Page 38 - 1983

Mr. Freudeman, Honoured Guests, Fellow Graduates, Parents, and Friends of C.C.I., Good Evening.
Right now, our minds are racing. They are so full of mixed feelings, so many thoughts and emotions. Returning this evening, sitting in this gym, what else can we do but get lost in the memories. Let's see, just a.few things that come to mind: Grade 9 English, Grade 13 Physics, first dance, sports, late essays, Fridays, Mondays, the cafeteria, ski-days, announcements, late buses, snow days, Variety nights, cold commercial and science wings, un- finished homework," finished homework progress reports, smiles and laughter, a helping hand, encouragement.
Right now, we can't help but remember, for the past is why we are all gathered here tonight.
C.C.I. has played such an important part in our lives. We have grown up here at a time when we had never felt more unsure, yet at the same time so secure -. Unsure in the sense that we were going through one of the most difficult periods of our lives, emotionally and physically; but secure in that we knew that we were safe and protected within these walls, surrounded by people who cared for us and for whom we cared.
And now, amongst these same people, what else can we do but say thank you.
To our friends- with whom we laughed,
cried, fought, worked and played.
To our teachers- who have guided us, encouraged us, pushed and pulled us,
who have given a part of themselves, • knowingly or not, and from whom we have taken. And of course,
to our families- who stood by us,
who commended us in our disappointments
and who helped us grow,
who love us, just for who we are,
the ones out there beaming with pride.
Now, we say Thank you.
But, also now, we are looking ahead, questioning what is in store, and once again we are unsure. Unsure because we are stepping out, and I tell you the next step is a loo-loo! new faces, new hurdles.
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But we are secure, secure in the fact that C.C.I. is behind us, giving us the grounding, the confidence so that we can put our best foot forward with pride and self respect. Yes, now, we wonder what the future holds.
But, before we get too lost in the past and future, we must realize what we have now - this night, - these moments, - a reunion, warm hearts and glowing faces, they should be cherished. We have come a long way, but we have yet to go so much further.
It is time to enjoy now simply for itself. Don't let it pass by unnoticed, because, Now is what's real,
Now is what's happening,
And we are the ones to make things happen, and what better time to make them happen, than now.
We do thank you C.C.I. We have learned to learn, learned to dream,
and Now, we can achieve.
I would like to share something with you all. The author is anonymous, yet it seems appropriate.
Make the most of this moment of life that's here, For this moment is now, you can't count on more.
Now is the time for living your life. And now is the time for you to be you.
Thank you and Goodnight.