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Reflections on “hope” by Milena J. and Mrs. Connolly

Chapel – September 12, 2019
 
As you may not know, the process of selecting the word shirt is twofold. 1) The word embodies the spirit of Cops for Cancer and, 2) It is the word the grade 12s want to anchor us to our final year at Shawnigan. 
 
Together we chose “Hope.” Hope symbolizes the new beginning of this year and all that our class wishes to accomplish. We can all hope to make a difference, but the hope we believe in represents the accountability that must follow this – the trust that we will not only hope for a great year but make it one. 
 
Hope carries on beyond our time here, this word symbolizes everything that is yet to come – every dream, every goal and all the moments of our future. So, don't be afraid to hope; better yet be excited to hope. 
 
Hope symbolizes the light in all our lives, whether that be hoping for a brighter tomorrow, or just hoping its mac and cheese for lunch today.
 
– Milena J



 
 
People see me as a very small, very quiet person – but I have a superpower.
 
Hope is my superpower.
 
One of my kids was born 9 weeks early without the ability to breathe on his own. He was 3 pounds and had only a 40 per cent chance at living. In the beginning, hope was a noun – a life preserver that I clung to (in a very dark and scary place), but as the days passed, hope became a verb – a screaming, shouting, praying way of living. Hope is Strength!
 
Sometimes I think people mistake hope for a kind of soft, naïve, vague reaction to being out of control, but that is NOT the case! Courage has its birth in hope!
 
When Mr. Connolly was diagnosed with cancer and given only a few years to live, we were absolutely gutted. But, after giving some time over to grief, together, we channeled our superpower – HOPE!
 
Hope is the engine of life and of living.
 
I use my superpower every day in Strathcona. I see hope in the life of every girl – I see hope in her future. I see past whatever she is going through and I hope for brilliance. I hope for a great life. I encourage her to hope for all possibilities. Hope promotes confidence and belief in yourself.
 
Every one of you will face difficulties, and I want you all to have this superpower. I want you to recognize hope in everyone around you. This is how we change the future.
 
This year, we will all wear HOPE – Hope for ourselves and hope for others.
 
– Maureen Connolly
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We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.