“Bittersweet—a word that perfectly captures this moment. It's a blend of emotions, enhanced by our accomplishments and the exciting future ahead, yet tinged with the sadness of leaving behind the familiar halls of Eden High School. For some, the anticipation of starting the next chapter is exciting; for others, the thought of parting ways is a little heartbreaking. For the past four years, Eden has been more than just a school; it’s been our second home. It’s where we met our best friends, discovered our passions, and grew into the people we are today.

“Our journey here wasn't always smooth, and the pandemic, especially, tested our resilience. Covid-19 forced us to adapt quickly, with Zoom calls replacing our classroom interactions and quarantine challenging our spirits. But we persevered. We are here together now, stronger and more united than ever. Summarizing our collective experiences is no easy task because each one of us has walked a unique path to reach this point. Some of us excelled in academics, others in sports or arts, and many in the quiet determination of just showing up every day. But regardless of the path we took, we are all here to share this moment of achievement.

“Today, we celebrate not just ourselves but also the people who have been essential to our journey. Our parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends have been our pillars of support, providing encouragement and guidance every step of the way. Let's give them a heartfelt round of applause. Eden has been a place where many of us have built meaningful relationships and lasting connections. Everyone here probably has someone in mind, a person who made your high school experience special, someone you couldn't imagine doing high school without. Whether it’s your closest friends, a significant other, or a supportive classmate, these connections have made our high school journey unforgettable. Make sure to give them a hug and tell them you love them after this ceremony. We also owe a great deal of gratitude to our teachers and school staff. Their dedication, and passion for teaching have not only imparted knowledge but also inspired us to strive for excellence. They believed in us, even when we doubted ourselves, and for that, we are profoundly grateful. Thank you for never giving up on us, even when we might have tested your patience.

“Our class has achieved so much during our time here. From our sports teams making it to OFSAA, showcasing incredible athletic talent and teamwork, to our arts productions—whether in music, visual arts, or theater—they have brought creativity and energy to our school community. We've shared so many fun and memorable moments: the excitement of school dances, the delicious pancake breakfasts, the friendly competition of teacher-student basketball games, where we managed to beat the teachers this year, and the pure fun of bouncy castles at Flyer Fests. These events have brought us closer together and created memories we'll cherish forever.

“As we await a new chapter, let’s carry forward the lessons we've learned at Eden. Let’s be kind, compassionate, and determined. Let’s embrace the future with the same resilience we showed during the toughest times of our high school years. The future is bright, and it belongs to us. We are equipped with the tools and the mindset to make a positive impact, to chase our dreams, and to create the world we’ve always dreamed of. Remember we are still young, it is okay to explore your passions and take your time growing up, it is okay not to know.

“This is not the end but a new beginning. The relationships we have forged here will last a lifetime, I know mine will, and the memories we created will always bring a smile to our faces. Finally, I want to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to represent our graduating class. It has been an honor to share this journey with such an incredible group of people. Here’s to our futures, filled with promise and potential. Congratulations, Class of 2024! We did it. Thank you, and good luck to all.”

— Olivia Gillespie, Class of ‘24 Valedictorian