BCHS grads celebrate the closing of their high school careers with a virtual ceremony

BARRHEAD-Barrhead Composite High School's 2020 graduating class will be known for many things.

For instance, they are the first graduating class to have been born after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. On that ill-fated day, 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al Qaeda hijacked four aeroplanes and carried out multiple suicide attack on US targets changing the world forever.

Unfortunately, the 2020 graduation class will also be liked forever as the one that graduated during the coronavirus pandemic and as such had to celebrate their achievement by watching a pre-taped video.

"This year's graduation is kind of like the moon landing," said associate principal Greg Ferguson. "Even though you couldn't attend it, it is important and memorable."

Graduation class president Gideon Hall and vice-president Lysette Umwali, who served as the MC's for the grad ceremony agreed both noting that the grads have reached a tremendous milestone and one that needs to be celebrated regardless of the medium.

For most of the class of 124 grads, their journey began together in Grade 7.

"As a result, we have bonded closely together as a class," Umwali said, noting it was the shared experiences that she will remember fondly continues to the next stage of her life.

"[Moments] like [former school resource officer RCMP Const. Robert Hynes] infamous speech, the great locker pledge book in Grade 8, once a week grade group meetings ... considering everything we have endured as BCHS students this pandemic shouldn't even phase us."

Hall added that in Grade 9, they were given the unflattering nickname "the Grade from hell."

Hall admitted the nickname might have been well earned.

"We were pretty rowdy in the day," he said.

But Hall said, in subsequent years they, as a class matured and grew together.

"I am sure our teachers feel at ease of sending us out to 'adulthood'," he said. "The class of 2020 holds future doctors, lawyers, cashiers, mechanics, the list is almost endless and [parents and teachers I look forward to seeing what we can all accomplish in our lives."

Hall added the education they received at BCHS as well as their shared experiences, have put them in a good position to take on the world that will no doubt be changed in countless of ways due to COVID-19.

Sadly not everyone who was slated to graduate will have an opportunity move on and experience the tribulations in their next phase of life. Principal Darcie Eamor noted that a tragic traffic accident claimed the life of Kyle Hoogland.

"His presence touched many lives. He was able to turn an ordinary day into something to celebrate. He made music, he connected our community and made our school a better place," she said.

To honour Hoogland's memory each graduate was given a packet of sunflower seeds.

"These seeds can flourish in many places, like Kyle and can add a bit of colour to an ordinary plain space," Eamor said. "They can remind us to grow and stretch, turning towards the light."

Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock MLA Glenn van Dijken told graduates while their education will open doors, it is the choices they make that will determine the course of their lives.

He said before the graduates took the next step towards it was is important to take a step back and reflect on the people who have helped them get where they are, specifically making mention of the graduates' parents and teachers.

"They are the strongest role models that you will ever have," van Dijken said. "Your teachers are world-class educators ... and they have worked hard to set you up for success in any endeavour you try next."

And whatever that endeavour ends up being, success in life, he said boils down to choices.

"You are a product of your choices so choose wisely," van Dijken said. "And above all else, remember to cherish the ones you love, your friends and family, they will be there to help you through the rough spots in life and will be there with you to celebrate the successes."

Peace River-Westlock MP Arnold Viersen added his congratulations, reminding them as they go forward that they are representatives of Canada and Alberta.
He also encouraged them to work hard and be independent thinkers, but even more important to remember where they came from "Barrhead the place where memories are made."

Class valedictorian Lysette Umwali congratulated her fellow graduates on achieving such a tremendous milestone.

"Although our graduation ceremony and how we finished school might look different than those that went before us, our accomplishment must not be diminished," she said. "We have worked tirelessly to become high school graduates and with all the change we had to face, our achievement is that much sweeter. May we take all the skills we were given here and use them to create a bright future. The ability for success lies in each of us."

Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com

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