With the flick of a wrist and a slight dodging of cascading graduation caps, the gowned Grassland School class of 2017 took their leave into the world of adulthood June 24.
The eight graduates sat on the Grassland Community Centre stage, sitting face-to-face with those that have supported them over the years: family, friend and community members.
Principal Robert Kerr opened the ceremonies with a note from the family of a guest speaker who would no longer be able to make the ceremony, Tim Hague, who passed away in Edmonton June 18 during a boxing match.
“(Tim) would want you to know that you should follow your dreams, dedicate yourselves to what you do and what you what you want to do,” Kerr read. “Please be safe and happy and don’t be sad for Tim, just be happy for the life he had and please be happy for the life you’re going on to lead.”
Aspen View Public Schools deputy superintendent Neil O’Shea brought greetings from the division, emphasizing that graduation is a community celebration.
“Grassland has a reputation for being a community that supports their school, and supports their kids,” he said. “We know that this community today is not only a school celebration, but it is a celebration of this entire community.”
He concluded by putting a challenge to the graduates to make the world a better place by practicing kindness, not judgment.
Aspen View trustee Candy Nikipelo encouraged the graduates that their futures are bright, my reciting the lyrics of the 1980s song “The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades” by Timbuk 3.
“A small school like Grassland can still produce a crop of graduates that have set themselves up for success. It has always been and continues to be a supportive community school,” she said.
Following on this theme of greatness despite small size, Kerr spoke about finding excellence in the group of graduates.
In their first set of January diplomas he said 35 per cent achieved a level of excellence, above the 20 per cent provincial average.
“These are wonderful individuals not just academically but also as leaders,” he said.
Valedictorian Award: Laurel Johnson
Atmore Service Award: Victoria Baldwin
Governor General’s Academic Medal: Laurel Johnson
Grassland Agricultural Society Award: Laurel Johnson
Grassland Fire Department Award: Taylor Shapka
Greenleaf “Excellence in Community Service” scholarship: Victoria Baldwin & Jaden Shulhan
Al-Pac Trades Award: Jaden Shulhan
Boyle Healthcare Centre Award: Laurel Johnson & Annalise Walker
Conscientious Good Citizenship Award: Jordan Heatherington & Taylor Shapka
Grassland Sports Award: Victoria Baldwin, Jordan Heatherington & Tyson Tymo
