Landmark valedictorian encourages taking risks, setting goals

It was a class of 24 that graduated from Landmark Collegiate on June 26 that valedictorian Callie Koop was addressing in her speech when she urged them to take risks and set goals.

“What are you going to do after high school? Lots of us will have mixed feelings about this question. You might feel excited or nervous or a mix of both. I’m not going to stand up here and tell you you need to know the answer because honestly I don’t know what the answer is for myself.

“Instead I’m going to encourage you to take risks, set goals, try new things, and most importantly create memories that will last a lifetime. We’re a very unique group of individuals that I’m sure will accomplish a lot and I look forward to seeing what you’ll do in the future.”

Koop mused about the good times her class had as they moved from Grade 9 to 12. She referenced the pandemic and how for two years it put a strain on their relationships.

“For Grade 9 the only time we interacted with each other was computer screens. When we were in school we had to wear masks. We have come a long way from that time and have become a lot closer as a class, especially over the past few months. I think a lot of us realize this could be our last moments together so we took the opportunity to make the most of it.”

“As we step into the future it’s easy to get caught up looking towards what’s next but I would encourage you to remember the importance of living in the moment and creating memories. “It’s also important to remember that memories don’t just need to be about the big milestones but also the small seemingly insignificant moments that often hold the most meaning.”

Koop said she was excited to graduate and that she couldn’t believe it was real. She’ll be going to the University of Manitoba to study science with the hope of entering a career in health care.

One student in Koop’s class who graduated with the Governor General’s Medal and the University of Manitoba Chown Award was Rachel Reimer, who was surprised to win the awards.

“I’m pretty excited to graduate. I’ve loved school but I’m ready to move on,” she said.

She said it was a challenge to stay motivated as she got closer to her graduation date

“It was hard to have the drive to keep going,” she said.

Reimer noted the highlight of her time in high school was how everyone came together in the last year and had fun hanging out together. She wishes everyone good luck and hopes to see them in the future.