The following speech was presented by Gabriel Archambault in French as an acceptance speech for the Governor General’s Academic Medal ceremony on Saturday, October 13, 2012.
English (translation)
Good evening ladies, gentlemen, and graduates.
I would have liked to be with you this evening. I’m not there in person right now because I’m studying at Williston Northampton in Massachusetts. When you see this video, I’ll be playing in a soccer match. I hope we’re winning.
I would like to thank at my teachers at Saint-Paul who taught me a great deal I would also like to thank my friends who added to my great experience at school. In addition, I thank my parents, brother, and friends who encourage me from afar.
I knew that we were going to receive our high school diplomas. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I was the recipient of the Governor General’s medal. I am truly honored by this recognition.
To all the graduates: Good luck for the start of the CEGEP term. I’ll be thinking of you.
To my friends, I’ll be in Québec for 10 days in November to celebrate American Thanksgiving.
See you soon; I’m thinking of you fondly.
French (original)
Bonsoir a vous, messieurs, mesdames et diplomes
J’aurais beaucoup aime etre parmi vous ce soir. Si je ne suis pas physiquement avec vous c’est parce que j’etudie au prep school Williston Northampton dans l’etat du Massachusetts. Lorsque vous verrez ce video, je serai en train de jouer un match de football. J’espere qu’on est en train gagner.
J’aimerais remercier tous les professeurs du College Saint-Paul qui m’ont permis d’acquerrir un grand bagage de connaissances. J’aimerais remercier aussi mes amis qui ont contribue a ce que l’atmosphere au College soit si agreable pour moi. Je remercie aussi mes parents, mon frere et ma blonde qui m’encouragent peu importe la distance.
Je savais que nous allions recevoir notre diplome d’etudes secondaires. J’ai ete agreablement surpris d’apprendre que je recevais aussi la medaille de gouverneur general. Je suis vraiment tres honore de cette marque de reconnaissance.
A tous les diplomes; Bonne chance pour votre session de CEGEP qui debute. Je pense a vous.
A mes amis, je serai au Quebec en novembre pour 10 jours pour feter la thanksgiving americaine.
A Bienttot, vous etes dans mon couer.