Congratulations class of 2019!
“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was ending, it turned into a butterfly.”
This was the graduation theme for the Rockway Graduating Class of 2019 which took place on Saturday, June 22, 2019. Fifty-seven graduates walked the stage and received their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Of those, twenty-seven also earned a Rockway Diploma, an additional accomplishment based on Religious Studies credits and further Community Service.
The Rockway Graduating Class of 2019 is a diverse group of young adults, whose journeys will continue with studies at university and college, gap years, “victory laps”, working and travelling. The Graduation Theme Committee described their class as an affable, empathetic, easygoing, yet energetic bunch, diverse in interests and personalities, yet able to come together when necessary. We are grateful for the valuable and vital contributions they have made to the Rockway community!
Neena Gupta, a Partner at Gowling WLG, and parent to a 2019 grad, presented the grad address entitled, “Spread your Wings.” Gupta likened Rockway to a cocoon and acknowledged that the caterpillar stage had finally come to a close. She relayed to our graduates that it was now their responsibility to make future decisions about their education, their careers and their life paths. She proceeded to share eight key lessons they learned at Rockway that she believes will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives:
A lot of stuff is really hard – you can tackle things that are hard and frustrating and difficult.
You don’t know it all – be humble.
It is not going to be perfect – good enough is good enough!
You are different, but need to work together – people are different, but you can work together.
Friends matter.
You will need help from time to time – successful people are not afraid to admit when they need help.
Your community matters.
Be kind.
Gupta’s final words included:
“You have already learned these eight success lessons here that will help you soar out there. There are no doubt many more that you have learned and will take with you as you graduate. Congratulations Rockway graduates and all the best!”
Rockway graduation day is perhaps my favourite event of the year. It is a beautiful mix of formality and celebration that weaves together the acknowledgement of academic achievement and worship, followed by a very meaningful Graduation banquet attended by graduates and their families. The celebration concludes with a formal induction of each graduate into the Rockway Alumni.
On behalf of Rockway’s Board of Directors, Faculty and Staff, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class of 2019! It is our hope that their experience here of “Forming Faith and Building Character” will platform them successfully as they embark on new challenges and opportunities!
Ann L. Schultz
Principal
