Valedictorians, salutatorian announced for Summerland class of 2024

Summerland Public School introduced the salutatorian and valedictorians during Saturday's commencement ceremony.

Adyson Mlnarik was named salutatorian. She welcomed faculty, students, parents and guests at the beginning of graduation activities.

Co-valedictorians include Kelsey Schlecht, Aislynn Kester and Preslie Robertson. Their speeches are included below:

Kelsey Schlecht:

Good afternoon family, friends, faculty, staff, and board of education. Since Aislynn, Preslie, and I are all sharing the honor of being Valedictorian for the class of 2024 we have decided to collaborate on our speeches to make sure we have thanked Summerland Public School, our communities, and our classmates. To begin I would like to thank two individuals who have been my greatest support system throughout this journey. Mom and Dad, thank you for your endless love, sacrifices, and encouragement. I am forever grateful for the values you have instilled in me, the lessons you have taught me and the countless sacrifices you have made to ensure my happiness and growth. Love you guys and thank you for everything! And to the Faculty and Staff of Summerland Public School, I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for everything you all have done for us over these past years. Your dedication to creating a supportive educational environment does not go unnoticed. Your efforts have significantly contributed to our personal growth and have equipped us with valuable skills like effective communication and leadership. Thank you for your commitment and for making Summerland Public School such a wonderful place to learn. Finally, to my classmates embrace your dreams, work hard, and believe in yourself. I would like to end with a quote. As Arie Pencoviv once said, "Graduation is only a concept. In real life every day you graduate, Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you'll make a difference." Thank you.

Preslie Robertson:

I would like to start off with thanking my parents for everything they have done for me and for my siblings for always being there. To my biggest supporter Ollie, thank you for being my best friend and the greatest Wonder of my life. I am so proud to be your sissy. To my Grandpa Randy, thank you for always being proud of everything I did and believing I could change the world. I would like to thank the community for the endless amount of support they have provided for this school from supporting fundraisers to cheering in the stands. The community has always welcomed me and made me feel at home. Transferring schools was the best decision that my family made because I went from a school to a family. I will forever be grateful for the Summerland School District because of the lifelong memories I have made, the friendships I have gained, and the opportunities that I have been granted. Ellie from Up once said, "Thanks for the adventure. Now go have a new one." As we move forward, this is a time to reflect on life and be grateful for every moment we have gotten with each other.

Aislynn Kester:

When I started preschool I would never have thought I would be graduating in a brand new school in the middle of a cornfield. Joining together from the communities of Clearwater, Orchard, and Ewing has brought me life long lasting friendships. To my classmates, I am so blessed to have had you guys as classmates. 14 years ago we started school as different mascots and now we are ending as one. I wish you guys the best of luck in your futures and if anyone wins the lottery I say we split it. Life will be full of many ups and downs but all you can do is keep moving forward. To my biggest supporters of all, mom and dad. I don't think there is any way I could repay you for everything you've done for me. From mom teaching me how to cook and clean to dad teaching me how to herd cows and hunt. You guys were my first teachers of everything in life. And to my four younger siblings don't let anyone tell you who you are. Live your life to the fullest and if you ever need anything I am only a phone call away. I Love you guys. I still remember the tears on the first day of preschool, scared to start this whole new journey. I can't believe how fast 14 years went and I am honored to be standing here in front of all of you today. I'd like to end with a quote. And in the words of Ferris Bueller, "If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."