Congratulations SOSS Graduating Class of 2014. You did it! And I am so proud of you!

Thank you for asking me to speak at your Graduation Ceremony. It is indeed a great honour as I have been your teacher, your confidant, your chaperone, your guide, your director and your friend these past five years. I have loved the opportunity I have had to work with each one of you. You are an amazing group of young people and I know you will go forward and find success.

Over these five years, you have created quite a story. You have survived the big renovations, suffered through the fire, lived on the boardwalk, endured the Drama/ Band room, and created a truly wonderful community at SOSS. Your time at SOSS has been unforgettable. You have grown into unforgettable people.
Together we have all made it through rough times and now it is your time to celebrate, appreciate your successes and look forward to a bright future. Over these five years together, one thing I have really emphasized with you is the necessity of storytelling. Both in Link Crew and Drama, you have shared your stories and listened to the stories of others.

And, oh the stories I have heard and the memories we have shared.
“Hey Mrs. Pod, remember the time the Minister of Education was visiting and Aisha grabbed Ashley in the you know where.”
Or
“Mrs. Pod, remember that time we were telling scary stories and the fire bell went off right in the middle of one and we all went running and screaming maiming both Calvin and Jeewan in the process.”
Or
“Mrs. Pod, tell us again how you met Mr. Pod.”
Or
“”Mrs. Pod, you wouldn’t believe what I did this weekend.”
Or
“Remember when I was grade nine and Mathew Garneau was the pretty princess I had to save.”
Or
“Remember when the Wizard couldn’t remember his lines during a really big show, so I had to save him…”

The stories and memories could go on for a very long time, but I must get to my point. My point is, LIVE YOUR BEST STORY. Stories are what move us, bring us to tears, teach us to make a difference, give us hope, allow us to be the change we want to see, and enable us to learn how to live our best story.

To create your best story, follow these simple guidelines:
1. Believe in yourself. Do not fear your own greatness.
2. Find your passion in life. Let your heart guide you.
3. Take control of your life. You have this power.
4. Act – create opportunities and live them.
5. Love life – find a reason to celebrate each day.
6. Work hard. Understand the meaning of grit; it always pays off.
7. Pay it forward – be generous with your time and your actions.
And finally,
8. Dream BIG. As Walt Disney said, “All our Dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.

Graduating class of 2014, go forward and LIVE YOUR BEST STORY. Make it meaningful; make it memorable; make it great.

Congratulations guys! I wish I was there to see your faces, hear your laughter, shake your hands and give you hugs. You are a wonderful group of people and I wish you all the very best.
To conclude, as a great story teller once said, “…Remember, my sentimental friends, that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.” Be kind, investin the moment, and follow your heart.

Alison Podmorrow