Life is like a road trip, Michaëla St-Pierre told her classmates last night during F.H. Collins Secondary School's graduation ceremonies.

The road won't always be smooth, but "if there's one thing I've learned in life so far, it's that some of the roughest roads lead to the most beautiful places,” she said, during the bilingual valedictorian speech.

She encouraged her fellow graduates not to be afraid to make a wrong turn every now and then.

"The truth is if you don't like the way you're headed, you can always turn right back around,” she noted, reminding the class of their personal CAA cards – their parents.

St-Pierre's co-valedictorian, Trevor Bray, highlighted the many friendships within the class and thanked all the teachers for their support and encouragement over the years.

"The teachers at F.H. Collins were more than just supporting, they believed in us and pushed us to be the best we can be,” Bray said.

"They tried to teach us good judgment, but remember: good judgment comes from experience, and experience, well, that only comes from bad judgment,” he said.

"Through sports, music and school, we've built many special bonds, and no, I do not mean molecular or ionic. I'm talking about the ones we built among our class. The friendships and relationships we built are truly incredible and will be some of the greatest memories we will take away from F.H.”

Kate White, the NDP MLA for Takhini-Kopper King and a graduate of the 50-year-old school, gave the keynote address.

She shared her personal story of struggle with Math 11, which prevented her from graduating with her class.

But it evolved into a story of triumph when, at 21, she returned to the Yukon to conquer math and graduate.

"It only gets better,” she told the grads, before breaking into French.

"Truth be told, you may or may not be ready to take those steps. This first leap on your own might be scary. It might be terrifying or it might be exhilarating.

"I'm here to tell you that no matter how you feel about these next steps, you'll be all right,” White said.

"You will get through this. You are infinitely more powerful, more intelligent, and more capable than you think you are. You are cracking with potential – your world is full of possibilities,” she told the grads.

Jessie Dawson, a Kwanlin Dun First Nation councillor, gave the opening address. She welcomed the graduates and their supporters to the traditional territory of her First Nation.

"Let yourself dream, because there is nothing you cannot succeed in if you believe in yourself,” she told the grads.

Principal Darren Hayes thought back and remembered how some of the grads had trouble finding their classrooms back in the early days of Grade 8.

"Some soon-to-be graduates still have a difficult time finding the location of their classroom,” he joked before returning to a serious note: how the grads have changed in the past five years.

"I know you are emotionally stronger, physically larger, intellectually superior, and a great deal wiser than when you walked through the doors five years ago,” he said.

"As you step into your future, do so invigorated, be passionate, be thoughtful, as you create your version of success,” Hayes urged.