Incredible stuff, thank you so much.

That was unbelievable, really really exciting.

The graduates voted on who would give the valedictorian speech.

It's with my utmost pleasure to introduce this year's valedictorian,

Alessandro De Menech.

[applause]

[in crowd] Let's go, Alessandro!

[clears throat]

Distinguished guests, teachers,

fellow students, and Lucas friends and families.

Thank you so much for coming today to share our joys at graduation.

I am honoured to be the valedictorian today,

representing the Graduating Class of 2024.

As a starting note,

we’ve never had a graduation ceremony before,

so for a first run crossing the stage, that was pretty good.

Give yourselves a pat on the back.

As we reflect on our time here,

it's impossible to not review the journey we've shared together,

these past four years.

The first day of our classes in Grade 9 seems like just yesterday.

Every radio station was playing Roxanne on repeat,

and the phrases “you cooked” and “you ate” were referring to food.

Lifelong friends were divided into Cohort A and B,

and desks were placed 6 feet apart.

In-person learning was not for long,

as classes were soon moved online.

Lessons were done through early-morning Google Meets,

where all our laptop cameras suddenly “stopped working”,

and teachers would interact with their students like Twitch streamers.

There was nothing more embarrassing than forgetting to leave the Meet

half an hour after class ended.

This experience, however,

instilled in us a powerful sense of resilience.

We learned that even when faced with the unexpected,

we could persevere.

In the years that followed,

we slowly transitioned back to normal.

We grew so much,

from wearing blue masks, to stylish black ones,

and finally getting to see what the lower half of people’s faces looked like.

Regardless, it is in those moments of adversity

that we discovered the true strength of our character.

With cautious optimism, 2022 saw a gradual return

to some semblance of normalcy.

The posters telling us to stand “one Drake” apart were taken off the walls.

The joy of reuniting in classrooms,

hanging out with friends,

and getting to see other students walking through the halls ...

... these simple moments were magnified after two years of isolation.

The spirit of Lucas began to rekindle, brighter than ever before.

In the years that ensued,

we embraced these experiences,

cherishing the in-person connections we had missed.

Even in the face of adversity,

we Vikings stick together.

In the wintertime,

friend groups would trek together through snow banks and blizzards,

just because one person wanted a Popeyes chicken sandwich.

Now, we fight over who gets shotgun.

We shared the joys, heartaches,

and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with our teenage years,

but we also have had

our own unique experiences and challenges,

and our own unique situations with families and friends

that helped shape our character.

If it’s alright, I’d like to say some thank yous.

To our teachers ...

I know it couldn’t have been easy trying to instruct us

and impart to us the qualities for a successful future.

We thank you for your guidance

- and your patience.

To our families …

Thank you for your unwavering support

and sacrifices throughout our journey.

We couldn’t have done it without you.

And to students …

Thank you for making these past 4 years so memorable.

Some of us will be starting a new phase of our lives right here in London.

Some of us will be starting our new lives in far away places.

But whatever the circumstances,

we'll always have the memories of the last four years together.

I’m really going to miss you guys.

I’m going to miss spending time with friends,

going on adventures during lunch,

walking through the crowded hallways,

the Lucas sports teams, the Friday night football games,

the caf cookies, the walks to Smiley’s,

and even Dr. Loney’s Learning Portfolios. [audience groans]

[audience groans]

These past 4 years have been filled with laughter and fun,

and I have made incredible memories with so many of you

that I'll hold onto for so many years to come.

If there’s anything I’ve learned from our Lucas sports teams,

it’s that I should end this speech with a Vikes-on-3.

But I’d like to acknowledge,

we usually do this chant at the start of our games, not at the end.

So let this be symbolic,

not as the end of a previous chapter of our lives,

but as the beginning of a new one.

We vikings are going forth and conquering:

some of us returning in the fall,

some of us going off into the world.

This may be the last time we will ever be assembled together in one place.

I'm sure that in the coming years,

everyone's paths will cross many times over.

When you see a fellow Viking,

make sure to stop and say hi.

Because once a Viking, always a Viking.

So if everyone’s ready, for one last time,

Vikes on three!

[1, 2, 3, VIKES!]

Thank you. [audience cheers]

[audience cheers]

Wonderful job, Alessandro, that was incredible.

I would like to call vice-principal

Ms. Jamie Brosel up to present Alessandro

with a special gift to say thank you.

Greetings everyone,

Thank you Alessandro for your

words of reflection as valedictorian,

Would you kindly join me again here?

Thank you.

We wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavours,

Thank you very much.

Thank you. [applause]

[applause]

Ooookay.

I know you love hearing from me, students...

[audience laughs]

So, here are my last words to you,

if I don't find you in the bathroom again on Monday!