The spotlight shone brightly on two students last week as Boston Bar School held its commencement ceremony. The class of 2022, Winifred (Winnie) Boake and Liam Dalpadado, were recognized by friends and family, students and staff, for making it through the Grade school grind.
As they head off into the ‘real world,’ Boston Bar School principal Lisa Oike acknowledged how much they had to overcome over the last few years.
“You have completed the last two years during a time in our world when there have been many difficult and life-changing truths revealed, where your strength has been tested by fears of health concerns and environmental upheavals that none of us could have predicted. You both persevered and showed everyone it is possible to succeed no matter what life throws at us.”
Graduation is an emotional time. Like birds leaving the nest, Boake and Dalpadado are free to chart their own course. At the same time, their safety net is gone.
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It’s exciting. It’s uncertain. It’s a lot of things, and you could see it on the faces of the teenagers.
There were smiles. There were tears.
Together they walked to the podium and gave a speech that thanked students and teachers, and everyone else who helped them get to where they are.
“Moms and dads, to all of you a thank you,” Boake said. “We would not be the people we are today without your unconditional love and encouragement. We get to stand here today and declare this a victory, all because you helped us overcome so many obstacles.”
“During our time at Boston Bar, we have created many memories that will never be forgotten,” Dalpadado added. “We have learned many lessons that will guide us into adulthood. As much as this day is about our graduation, it is also about us thanking those who spent their time and talents preparing us for today and what comes next, so one last time, thank you for believing in us and pushing us to be better.”
Oike described Boake as a “hard working student who is always nurturing to her friends and family” and is known for her artistic abilities.
“She has a unique vision that she is able to bring to reality with combined creative and critical thinking, and she is always known to stand up for what she believes in when needed,” Oike told a packed gymnasium. “In the words of her teachers, she wants perfection and works quietly and relentlessly towards that.”
Dalpadado spent two years at Boston Bar school.
Oike described him as a young man who “was known for finding enjoyment at every social event, making his mark in all athletic endeavours and having something interesting to share in all academic classes.”
“Liam has a generous and kind spirit and always shares a compliment wherever he goes,” Oike said, calling him charm personified. “He is easy going, but he is also hard working whenever necessary.”
Dalpadado’s future plan is to complete his HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) training and open his own business, and he will have financial help as he pursues that dream.
He was given the Kathy Wheeler Memorial Bursary, Terry Raymond Memorial Bursary, Boston Bar/North Bend Scholarship and Ministry District/Authority Scholarship.
Both grads were given Indigenous Education certificates and presented with blankets and hand-painted ‘graduation rocks.’
Oike offered words of wisdom for the grads.
“Be brave enough to tell people who you are and what you believe in, and make your mark in the world,” she said. “There is so much going on around you as you decide your path, but along the way remember that finding joy and sharing kindness is always the perfect choice.”
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eric.welsh@hopestandard.com
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Liam Dalpadado was all-smiles after being awarded several bursaries/scholarships at last week’s Boston Bar Elementary Secondary School commencement ceremony. (Eric J. Welsh/ Hope Standard)
