SRSS valedictorian encourages writing the next chapter

Steinbach Regional Secondary school’s valedictorian this year is Peyton Kehler and she encouraged her fellow graduates to write the next chapter.

“We’re the authors of our own stories from this day forward. It’s a new chapter. The blank pages that lie a head will be filled with adventures, achievements, and positive impacts on the world around us. Though the path will not be easy, remember the resilience and determination that brought us to this stage here today.”

Kehler distinguished herself in her academic studies by maintaining a 90 percent average. She was also active in sports where she was the captain of the varsity basketball team and she founded the basketball camp for girls, Shoot to Inspire.

She spoke about the rude awaking of high school and the pandemic, which she said shaped her fellow students to become resilient and to stand tall in times of uncertainty.

“Our experiences have shaped us but they do not define us. What defines us is how we chose to move forward, how we apply the lessons that we have learned, and how we continue to grow and evolve.”

Kehler spoke about how everything they thought they knew, loved, and treasured in middle school disappeared as they were challenged to “rebuild ourselves and reshape our identities as human beings.”

“Remember who stood by your side as you rebuilt yourself. Those are your people…do not let those relationships fade.”

In her final message to her fellow graduates, Kehler challenged them to embrace the unknown with courage and passion. To pursue their dreams relentlessly and to remain humble.

“Lift others as you rise and above all use your unique talents to make this world better than you found it. Put something wonderful into the world that wasn’t there before for ourselves, for our communities, and for the generations to come. The future is ours to write.”

Kehler plans on studying political science at the University of Ottawa.

Classmate Amelia Wendler could be heard during the ceremony cheering on her fellow classmates with loud whoops as they went up to the stage to get their diplomas. While everyone was talking about the next chapter in their lives, Wendler said she needed some guidance.

“All the speeches are talking about how there’s not pressure and that you can do what ever you want with your life, but I feel like there are still expectations of people that you can’t exactly put off.

“Yes, I’m going to try and find out who I am, but also how am I supposed to go about doing that they don’t really talk about that that much. I would be interested in what they would say.”

Wendler will take a gap year to work and then she plans on going on a mission to learn another language. She plans on going to university to become a radiation oncologist. Her message to her fellow classmates is to enjoy being young.

“Make good choices that won’t alter your life in negative ways,” she said.

There were 446 graduates this year at SRSS with a combined grade point average of 82 percent.