by Garrett Fodor
Photos submitted
For Brooke O’Neil and Tayler Dent, having an opportunity to represent Essex Public School’s (EPS) graduating Class of 2021 as valedictorians was only right, as they spent 10-years forming their education, shaping their personalities, and building friendships in the local public school’s hallways.
In the later years of their primary education, they did not hesitate to share their experiences and be involved, helping younger students and their fellow classmates. From lunch monitoring and bus patrolling, to being involved in band and participating in the school’s plays and sports, both O’Neil and Dent admitted they were both proud to be a Phoenix. So, when the applications came out for the 2021 valedictorian roles, both made sure to put their best effort forward in the process, which began with a questionnaire and followed with a written portion.
“I was literally in tears of joy when I first heard I was chosen to be one of our valedictorians,” Dent recalled. “I just felt so proud to be one of the people to speak in front of my peers to end off the first part of our journeys.”
Much like the school year, the graduation was different from past years, as students and their families were invited to a virtual graduation video, featuring the valedictorians presenting their recorded speeches. With the sudden changes to the learning environment, both Dent and O’Neil noted that they credit their teachers and classmates for making the last year so positive and are looking forward to September and beginning grade nine.
“I think we really made the most of the last year,” O’Neil said, who will be moving onto Essex District High School. “This last year taught us about online learning, typing notes, and becoming more efficient in working and reviewing. I’m more organized now for my notes and don’t have to worry about finding a page of paper and that’ll help going into high school.”
O’Neil added that her classmates should celebrate and be happy with their accomplishments and how they overcame the adversity this year.
With the changes in learning and the restrictions in place, O’Neil, Dent, and their classmates may not have had any field trips this year, but both noted that the memories from previous years of Canada’s Wonderland and Gess†wood Camp, among others, stick out with happy memories they will carry forever.
Both Dent and O’Neil urged their classmates to not be intimidated by the new changes and going into a new school.
Closing out her valedictorian speech, Dent echoed something that her Phoenix classmates heard everyday, but is something that she feels is the most important attitude to bring into the new school year: “Let excellence and pride soar.”
“Always be yourself and never be ashamed of who you are, because your flaws and talents are what make you, you,” Dent added.
EPS Principal Bruno Pallotto said this year’s graduating class faced adversity with patience, optimism, and determination. All of the staff at Essex Public School are incredibly proud of the efforts our grade eight student have made in this unique year.
The 2020-2021 school year brought new learning opportunities along with many adjustments, he added. September began with COVID-19 protocols and safety measures that our grade eights had to quickly learn and follow. Wearing masks throughout the day and spending time with peers only in your cohort was new to everyone this year.
When faced with a virtual learning model, Pallotto noted students pivoted quickly and made effective use of technology, learning new skills along the way. EPS students always stayed positive and did their best to find joy each day. Students were able to have fun by providing input towards sign wars.
EPS students displayed perseverance and resiliency and once again soared!