If you dream it, you can do it

Photo by Jamie Rieger-the 2016 St. Michael's School graduating class

There were lots of words of advice and encouragement for the 2016 graduating class from St. Michael’s School at their ceremony on Saturday evening.
Valedictorian Matthias Crooymans told his fellow graduates that it is because of his teachers, family, and friends that he is the person he is today and said his graduating class grew up in an outstanding environment. He went on to tell stories of his classmates.
Bow Island mayor Gordon Reynolds brought words of congratulations from the Town and MLA Drew Barnes delivered words on behalf of the province.
But, it was Fr. Fred Monk’s words of wisdom that the graduates will likely recall the best. Dressed in cowboy garb and speaking with a true drawl, he gave the following message:
God Bless These Young Folk

I’m grateful tonight
to be here with y’all,
To share a few thoughts
that I may recall,
And give some advice
to these young’uns up here,
But just be prepared,
I ain’t no Shakespeare!

In this one-horse town
I came to the school,
I hitched-up my horse
right next to some mule.
I walked in the gym
and to my surprise,
It’s been all “gussied-up”
–a feast for the eyes!

Some folk had arrived
from far and from near,
They was really enjoy’n
The whole atmosphere.
The tables was set,
and the room full of cheer.
Can you imagine all this,
and they ain’t got no beer?

I greeted some folk,
and they wished me well.
I pulled up a chair
and I set there a spell.
And I recall what they said,
I remember it well:
“Come sit with us Preacher,
and save us from Hell”.

We had a good feed,
and took a wee break,
— the speeches began
and I prayed, for our sake,
that they would be short —
to the point– not too long!
We-all came here to party,
giddy-up — move it on!

These young’uns look spiffy,
all scrubbed up and clean.
“A sight for sore eyes,”
if you know what I mean.
I noticed their faces,
all glowin’ and bright.
I knew at first glance,
This must be their night.

The speeches went on,
For what seemed like “forever.”
I got a hitch-in-my-giddle,
more painful than ever.
Then fin’ly they called
for the preacher to speak,
And I stand here before ya
like some old antique.

What wisdom could I
Offer here, on this night,
with so many folk,
so learned and bright?
Well, let me begin
with some words of advice
Y’all wanna be happy?
Y’all gotta play nice!

To be happy in life,
Ya gotta learn to forgive.
It’s not what y’all have,
but what y’all give.
Success can be yours,
If ya love one another,
And treat everyone
As a sister or brother.

I stand here before y’all,
to offer a prayer
for these fine young folk.
So let me declare:
The Lord God in heaven –
He loves ya today!
That ain’t gonna change!
D’ya hear what I say?

May God who created
the earth, sea and sky,
guide and protect you,
as you say, “good-bye,”
to your teachers and friends,
at St. Michael’s School,
And always remember,
the Lord’s Golden Rule.

As ya leave this old school house,
and blaze a new trail,
we can always be close,
if we just use E-mail.
So, think of us often,
and know you are blessed.
Now… go put on your jeans!
Y’all look over dressed!

God bless y’all!

Photo by Jamie Rieger- Fr. Fred Monk surprised the graduates by giving a humorous, western-themed address at their graduation ceremony on Saturday evening.

Photo by Jamie Rieger-the 2016 St. Michael’s School graduating class

Photo by Jamie Rieger-Valedictorian Mattias Crooymans

Photo by Jamie Rieger- Graduate Carter Thistlewaite gives a high-five as he leaves the stage at the end of the ceremony.

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