[Script Info]
Title: 
[Events]
Format: Layer, Start, End, Style, Name, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Effect, Text
Dialogue: 0,0:00:02.93,0:00:05.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Incredible stuff, thank you so much.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:05.30,0:00:09.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That was unbelievable, really really exciting.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:09.12,0:00:12.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The graduates voted on who would give the valedictorian speech.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:12.70,0:00:16.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's with my utmost pleasure to introduce this year's valedictorian,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:16.36,0:00:18.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Alessandro De Menech.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:18.13,0:00:24.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,[applause]
Dialogue: 0,0:00:24.78,0:00:26.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,[in crowd] Let's go, Alessandro!
Dialogue: 0,0:00:29.97,0:00:31.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,[clears throat]
Dialogue: 0,0:00:31.11,0:00:33.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Distinguished guests, teachers,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:33.85,0:00:37.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,fellow students, and Lucas friends and families.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:37.43,0:00:41.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thank you so much for coming today to share our joys at graduation.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:41.36,0:00:44.07,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I am honoured to be the valedictorian today,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:44.53,0:00:47.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,representing the Graduating Class of 2024.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:48.17,0:00:49.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As a starting note,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:49.32,0:00:51.61,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we’ve never had a graduation ceremony before,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:51.61,0:00:54.19,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so for a first run crossing the stage, that was pretty good.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:54.19,0:00:56.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Give yourselves a pat on the back.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:58.37,0:01:00.27,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As we reflect on our time here,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:00.27,0:01:03.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it's impossible to not review the journey we've shared together,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:03.20,0:01:04.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,these past four years.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:05.38,0:01:08.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The first day of our classes in Grade 9 seems like just yesterday.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:09.25,0:01:12.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Every radio station was playing Roxanne on repeat,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:12.53,0:01:16.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and the phrases “you cooked” and “you ate” were referring to food.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:17.52,0:01:20.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Lifelong friends were divided into Cohort A and B,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:20.53,0:01:22.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and desks were placed 6 feet apart.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:23.35,0:01:25.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In-person learning was not for long,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:25.26,0:01:27.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as classes were soon moved online.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:27.76,0:01:30.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Lessons were done through early-morning Google Meets,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:30.28,0:01:32.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where all our laptop cameras suddenly “stopped working”,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:32.66,0:01:35.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and teachers would interact with their students like Twitch streamers.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:36.57,0:01:39.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There was nothing more embarrassing than forgetting to leave the Meet
Dialogue: 0,0:01:39.20,0:01:41.31,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,half an hour after class ended.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:42.44,0:01:44.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This experience, however,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:44.44,0:01:46.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,instilled in us a powerful sense of resilience.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:47.22,0:01:49.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We learned that even when faced with the unexpected,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:49.86,0:01:51.27,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we could persevere.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:51.52,0:01:53.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In the years that followed,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:53.20,0:01:55.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we slowly transitioned back to normal.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:55.50,0:01:56.79,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We grew so much,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:56.79,0:01:59.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,from wearing blue masks, to stylish black ones,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:59.34,0:02:03.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and finally getting to see what the lower half of people’s faces looked like.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:04.07,0:02:06.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Regardless, it is in those moments of adversity
Dialogue: 0,0:02:06.88,0:02:09.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that we discovered the true strength of our character.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:12.07,0:02:15.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,With cautious optimism, 2022 saw a gradual return
Dialogue: 0,0:02:15.54,0:02:17.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to some semblance of normalcy.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:18.01,0:02:22.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The posters telling us to stand “one Drake” apart were taken off the walls.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:22.62,0:02:24.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The joy of reuniting in classrooms,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:24.93,0:02:26.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,hanging out with friends,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:26.36,0:02:28.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and getting to see other students walking through the halls ...
Dialogue: 0,0:02:28.76,0:02:33.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,... these simple moments were magnified after two years of isolation.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:33.34,0:02:37.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The spirit of Lucas began to rekindle, brighter than ever before.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:38.15,0:02:39.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In the years that ensued,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:39.64,0:02:41.31,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we embraced these experiences,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:41.31,0:02:44.07,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,cherishing the in-person connections we had missed.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:45.04,0:02:46.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Even in the face of adversity,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:46.64,0:02:48.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we Vikings stick together.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:48.74,0:02:49.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In the wintertime,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:49.89,0:02:52.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,friend groups would trek together through snow banks and blizzards,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:52.91,0:02:55.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,just because one person wanted a Popeyes chicken sandwich.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:57.12,0:03:00.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, we fight over who gets shotgun.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:00.42,0:03:02.19,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We shared the joys, heartaches,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:02.19,0:03:05.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with our teenage years,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:05.60,0:03:06.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but we also have had
Dialogue: 0,0:03:06.70,0:03:08.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,our own unique experiences and challenges,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:08.82,0:03:11.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and our own unique situations with families and friends
Dialogue: 0,0:03:11.44,0:03:13.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that helped shape our character.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:13.94,0:03:15.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If it’s alright, I’d like to say some thank yous.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:16.22,0:03:17.45,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,To our teachers ...
