Another generation of young people rode off into the sunset of their futures May 27 during Edwin Parr School’s 2017 graduation ceremonies at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex.
The 100 soon-to-be graduated students were given well wishes from dignitaries, a little slip of paper licensing them to adulthood and for some, a bit of financial aid during the awards portion, which will prepare them for the journeys that will begin after exams in June.
Guest speaker George Hawryluk, a retired EPC teacher, began his speech by quoting Albert Einstein in a letter to his son from 1930.
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving,” he said. “For the past 12 years you spent countless hours, week months and years learning how to ride a bicycle. Gradually during those 12 years, all of you have successfully advanced from training tricycle, to a small two-wheeler and then began to learn how to keep your balance on it.”
He added on that afternoon each of the graduates are to receive their license – their Grade 12 diploma – which will give them exclusive rights to become sole owner of the last and most important bike, the one made for adults.
“The one which you will balance and ride into the future, and will last you the rest of your adult the one which will require you to always move forward,” he said.
Athabasca-Sturgeon-Redwater MLA Colin Piquette brought greetings from the Alberta government, and spoke about the importance of education.
“Education is the single most important investment a government, a society and an individual can make. We have a lot invested in you, and we expect to be paid back,” he said.
This year’s graduating class had two valedictorians, Emily Kerr and Rimsha Phulpoto, as their academic marks were tied to the nearest tenth of a per cent.
EPC principal Desmond Nolan said this year’s graduating class consists of a great group of young adults, and the EPC staff are very excited for them
“This class has a lot of energy, a lot of positive energy, and I think they showed it today. There’s a lot of risk takers in this group, in a good way,” he said. “We had a lot of fun with these kids.”
Valedictorian Trophy: Emily Kerr and Rimsha Phulpoto, $500
Father Desmarias C.W.L. French Award: Marina Pealey, Ashley Johnson and Erik Bay, $200
Athabasca Lions’ Club Anne Minns Memorial Award: Adrian Morrill $1,000
Lions’ Club Legacy Scholarship: Grace Nimco, $1,000
Senior Mechanics Excellence Award sponsored by Athabasca Automotive Nathaniel Uchytil, $1,000
Buy-Low Foods Drama Award: Jake Marsden and Miranda Martin, $200
Cheap Seats Sporting Goods Physical Education 30 Outstanding Achievement Award: Kelcie Bulas, $100 and $100 gift certificate.
Molly Lewis Memorial Award (sponsored by Perryvale Women’s Club): Grace Nimco, $100
Activities Award: Grace Nimco and Rimsha Phulpoto, plaques
Richard Wiselka Memorial Award: Dani Panylyk, $150
Hal Harrison Memorial Journalism/English Award: Gina Hrachy, $200
Native Student Education Award: Chandlor Andres, $250 and name engraved on school plaque
Athabasca & District Agricultural Society Annual Scholarship: Grace Nimco and Kelsey Haggerty, $1,500
Jordan St. Louis Memorial R.A.P. Award: Adam Calliou, $100
Athabasca Oilmen’s Scholarship: Treyton Tangedal, $1,000
Royal Canadian Legion Bursaries: Emily Kerr, Erin Bahry, Dani Panylyk, Kelsey Haggerty, Ashley Jonhson, $500
Athabasca Health Care Auxilary Association Scholarship: Cayla Prymak, $1,000
M.P. Achievement Awards: Cauy Bell, plaque
Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Environmental Sciences Scholarship: Emily Kerr, $500
Karl Hetze - Capital Power Genesee Employees Memorial Award: Treyton Tangedal, $500
Mr. Les Wood Memorial Scholorship: Treyton Tangedal, $1,000
Charles Sequeira Memorial Scholorship: Rimsha Phulpoto, $1,000
