Page 16 - 1966

Larry Jackson
Tonight I ha.ve been given a privilege; that of speaking on behalf of the graduates of the 1965 class. I only hope that I prove worthy of this honour.
Perhaps honour is not the most appropriate word to use for describing the Valedictory Address, for it has been a greater task than an honour. I have been chosen to express the feelings, which we, the graduates, have ex- perienced during these past few years. Tonight I have been placed here to say farewell to an old friend, Collingwood Collegiate Institute.
Through the years CCI has become a second home to most of us who have stayed late after classes to play football, basketball, soccer, and all the other sporting and club activities which were opento us. If this was not enough, most of us returned on those special evenings for dances, games, and variety nights. Some of us enjoyed these activities to such a great extent that we have stayed extra years just to enjoy them longer. But now that they are all memories we can now and in the future, look back upon these years and say those renowned words: "They were the best years of my life."
I would like to extend to the teachers our appreciation for their efforts which have made this night possible; we will always remember your never-ending guidance and patience. You have instilled in us the knowledge and under- standing that are a part of life, but most of all you have given us the interest to continue to continue to learn. To each of you may we extend a very sincere THANK YOU.
Tonight I would also like to say an official goodbye to our parents; how can we begin to thank you for all the help yoll have given to us. Without your constant encouragement and con- fidence I am sure many of us would have fallen by the wayside. Now I only hope that your pride in us will be justified and that we will live up to your expectations.
I would like to personally thank my fellow graduates for the fellowship which we have shared during these few years. Although we have not been the most intellectually eager class, we have learnt much. We have spent many impressionable years together and I am certain that whether we leave school for a business life or whether we go on to higher learning, our likes and dislikes will have been moulded in this building.
Tonight is the beginning of an era: tonight, for the first time we have graduate s from the Technical Division. I only hope that their numbers increase through the years for they carry with them a skill, which if developed further, will lead them to the rich rewards of the future.
Leaving high school is actually the first contact we will have with the world outside . What lies ahead of us only time will answer, but I am certain that we have been prepared to face each step as it comes before us. We have been pre- pared for our new life by our old friend CCI. For who else but a friend would give so much, to so many, for so little.
Thus it is with regret that we must now bid farewell to CCI for we are not saying goodbye to just a building, but to a true friend.
V aledictory
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