Dialogue: 0,0:03:17.45,0:03:19.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I know it couldn’t have been easy trying to instruct us
Dialogue: 0,0:03:19.84,0:03:22.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and impart to us the qualities for a successful future.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:22.76,0:03:24.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We thank you for your guidance
Dialogue: 0,0:03:24.14,0:03:25.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,- and your patience.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:26.26,0:03:27.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,To our families …
Dialogue: 0,0:03:27.76,0:03:29.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thank you for your unwavering support
Dialogue: 0,0:03:29.36,0:03:31.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and sacrifices throughout our journey.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:31.59,0:03:33.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We couldn’t have done it without you.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:34.09,0:03:35.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And to students …
Dialogue: 0,0:03:35.22,0:03:38.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thank you for making these past 4 years so memorable.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:39.22,0:03:43.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Some of us will be starting a new phase of our lives right here in London.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:43.24,0:03:46.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Some of us will be starting our new lives in far away places.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:46.36,0:03:48.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But whatever the circumstances,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:48.13,0:03:51.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we'll always have the memories of the last four years together.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:52.97,0:03:55.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I’m really going to miss you guys.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:55.12,0:03:56.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I’m going to miss spending time with friends,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:56.73,0:03:58.83,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,going on adventures during lunch,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:58.83,0:04:00.81,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,walking through the crowded hallways,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:00.81,0:04:04.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the Lucas sports teams, the Friday night football games,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:04.15,0:04:06.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the caf cookies, the walks to Smiley’s,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:06.84,0:04:09.18,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and even Dr. Loney’s Learning Portfolios. [audience groans]
Dialogue: 0,0:04:09.18,0:04:10.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,[audience groans]
Dialogue: 0,0:04:10.99,0:04:13.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These past 4 years have been filled with laughter and fun,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:13.75,0:04:16.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and I have made incredible memories with so many of you
Dialogue: 0,0:04:16.20,0:04:20.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that I'll hold onto for so many years to come.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:20.17,0:04:22.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If there’s anything I’ve learned from our Lucas sports teams,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:22.12,0:04:24.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it’s that I should end this speech with a Vikes-on-3.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:24.50,0:04:25.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But I’d like to acknowledge,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:25.91,0:04:29.37,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we usually do this chant at the start of our games, not at the end.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:29.37,0:04:31.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So let this be symbolic,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:31.47,0:04:34.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,not as the end of a previous chapter of our lives,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:34.59,0:04:36.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but as the beginning of a new one.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:37.15,0:04:39.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We vikings are going forth and conquering:
Dialogue: 0,0:04:39.34,0:04:41.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,some of us returning in the fall,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:41.14,0:04:43.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,some of us going off into the world.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:43.20,0:04:47.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This may be the last time we will ever be assembled together in one place.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:47.60,0:04:49.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I'm sure that in the coming years,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:49.15,0:04:51.65,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,everyone's paths will cross many times over.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:51.94,0:04:53.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When you see a fellow Viking,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:53.57,0:04:55.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,make sure to stop and say hi.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:55.32,0:04:57.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Because once a Viking, always a Viking.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:58.50,0:05:01.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So if everyone’s ready, for one last time,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:01.42,0:05:02.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Vikes on three!
Dialogue: 0,0:05:02.42,0:05:04.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,[1, 2, 3, VIKES!]
Dialogue: 0,0:05:04.85,0:05:06.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thank you. [audience cheers]
Dialogue: 0,0:05:06.36,0:05:16.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,[audience cheers]
Dialogue: 0,0:05:17.22,0:05:19.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Wonderful job, Alessandro, that was incredible.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:19.17,0:05:20.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I would like to call vice-principal
Dialogue: 0,0:05:20.56,0:05:22.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Ms. Jamie Brosel up to present Alessandro
Dialogue: 0,0:05:22.34,0:05:24.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with a special gift to say thank you.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:31.80,0:05:34.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Greetings everyone,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:34.35,0:05:35.79,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thank you Alessandro for your
Dialogue: 0,0:05:35.79,0:05:38.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,words of reflection as valedictorian,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:38.17,0:05:40.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Would you kindly join me again here?
Dialogue: 0,0:05:40.72,0:05:41.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thank you.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:42.23,0:05:45.37,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavours,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:45.37,0:05:46.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thank you very much.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:46.26,0:05:48.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thank you. [applause]
Dialogue: 0,0:05:48.48,0:05:56.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,[applause]
Dialogue: 0,0:05:57.16,0:05:58.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Ooookay.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:58.81,0:06:01.23,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I know you love hearing from me, students...
Dialogue: 0,0:06:01.23,0:06:02.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,[audience laughs]
Dialogue: 0,0:06:03.20,0:06:07.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So, here are my last words to you,
Dialogue: 0,0:06:07.54,0:06:11.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,if I don't find you in the bathroom again on Monday!