A tune released almost three decades before the Penticton Secondary School valedictorians were even born is the muse for their speech to their peers at Friday’s graduation ceremony.
“Our inspiration is a Cat Stevens song from the movie Harold and Maude. The speech has nothing to do with the movie but it is about if you want to sing out, then sing out. If you want to be free, be free,” said Alec Simmons, who is co-valedictorian with Carolina Bevanda.
Just the way these two have lived so far. Known for always bringing a sense of humour with them, principal Alan Stel said they are equally beloved by the teachers and their fellow students.
“You couldn’t have really picked a better team because of the chemistry between the two of them and their reputation in the building. They definitely have a lot of experience talking in front of groups and just making light of often serious situations. I think they are naturals,” said Stel.
Simmons, whose video won the Reel Peach Fest contest last summer, said he has plans to attend film school at some point in his future. First though is a trip to South America in the fall with a good friend. Bevanda also found a love for the arts and drama during her school years, performing in the Pen High production of Alice in Wonderland this year. Both of them were immersed in improv and share a love for comedy, obvious from their quick-witted barbs thrown back and forth at each other.
“They are widely recognized in the building and almost always get a laugh. I’m not sure really what to expect from that and that is always the unknown with improv students,” joked Stel. “They are good kids and it is guaranteed they will generate genuine laughs from the crowd and will have something inspiring to say. I certainly will miss them because they bring a lot of fun and culture to the building.”
The valedictorians do have some wise words to offer, even among their jokes. Bevanda, whose father is well-known architect Nick Bevanda who died recently, said he provided amazing support and influence to help her reach her goals. She will be studying sciences at UBC Vancouver in the fall with the aim of becoming a surgeon one day.
“My dad really pushed us to live to our full potential and find our passion. He said working towards your own vision is much more satisfying than working towards another person’s. So, if you can find out what your vision is that’s 90 per cent of the battle and working towards it is the fun part really,” she said. “That is really what we want to touch on in our speech.”
For the co-valedictorians, who first met in Grade 9, they would have never thought they would be the ones delivering a speech to their classmates on graduation day.
“We are just the loudest,” joked Simmons.