Page 28 - 2003

Valedictorian Address
Good evening graduates, teachers, administration, parents and honoured guests. First of all I, would like to thank all of you for allowing me to speak on behalf of you and take part in this distinguished tradition.
While struggling to determine how I feel about the future, I realized that everything that we should be driven to be is right above us. It fights through storms and cloudy days, battles darkness and high winds, it adds warmth and brings light to our lives, what truly shines brighter than the sun. We may not be huge objects made up of burning gases, but we are giants in our own right, filled with joy, passion, intelligence, determination and kindness. We have the ability to bring light into the life of other, and we must use the qualities that we possess to shine as bright as we conceivably can.
As we sit here tonight it is astonishing to think about the giant strides we have all taken over our five years here at Collingwood Collegiate Institute. The doors of the future have been thrust open for us, and in receiving our high school diplomas we have indeed conquered a great feet. We have come a long way but it does not compare to the length to which we are capable of going. The piece of paper that we now hold marks a new era, in our lives, one in which we move from adolescence to adulthood.
Before we contemplate what lies ahead, let's take a look at our past. It was the little memories here at CCI that made our experience feel so big. Like most teenagers, we enjoyed playing immature games that caused immense pain and embarrassment. At CCI, we invented our own version of tag which left every male victim in extreme pain and while walking down the halls of CCI, it was always unsafe to wear track pants as they'd be at your ankles in no time. Through CCI's strong athletic program, a rivalry between the female and male teams was also formed. I'll admit it, the girls were usually more successful, but don't sweat it guys- it's not like the girls ever did anything at OFFSA championships. Who could forget the unbelievable lip-syncs that we contributed to, our unsanitary ice-tea-chugging contests, the cheerful greetings we received every morning from Robby Roest, the times we spent struggling to find a computer in the library that actually worked and the many times those greasy Bacon and Cheese Bagels and fried Hashbrowns made straight from our cafeteria, saved us from starvation. Yes, CCI indeed brought us memories and it seems as though CCI offers everything, the band, choir, clubs, and most importantly it, gave us a chance to give back to our community through events like our Thanksgiving Day Food Drive and our Christmas Toy Drive. Over five years, here we formed bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. We were also touched by some of the most amazing people in our community, individuals whom we loved, but also loved to disagree with. I'd like to give a big thanks to all the great teachers at CCI.
I have a feeling we will learn to appreciate the five years we spent here, even as our interests take us in different directions. The friendships that were molded here will never be matched. No matter how hard we try to recreate it, the moments we shared here are not repeatable. High school is about growing up with the real world right around the corner. Through the growing process, some gained facial hair, height, and intelligence, but possibly the most important thing, we gained was a class- the class of 2002. The place that we are entering is completely different from which we are accustomed. None of us truly knows what lies ahead, but we have been given the tools to shine. In the words of Bernard Shaw, "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a traiL" I'm sure from your experiences so far outside the secure walls of CCI. Whether it be at work, college, university or even at home on your comfortable couch, you have encountered obstacles that have been difficult to overcome. But what we have been taught and have experienced so far in life must be used to not only survive, but thrive in the changing world...OUR WORLD. Although times may get tough, always remember that where there are shadows, there is also light.
There are many individuals whom have contributed to our transitions throughout our lives. We all have family here tonight- grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and most importantly, our parents. I think I'm speaking for everybody when I say thank you for being wise, for being there and thanks for loving us.
The opportunities that lie ahead of us are endless. Be what you want to be and not what you are expected to be. Do not be afraid to take chances for it is the risks we don't take in Life that we most regret. So if you want to be an Accountant, do it. Just don't use tactics similar to Enron's accountants if you want to be an Astronomer, do it. Just don't get caught looking in any windows with your microscope and if you want to pump Subtict tanks, do it just watch out for leaks in your hose. Whether you are aiming towards pursuing journalism, athletics, teaching or even a career in the adult film industry, always remember- you now have the tools to do it, so bring light to all your goals.
As a class and community, we have faced many obstacles, the loss of a fellow student in the late Ryan Able and the tragic events of Sept. ll 'h hit the community hard. These events make one look harder into life and how easily it can be taken from us. As a class and community, we shall never forget these tragic events, but instead learn from them and realize that we must embrace each day with passion.
Collingwood Collegiate offers its students a great deal; we had teachers to guide us, friends to support us, education to improve us, and memories to last us the rest of our lives. I'm going to leave you with a few words from the great Canadian band 'Trooper', which I feel best sum up my time here at CCI and life in general-
We are here for a good time Not a long time,
So have a good time,
The sun can't shine every day.
Thank you and God Bless.
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Collin Matanowitsch