Petition to Include Max Schulz-Pozios’ Valedictory Speech in the Yearbook and The Crusader

Dear graduates, families, alumni, and members of the St. Paul’s High School community,

On June 30, 2026, Max Schulz-Pozios, who was selected by the Grade 12 class as valedictorian, delivered the Valedictorian Address at St. Paul’s High School’s (SPHS) convocation ceremony. Traditionally, the Valedictorian Address is printed in the St. Paul’s annual yearbook, with excerpts also appearing in The Crusader alumni magazine. These publications are foundational in cementing the history and legacy of the graduating class, serving as enduring historical records and lasting keepsakes that graduates will revisit for years to come.

Two days after convocation, Max received news from SPHS President Bob Lewin that his speech would not be included in either the yearbook or The Crusader. This was devastating news for Max, as he had spent a great deal of time and effort preparing the speech to represent the Class of 2026.

Prior to delivering the speech, Max had it vetted three times by both a senior teacher and a front office staff member who works closely with Bob Lewin. Following the review, one staff member told Max, “It was very well done - congrats!” This feedback stands in stark contrast to the message Max later received from Mr. Lewin, who stated that he had “concluded that publishing the speech, even in edited form [emphasis added], was not appropriate for permanent school publication.” 

Like many previous valedictorian speeches, Max’s speech included lighthearted humour and references to shared experiences among classmates. However, it did not contain any offensive or hate-based language, especially in comparison to previous, fully published, valedictorian speeches, which made far more personal and inappropriate comments regarding teachers and faculty members. If there were specific passages that the administration considered inappropriate for publication, a reasonable and proportionate response would have been to edit or remove those sections rather than exclude the speech in its entirety.

Furthermore, prior to delivering his speech, Max expressed consent to an administrator to have the speech edited for inclusion in The Crusader alumni magazine. While Max was open-minded to his speech being edited in order to be included in the yearbook and The Crusader, Bob Lewin was close-minded. He provided no further explanation and cut off communication regarding the matter. In addition, Max also sincerely apologized to the two teachers he made comments about, whose lectures he called “boring”, and whose marking he characterized as “intense."

Despite the speech having been reviewed and approved beforehand by the SPHS administration, Max's willingness to accept editorial changes, and his efforts to address Bob Lewin’s concerns, the administration chose to exclude the speech entirely. As a result, the graduating Class of 2026 will be the first class in recent memory to have its Valedictorian Address omitted from both the yearbook and The Crusader, breaking a long-standing tradition and leaving an important part of the class's history undocumented.

We are calling on Bob Lewin and St. Paul’s High School to do the right thing — publish the speech. The Class of 2026 deserves to be a part of St. Paul’s history. If you believe the Class of 2026's Valedictorian Address should be included in the yearbook and The Crusader, please add your name to this petition and share it with others in the St. Paul's community.

Attached below is Max’s Valedictorian Address in its entirety. We encourage you to read it and decide for yourself whether it deserves to be preserved alongside those of previous graduating classes.

Valedictorian Address

Good afternoon families, friends, teachers, staff, and the graduating class of 2026! First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude for being chosen as Valedictorian. I am extremely honoured to represent our class and humbled to be nominated by my peers. I would like to thank all of the people who have made this journey possible. To the teachers for their patience and understanding, the administrative staff for keeping the school running smoothly, our families for supporting us every step of the way, and Chari Storozuk for his undying commitment to the Maroon and White Society. Without the care and guidance of St. Paul’s and our loved ones, none of us would be here today. To encapsulate the St. Paul’s High School experience in a short speech is extremely difficult. Throughout our time here at St. Paul’s, we have been pushed academically, tested through athletics, and called to serve the community. But, most importantly, this school has challenged us to discern who we are. For many, senior year has been filled with tough decisions. Worries about the future, university choices, and countless career paths have weighed on the minds of the student body. Although it may feel like we are all going our own separate ways, I want to remind you of the home we share in these halls. St. Paul’s lived up to its expectations; it was not easy. We adjusted to a rigorous academic schedule, a strict disciplinary system, and many early morning masses. On top of that, there was the piercing sound of Mrs. Trimble’s shrill voice at 8:30 in the morning, struggling to suppress our laughs in art class as Stern “made faces”, and fighting to stay awake during Mr. Costa’s lectures. Despite all the hardships we endured over the past 4 years, one thing remained constant. Mr. Burton STILL carves out extra time after school for ASH!!! Although I would love to entertain you with anecdotes for the next 10 minutes, I was told I have to impart a message! So, here it is. When reflecting on the past 4 years, two words come to mind: identity and community. Although these two ideas can contradict one another, at St. Paul’s they work in beautiful harmony. Let me say a bit about each in turn.

First, we learned here that our identity is less about perfection and stacking accomplishments, and more about self-discovery. Experiencing a St. Paul’s education invites reflection, regardless of one’s personal beliefs. St. Paul’s challenges us all to find meaning in our lives; a deeper call than simply memorizing words on a page in class. This school has compelled our graduating class to strive towards something greater, something beyond ourselves. We have been encouraged to find our passion within these walls and not base our identity on achievement, but on our openness to growth and progress towards something meaningful. As a student who places a heavy emphasis on grades, I have experienced moments of doubt, uncertainty, and worry when it comes to academic success. Constantly stressing over the next assignment, quiz, or test can be mentally taxing, and ultimately, unfulfilling. With the help of teachers like Dr. Puchniak and Dr. Stadnyk who seek truth, and having caring teachers that connect with students like Mr. Kerr, St. Paul’s allows all students to explore their identities. Rather than scaring us through intense marking, (Mr. Friesen), we have been encouraged to discover what actually drives us. Especially in grades 11 and 12, this school has allowed us to explore our own interests and find out what makes us each individually unique. We are all moving at our own pace towards adulthood, and St. Paul’s has reminded us that it is okay to pause, think, reflect, and then move forward. The process of figuring out who you are is a long one, but our time here at St. Paul’s sure has paved the road ahead.

Secondly, the community at St. Paul’s is one like no other. No matter how alone or lost you feel as you move on from the comfort of high school, know that you always have a home here. You truly belong. Back in Grade 9, the tone for the graduating class of 2026 was set. During TFR, the Grade l2 leaders used the acronym BUFF, or “Brothers United in Friendship Forever”. Although back then the saying seemed kind of cliché, the words hold true to this day. At St. Paul’s, friendship is more than a matter of circumstance; lifelong friendships are fostered. We grew together, struggled, and emerged as graduands, getting to know each other as whole persons along the way. Despite our imminent departure, we will always be one, unified brotherhood here at St. Paul’s High School. I want you all to remember the late nights spent studying on calls with friends, laughs in the cafeteria, and triumphs on the football field. Remember how nervous you were entering this school, the highs and lows of the experience, and the fulfillment you feel right at this moment. Embrace what it means to call St. Paul’s your home. Cherish the meaningful conversations, appreciate the small moments of empathy, and be grateful to be able to call the guy next to you a lifelong friend. As you venture out into the world and carve your own path, remember the passion we have cultivated together at this school. As life becomes busier, never forget who you are and the community you are a part of. Pursue your dreams, be grounded in your identity, and remain unwavering in your conviction. Keep fighting for the life you are called to live! In the words of Mr. Burton, “love your future self”!!!

Class of 2026, we are graduating in the 100th school year of St. Paul’s High School history! Graduates, I now invite you all to please stand and join me in the celebratory cap toss – 3, 2, 1!!

Thank you and congratulations Class of 2026!