Richard Froese
South Peace News
Achieving a major educational milestone, 10 graduating students of St. Andrew’s School in High Prairie were honoured at commencement ceremonies June 7.
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase” – a quote from Martin Luther King. Jr. – was the motto for the ceremonies.
Francesca Reyes received the Governor General’s Academic Award and Medal, presented to the graduate with the highest average academic mark in the school. As class valedictorian, she acknowledged and thanked the network of people who helped the graduates reach their goal.
Then she focused on the motto.
“Even if we have an idea of what we want in life, it can be intimidating to actually take the first step and pursue it,” Reyes says.
“When we have feelings of worry and doubt while stepping towards our goals and dreams, we should remember that God has a perfect plan for us all.”
She says the Lord is with them each step of the way.
“And even though we may have to take the first step, He will walk with us and guide us through the entire journey,” Reyes says.
“Even through hard times or when things feel like they’re going wrong, He will be there.
“God keeps our best interests at heart and His love never fails.
“And like Martin Luther King, our faith in God and ourselves should be stronger than our fears.”
To close, she reminded classmates that life is ahead and many many more steps.
“Graduating high school is just a first step to the rest of our adult lives,” Reyes says.
“And our stories will continue to be determined by the steps we take.”
St. Andrew’s principal Matthew Morrisey says graduation closes the chapter on one part of life in a young person’s life and opens a new chapter.
“Education is a lifelong journey,” Morrisey says.
“The most important lessons you have learned here go beyond the classroom.
“They are lessons of faith, integrity and perseverance.”
He encouraged students to think of others as they contribute to the world.
“Carry with you the spirit of service and a commitment to making a difference, just as you have done within our school,” Morrisey says.
Each students received a certificate from the principal.
Graduating students were congratulated by Holy Family Catholic Regional Division local High Prairie trustee Leanne Cox, Town of High Prairie Mayor Brian Panasiuk, Sucker Creek First Nation Chief Barb Okemow and Lesser Slave Lake MLA Scott Sinclair.
HFCRD Supt. Betty Turpin congratulated a graduation class for the last time as she retires from the school division after 19 years.
She encouraged graduates with words of advice, similar to what she has stated at graduation ceremonies for many years.
“Volunteer – any opportunity, give back to the community,” Turpin says.
“Take care of the environment.
“The smallest of things can make the biggest of difference.”
She inspired graduates to pray often.
“Never underestimate the power of prayer in your life,” Turpin says.
“So, in happy moments, praise God; in difficult moments, seek God; in quiet moments, worship God; in painful moments, trust God and in every moment, thank God.”
She also urged graduates to vote in all elections – municipal, provincial and federal.
“Always have a say in who will be making decisions about your present and your future,” Turpin says.
She urged them to attend Remembrance Day ceremonies.
“Without the sacrifices of many men and women, we would not be enjoying the freedoms we have today,” Turpin says.
