The quality of education offered at Edwin Parr Composite School (EPC) was a focus of speeches addressed to 120 Grade 12 students at their graduation ceremony on July 6 in the Athabasca Regional Multiplex’ s Rotary fieldhouse.
“EPC offers world-class education,” said Dennis MacNeil, who greeted graduates on behalf of the Aspen View school board after the processional.
“It’s not about that certificate,” said Minister of Education and MLA for Athabasca-Sturgeon-Redwater Jeff Johnson, pointing to intangibles like hard work and potential that should really be celebrated. “But the paper is extremely valuable.”
Johnson said schools in places like Hong Kong are teaching Alberta curriculum because it is so highly regarded.
Guest speaker Madena Reimer revealed early on, “I’m no one famous; I just like to talk a lot.”
Reimer, whose daughter Janaya was among the graduates, spoke of her memories of motherhood and her fight with breast cancer. Many were moved to tears and applause when she singled out the achievement of graduate Ronnie Livingstone, who is currently fighting cancer.
Reimer told the crowd that Livingstone once said, “When this is over, I will either be running in the grass or running in the clouds. Either way, I win.”
The two embraced after the speech.
Valedictorian Mackenzie Baert said the greatest part of being in the 2012–2013 class was “the sensation of being a part of something real.” However, she noted, “The prospect of saying goodbye is also very real.”
When the awards portion of the ceremony began, Baert received four awards, two recognizing her top marks in Math and English.
Nils Asfeldt received four awards, including an award for the highest French mark that he shared with Maya MacIsaac-Jones.
Davis Weber received four awards recognizing his leadership and participation in extracurriculars, including the Premier’s Citizenship Award. Weber is now eligible for the Queen’s Golden Jubliee Citizenship Medal and the Alberta Centennial Scholarship.
The grads marched out in flurry of satin and suits to mingle with family and enjoy a graduation banquet and dance, also held at the multiplex.
