PECI valedictorian highlights significance of change

Valedictorian Scott Kuipers highlighted the significance of change as he addressed his peers, their families and friends during Prince Edward Collegiate Institute’s graduation ceremonies Wednesday night.
Over the past four years at the school the graduates experienced laughter, sadness, friendship, learning and, most importantly, he noted, the significance of change.
“And I’m not talking about the change you find in your pockets and spend at the caf, I’m talking about the force that shapes our lives. I learned that change can be scary and difficult. It can leave you vulnerable, out of your comfort zone and can sometimes ruin your day. It can make you feel lost and alone; like you’re the only person in the world.
“But I learned something else very important about change. It fuels our lives… Change is a huge fear for some people – losing old friends, moving on to a new place to call home, leaving your parents for the longest period of time ever – but it’s also a source of great excitement. It gives you things to look forward to, a future unknown and new frontiers to explore.
“Change is something we’re all about to face really soon. Big changes, small changes. Some you’ll love, some, well, let’s just say you better get used to Kraft Dinner and Dino-getti now ‘cause mama don’t cook dinner in res’!
“But I know we’ll all make it.”
Kuipers drew laughter as he spoke glowingly of growing up in Prince Edward County and the great community atmosphere – especially at PECI.
“Let me tell you, staff and students working together and raising $50,000 in a single year to support others is unheard of – except here, at PECI – one of the best places I know, with many of the best people I know.”