CANORA- As one of his last official functions as school principal before his retirement, Kim Eiteneier addressed the Canora Composite School Class of 2024 as their chosen guest speaker. He began by commending the students for their hard work and dedication.
“Graduates, you have demonstrated resilience, perseverance, and adaptability, especially in these ever-changing times,” said Eiteneier. “Your journey has not been easy, but you have faced each challenge head-on and emerged victorious. Today, we honor your achievements and look forward to the bright futures that await you. And with that I would be remiss if I did not include some anecdotes from the past eight years that have given us some laughs, stress, and some more gray hair.
“I will start with Nate [Wolos], Porter [Wolkowski], and Lucas [Latham] because they seem to be the most memorable, like when | had to deal with the Saskatoon Fire Department for them jumping on the elevator and stopping all elevators. We are still waiting for that bill to be paid.
“And by the way, don’t get them to give any canoe lessons because you will most likely end up in the drink, so take your floaties.
“Your parents must so happy that you are leaving the nest egg.”
Eiteneier went on to reference other memorable moments, including:
“Callie [Sznerch] "whaling" in her last basketball game
“Bailee [Zuravloff] playing basketball in her senior year for the first time
“Shayna [Leson] always being late but always smiling about it
“Brandon’s [Harder] creative and in-depth assignments, and the Europe trip – no details provided
“Lucas [Latham] stealing Ms. [Olivia] Gordon’s shoes; come to think of it, I think he stole a pair of mine!
“Rylan [Bletsky] sitting in Ms. Gordon’s nice pink chair
“And how about Jack’s [Craig] Crocs
“Anytime we can Michael [Owchar] smile- that was easier when Alina [Khrul] showed up.
“And Josh Rock always with a smile, even when he got taken out on the court.”
Eiteneier went on to “send you off with some words of wisdom because that is what I am supposed to do.
“First, embrace change,” he urged. “Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. The ability to adapt and thrive in the face of change will be one of your greatest assets. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. Learn from each experience and let it propel you forward.
“Second, stay curious. Never stop learning. The world is a vast place filled with endless possibilities. Seek knowledge, ask questions, and remain open to new ideas. Your education does not end here; it is a lifelong journey.
“Third, be kind and compassionate. In a world that can sometimes seem harsh, kindness is a powerful force. Treat others with respect and empathy. Build connections and foster communities wherever you go. Your actions have the power to make a significant impact on those around you.
“Lastly, believe in yourself. You have already achieved so much, and you are capable of achieving even more. Trust in your abilities, follow your passions, and pursue your dreams with determination. The road ahead may be uncertain, but with self-confidence and perseverance, you can overcome any obstacle. It is not as much about who you used to be, as it is about who you choose to be.”
Graduation is not a solitary achievement, and Eiteneier made sure to acknowledge those who played a part in propelling the Class of 2024 forward to reach this special day.
“To the parents and guardians, thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement,” he continued. “Your sacrifices and commitment have been the backbone of these students’ success. This celebration is as much yours as it is theirs.
“To the faculty and staff, your dedication to nurturing and guiding these young minds has been nothing short of inspiring.
“To your community and your school for giving you the opportunities to build memories and connections that will last you a lifetime.
“As you move forward, remember the values and lessons you have learned here at Canora Composite School. This community has been your foundation, and it will always be a part of you. Take pride in your roots and carry the spirit of Canora with you wherever you go.
“Class of 2024, go out into the world and thrive. Live with passion, lead with compassion, laugh often, and do everything with your unique style. The future is yours, and it is bright.
As a final thought, Eiteneier shared a story emphasizing the importance of showing gratitude to parents/grandparents/guardians, and “how you should pay it forward as we all age:
“A dad, 80 years of age and his son, at 45, sit quietly in the son’s house gazing out into the beautiful summer sun, watching the summer day pass when a bird lands on the ledge of the window.
“The father asks, ‘What is that?’ The son answers, ‘It is a crow.’
“A short while later the bird returns and the dad asks, ‘What is that?’ The son answers ‘It is a crow, dad,’ and when it happens a third time and the dad asks a third time the son now becomes quite irritated and answers in a frustrated tone, ‘It is a crow, dad!’
“A short time later the bird returned and the dad asked for a fourth time, ‘What is that?’ The son now, extremely irritated shouts at his Dad, ‘For the fourth time it is a crow! Why do you keep asking the same question,’ in a voice full of disdain.
“After this exchange the Dad gets off his chair and goes to his room. He returns a short time later and hands his son a book. It is journal of his life. The son opens the book up and reads a page about his third birthday. It reads ‘Today my son celebrated his third birthday, we had some cake, some laughs, and at the end of the day we sat out on the porch and watched the setting sun. As we sat there a crow landed on the railing. My son asked me ‘Dad what is that?’ I told him it was a crow. A short time later the crow returned, and my son asked, Dad what is that? I told him it was a crow. Twenty-three times the crow left and returned to sit on our railing and 23 times my son asked me what it was. I told him 23 times what it was and never raised my voice once, nor was I irritated, but rather affectionate to my innocent three-year-old son because I appreciated every moment we spent together and at the end of the 23rd time, I embraced him and told him how much he meant to me and how much I appreciated these moments.
“Today when the dad asked the son the same question just four times, the son became irritated and annoyed.
“So as your parents enter old age remember these words:
I want to see my parents happy forever. They have cared for me since I was born. They have always showered me with their love and affection and crossed many mountains and valleys to get me to where I am now. So live your life but always remember who got you there and where you are going and make sure you pay it forward when it is your turn.”
Eiteneier concluded by thanking the Class of 2024 “for being such a wonderful group and I wish you and your families nothing but the best in the future. Mr. E signing out for the last time!”
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