Congratulations, graduates of O'Donel High!

Here is a copy of my remarks from O'Donel High School's graduation ceremony this evening. Congratulations to the Class of 2007!

Thank you for the invitation to be here. It’s always great to be back at O’Donel… I graduated from here 11 years ago, and I welcome every opportunity to come back and visit.

Four the last four years I have attended the annual graduation ceremony as Mayor of the City. Tonight, for the first time, I am here as the M.H.A. for the District of Mount Pearl North. I also have the distinct pleasure tonight of bringing greetings and extending congratulations to the graduates on behalf of Premier Danny Williams and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Honourable Dave Denine, M.H.A. for Mount Pearl South and the new Minister of Municipal Affairs, asked me to pass along his regrets and best wishes. He’s out of town on government business this evening, and I know he’d be here otherwise.

Tonight is a time to celebrate not only your graduation, but also your memories of O’Donel High, which is definitely one of the best schools in the province.. I know without a doubt that your experience here has positively influenced your growth and development.

Here you found a second home, and the teachers and staff became your second family. And it’s tough to leave your family. But remember, the world does not end at the doors of this school, it begins there.

With your education, the whole wide world is open to you. You never know where that path will lead. But no matter what path you choose, remember: skills and knowledge are the most important factors in securing sustained success. An investment in education is an investment in yourselves and the future of the province. Be part of our province’s prosperity - help build our province’s future!

You may think: but I’m only a high school graduate – how can I affect the future of our province? Remember, everyone was once a high school graduate and many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have gone on to great success. In fact, anywhere you go in the world, you are likely to find a Newfoundlander and Labradorian who is a success story in his or her own field – educators, journalists, entertainers, scientists, military leaders and the list goes on and on.

Here at home, there are thousands of jobs - in new fields like environmental and endangered species protection, or eco-tourism. Jobs in the oil and gas industry are exploding. There are exceptional opportunities are available to graduates with skills in critical trades and technologies.

But no matter what the future has in store for you, never forget where you came from and always be proud of your heritage. The people of our province are known for our strength, endurance, and positive attitude in the face of challenge. I am very proud of that reputation and I am also proud of the spirit that shapes the very character for which Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are known.

While we gather this evening to celebrate your success, it is important to also acknowledge others, who through contributions of one kind or another, share in your accomplishments. You have had the support of many people to bring you to this point in your lives today – your families, friends and teachers. Your Government supports you as well.

This year, our Government will invest more than $1 billion in education in this province. Money is being invested to maintain our teachers, for maintenance of schools, and in relevant new curriculum, like the skilled trades courses for high school. And though as graduates this won’t affect you, in the coming years, your parents will no longer have to purchase high school textbooks for younger brothers and sisters.

Many of you, I am sure, have already headed on to post-secondary education. You will be happy to hear that this province has the lowest tuition in the country outside of Quebec, and one of the best student aid packages in all of Canada. You will enjoy the continuing tuition freeze, and will be the first group of students to access up-front, needs-based grants since the mid 1990’s. In total, Government is spending more than $377 million on post-secondary education this year. That’s $14,000 per student. And there’s no where I would rather see the money go.

I would like to end with a quote I once read as you embark this new phase of your lives: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”

I wish you all happy landings as you pursue your dreams for the future. Once again, congratulations, and thanks for the opportunity to be a part of your celebration.