STURGIS — Nathan Hrynchyshyn, a teacher at Sturgis Composite School, was selected by the graduation class of 2025 to be their guest speaker.
"It seems like it was just yesterday that I was up here, guest speaking for many of your siblings who are in the crowd today. It is nice to see many of you; however, knowing that, I had to change my speech," said Hrynchyshyn.
"It’s an incredible honour to stand before you today, not just as a teacher, but as someone who’s had the privilege of watching you grow not just academically, but as people. Today marks a huge milestone in your lives, and I want to start by saying: I am so proud of you.
"Watching you walk across this stage is powerful because it’s not just about a diploma. It’s about every early morning you didn’t want to wake up. Every test you thought you couldn’t pass. Every time you stumbled, but got back up anyway. You’ve faced challenges, and you’ve adapted. You’ve grown into people who are capable of so much more than you probably realize right now.
"And now, life is shifting again. Everything is about to change: new routines, new responsibilities, new environments. And I won’t pretend that change is always easy. It’s not. But it is necessary. It’s how we learn who we are, and who we’re meant to become.
"Life changes are often disguised as goodbyes — to friends, to comfort zones, to the version of yourself that fits in these four walls. But what I want you to remember is that every ending carries the seeds of a new beginning. This isn’t just the end of high school, it’s the beginning of your next great story.
"And guess what? You get to write it! The world you’re stepping into will challenge you in ways school never could. It won’t always be fair. It won’t always go according to plan. But it will always give you the opportunity to grow. And if you’ve learned anything in these previous years, I hope it’s that you are more resilient than you think.
"You’ve lived through personal struggles, global changes, uncertainty, and everything in between. And yet, here you are. Ready to move forward. That’s no small thing. That’s courage.
"Don’t be afraid to change. Seek it out. Let your dreams shift and grow with you. And remember it’s okay not to have it all figured out. Most of us still don’t. What matters is that you keep showing up. Keep trying. Keep caring. Change is what helps us grow. It’s what pushes us to find out who we really are, when we're not defined by the classes we take, the sports we play, or the lunch table we sit at. Life doesn’t come with a manual or a guaranteed path. But what it does offer us is the chance to keep learning, keep evolving, and keep becoming more than we were yesterday.
"Do not be afraid to try new things, because you will never know if you like something until you give it an honest chance.
"As a teacher, the most rewarding part of this job isn’t the lessons taught, it’s the people you become. And I have to say, the people sitting in front of me today? You are thoughtful. You are strong. You are creative. You are ready.
"So as you walk across this stage today, carry with you the lessons, the friendships, the memories — but more importantly, carry with you the belief that you have everything it takes to build a life you’re proud of.
"We will miss you. But more than that, we believe in you.
"Congratulations, Class of 2025. Now go out there and change the world, and don’t forget to check in once in a while. We’ll always be rooting for you,” concluded Hrynchyshyn.
