Valedictorian discusses importance of kindness and resilience in graduation speech

Posted on July 6, 2023 by admin

By Erika Mathieu
Westwind Weekly News

On June 23, Raymond High School witnessed its graduating class of 2023 as they crossed the stage. The valedictory address was delivered by Dallin Bissett, who emphasized the significance of kindness and resilience in every journey ahead.

Bissett encouraged his fellow graduates to never miss an opportunity to show kindness to others, even if it seems inconvenient. He urged them to look beyond themselves, recognizing that even those they encounter on a daily basis may be in need of a helping hand. Bissett applauded his classmates for their remarkable efforts in demonstrating kindness and acceptance thus far.

Reflecting on his own achievements, Bissett acknowledged the role played by the kindness of others. He highlighted the support he received during the early stages of his endeavors, such as learning to play the organ and excelling in academics. Bissett expressed his commitment to reciprocating that same kindness as he moves into similar positions of influence.

Bissett then shared his plans for the future, revealing that he will embark on a mission to Richmond, Virginia, starting in August. This mission will occupy his time for at least the next two years. Beyond that, Bissett intends to attend dental school once his mission work concludes. Although he is still exploring his options, he mentioned being accepted into the organ program at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Bissett’s interest in the organ developed a few years ago, following his earlier experience with piano lessons.

“I can vividly recall one of the first instances when I heard the pipe organ being skillfully played in our local church building, and that moment resonated with me. I have always been captivated by the deep rumble produced by a powerful pipe organ, especially the enchanting low notes. Whenever an organ was present, my attention was instantly grabbed,” explained Bissett.

Encouraged by his family, Bissett took the initiative to practice on a real pipe organ.

“It was around the age of 13 when I first tried playing, and that day I was completely hooked. I never looked back after discovering the world of organ music,” Bissett shared.

Bissett recognized the abundance of musical talent in Raymond. “We have many gifted musicians in our community. Even within my own grade, I knew individuals who performed with the Lethbridge symphony and other prestigious organizations. I suppose that aspect motivated me to measure up to their level.”

Additionally, Bissett mentioned that music plays a significant role in the Raymond community, giving him numerous opportunities to perform and grow as a musician. Furthermore, Bissett has achieved notable success in his musical pursuits. He was awarded a gold medal at the 2023 Euro Elite International Music Competition and recently received the prestigious ‘Top Gold Medallist’ prize in the Collegiate category at the 2023 Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition. He described this experience as surreal, providing him validation and reinforcing the importance of embracing new challenges.

“I was left speechless. I never imagined that I would fare so well among international participants who submitted their recordings. It made me realize that I’m more capable of stepping outside my musical comfort zone than I had previously believed,” Bissett reflected.

In closing, Bissett encouraged his fellow graduates to embrace kindness and resilience in their future endeavours, highlighting their capacity to make a positive impact on the world around them.