Reaching a major educational milestone, 30 graduating students of Georges P. Vanier School in Donnelly were honoured at valediction ceremonies May 16.
That’s a Wrap was the theme for the celebration.
Graduands were congratulated by High Prairie School Division trustee Lynn Skrepnek, one of two trustees who represents the Falher- Donnelly region.
“Today is your moment,” Skrepnek said.
“It is a milestone – it is also a beginning.”
She urged the graduands to move forward on a productive positive life.
“Build a life that is meaningful to you,” Skrepnek said.
“Keep learning and growing. Step into what you walk into next.”
Class valedictorian Andre Gagnon congratulated his classmates on graduating – based on the theme.
“Although it is the end of this chapter in our lives, it marks the beginning of a new one,” Gagnon said.
“It’s one where we will go out into the world and carve our own paths as we each attend post-secondary or enter the workforce.”
He is confident the graduands will succeed.
“There is no doubt in my mind that any of these graduates who are here today will be able to accomplish their goals in their respective fields if the set their minds to it.”
He added the years at Vanier have left a meaningful impact on the students’ lives.
“While our time here may be short, we made enough memories to last a lifetime and tackled many obstacles along the way,” Gagnon said.
On behalf of the class, he acknowledged support from many close people involved in their education.
“To conclude, I thank all the teachers, mentors and parents who helped us along the way,” Gagnon said.
Vanier principal Bill Sheets congratulated graduands as they leave Vanier into a world of opportunities.
“Graduates, as you prepare for the next chapter in your lives, take forward the best parts of your time here at Vanier,” Sheets said.
“Know that you have helped to shape culture here in a positive way with your example.”
He encouraged graduands to build on those skills, experiences and passions to impact wherever their path leads them.
“Use the skills developed here in a positive way with confidence,” Sheets said.
“Find your own definition of success.
“Give back to your community.
“Surround yourself with the kind of people who support your dreams and who challenge you to defend your views – in short, those who think of you and who make you think.”
Sheets noted the graduands impacted their communities besides the school.
“Of course, the true value of their time and energy is not realized in monetary terms, but in the connections they made along the way and the impression the experience makes upon the minds of those involved,” Sheets said.
“It is the little difference that makes all the difference.”
He also commended the graduands for their perseverance during challenges, such as the province-wide strike by the Alberta Teachers’ Association from Oct 6-29 when schools were closed for 23 days.
Students living out of town were then restricted to getting to school when heavy accumulations of snow and freezing temperatures left roads impassable for several days at a time during December and January and buses did not operate.
“As I reflect on the school year, I am reminded that there were disruptions to learning that could have derailed many of these students,” Sheets says.
“Through it all, they have worked diligently with us to ensure a measured success in meeting the provincial requirements for graduation.
“At times, this may have meant sacrificing other extra-curricular activities and events.
“There is no doubt that this was a trying year in education in general and here at GPV in particular.”
Each graduand received a certificate from Sheets during the ceremonies.
Richard Froese
South Peace News
