrumental Music Award: Quaid Nicholson
Athletic Award: Mason Bromley
French Award: Mason Bromley
Visual Art Award: Hayley Kilby
Drama and Dance Award: Mason Bromley and Madison Fleury
Most Improved Student Award: Mason Bromley
Volunteer Award: Reese Taylor
Bill Tate Citizenship Award: Nya Nicholson
Westmeath Parents Association Award for Effort and Proficiency: Quaid Nicholson
Centennial Award: Mikayla Norlock
Ontario Principals’ Council Leadership Award: Hayley Kilby
Westmeath Public School Medallion: Quaid Nicholson
Renfrew County District School Board Medallion: Quaid Nicholson
