Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I, too, want to commend our high school graduates in Nahendeh. It’s that happy time of year when the days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer and proud parents and families are celebrating with their offspring one of the most important milestones in the life of a child or young adult: high school graduation day.
I want to congratulate each and every graduate in the Northwest Territories for the achievement they are celebrating this year, and I also commend the parents, families, teachers and communities for the support that has helped their students succeed.
As indicated, I especially want to acknowledge the graduates of the communities of Fort Simpson and Fort Liard that I represent in Nahendeh. It can be especially hard for students from small communities to get a good education. I’m so proud that our small communities and small schools can do this for our students. I offer my thanks and greatest compliments to our teachers and the teaching support staff for their dedication to our children’s success. They all get a pat on the back from me.
To those of you who are hoping to graduate, take a look at your older brothers, sisters, cousins and friends. Just like them, you also have what it takes to succeed and you can be a graduate too one day. Just keep working hard and dreaming big.
To all our graduates, I want to give a special message: Enjoy your graduation ceremony. It is an appreciation and recognition of your hard work and achievement. You each have a great deal to be proud of. You have shown us that you’ve got what it takes to be successful. Keep working towards your dreams. With continued dedication we know you’ll be successful in your education and career goals. The doors of opportunity open to welcome you. As you step through those doors, be bold and fearless. Just keep calm and move on. The whole world is waiting for you.