Graduating students at Barrhead Composite High School and Fort Assiniboine School were among some 500 graduates in the Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock riding to receive their diplomas last week.
BCHS graduates gathered at the Barrhead Agrena for their graduation ceremony. Likewise, the Fort Assiniboine School graduation ceremony was held in the arena. However, there were some very stark differences between the two ceremonies.
For starters, this marked the last graduating class for Fort Assiniboine School, at least for the foreseeable future. It was a ceremony where tears were shed, laughter was shared and well wishes were in abundant supply. With only 23 graduates, it was a more intimate affair than that of BCHS, with 124 graduating students in the lineup.
BCHS valedictorian Dylan Brenneis told his classmates that graduation is the beginning of something new, and it is now time to step out of the nest and fly or fall.
“This is the moment we’ve been looking forward to for the past 13 years,” Brenneis said. “We are ready to not just flutter, but to soar. This is the first day of the rest of our lives. There’s an entire world out there waiting for us, and I would like to thank the staff and our families for their dedication to get us to this point. The best is yet to come.”
Fort Assiniboine School graduate Avery DeGroot announced at his ceremony that the school created a scholarship in honour of his fellow classmate and graduate Dausen Kluin. It was a gesture that brought tears of joy to many in the audience and to Kluin himself, who, for the first time in his life, found himself speechless.
Pembina Hills school division Supt. of Schools Egbert Stang was busy last week attending multiple graduation ceremonies, but the message he shared with the students was standard: mistakes will be made in life, but mistakes are how we learn.
“I am a firm believe in what you imagine becomes reality,” Stang told BCHS graduates. “You are at an important milestone in your life, and you now have to sit back and think about what you want to do. It’s an exciting world, and the choices are limitless. There are plenty of people who have helped you get to this point.
“You’re choices from here may not be the right choices, but that’s OK, because that’s how you learn and adjust. I challenge you to make a positive difference in the world, and when your day of reckoning comes, you will be judged for your actions.”
Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock MLA Ken Kowalski was also kept busy attending the various graduation ceremonies. He told students in Barrhead the past year has been a difficult one with the tragic loss of life being felt by all in the school and the community.
“As we celebrate today, we remember those students,” Kowalski said. “The skills you all have acquired so far will help you find success in the world. Always explore your options, because there are always more choices available to you.
“Strive to be the very best, and protect yourselves. Beyond the borders of Barrhead, Alberta and Canada, there may be people you encounter who would lead you astray. You have already made your parents and the community proud, and we know you will continue to do so as you become the leaders of tomorrow.”
