Valedictory Address

Mr Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, and Students:
On behalf of the graduating class of 1940, I wish to express the pride we have for this school that has been our home for so long and the regret that we must now say farewell. For five years we have looked to it for guidance, and for five years it has never failed to show us the way.
First form found us perhaps a little frightened but very proud to have graduated from Public School. Second and Third forms gave us more confidence and permitted us to take part in school activities. We began to accept responsibilities and play the leader in Fourth Form. Fifth form, the climax, found us studying more diligently, but still playing as we should.
As we look back now, we realize how many advantages and opportunities we have had in this school. We have learned that we must work for ourselves, must accept our responsibilities willingly. Success is the result of hard work.
In these dark days, it is our duty to fit ourselves so that we may do our part well when our turn comes. The foundation for this depends on our high school years, and we may well be proud that our school has given us every opportunity.
To the members of the staff I would say thank you for your everlasting patience and understanding. You stood by us in our darkest moments, and were always willing to advise us wisely in our problems. Our talents and shortcomings you have singled out and taught us to use them profitably. Now as we part we hope that we may use this foundation in such away that you may be proud of us in the future.
To the students we are leaving, I would give some advice. Have confidence in your ability to succeed, not depending on someone else. Mix work and play and strive to do both well.
Members of the graduating class, let us not forget the happy days we spent together. Though we may wander far apart, we shall always remember these years as the happiest and most important in our lives and we shall ever be proud that we graduated from Port Hope High School.
Mary Kearns