BOYLE – The 11 graduates of Boyle School got a taste of the star treatment from the school and community last Friday, June 15 — they were under the lights for much of the day; dressed to the nines, as they say; there were a lot of pictures taken and a lot of nice things said about them; banners of their faces hung from the lampposts on Main Street, and they were literally the subjects of a parade in their honour, as their accomplishment in reaching the end of one life journey and starting another was recognized.
Assistant principal Larry Irla was emcee for the scaled-back graduation ceremony, which included just the grads, parents and select school staff in the school gymnasium. The event was streamed live on Facebook, so everyone had a chance to see their favourite grad flip their tassels and receive their diplomas.
Valedictorian Kayly McNamara delivered her speech to the class sharing some memories and encouragement as they set off into adulthood.
Short speeches from dignitaries like MP Shannon Stubbs, Boyle mayor Colin Derko, Athabasca County deputy reeve Travais Johnson and county Coun. Doris Splane. Aspen View Public Schools board chair and local trustee Candy Nikipelo also imparted some kind words and good advice to the grads as did Supt. Neil O’Shea before principal Sharen Kucey finished that portion of the ceremony.
From there, teacher Darrell Bergmann delivered the speech that would end the ceremony, and send them off into the world to be welders and pipefitters, scientists and social workers, to name a few, while others said they will take some time to find what they really want to do.
But first … a parade.
Here’s to you Boyle School graduates!
