Almost 100 local students were encouraged to 'Take the Next Step' this past weekend as Bonnyville Centralized High School commemorated its graduating class of 2015.
Almost 100 local students were encouraged to 'Take the Next Step' this past weekend as Bonnyville Centralized High School commemorated its graduating class of 2015.
Hundreds of excited friends and relatives packed into the school's gym for the celebration on a sweltering Saturday afternoon as 92 local students prepared to embark on their next step in life, with many already committed to wide-variety of post-secondary institutions throughout the country, taking the time to travel the globe or preparing themselves to enter the working world.
On hand to assist with the graduation ceremony was Bonnyville Mayor Gene Sobolewski and MD of Bonnyville Coun. David Fox who, along with NLSD representatives Michael Topylki and Roy Ripkens, each took the time to personally congratulate this year's graduating class before BCHS Principal Corey Baker took centre stage.
"We are here today to celebrate the fantastic achievements and accomplishments of this year's graduating class," Baker said. "This particular class has been exceptional. They have succeeded in so many different ways - whether it be leadership, athletics, music, drama or visual arts, you have all excelled and represented BCHS with class."
He added, "You are strong, extremely apathetic, courageous and above all, have shown the integrity and ability to persevere."
With the theme of this year's ceremony centering on the idea of taking the next step, Baker said he was confident the grad class of 2015 would go on to achieve great things in the future, sending them away with a small message to consider should they run into problems along the way.
"This grad class is full of diversity, uniqueness and above all, talent. So take that next step. To echo the words of JK Rowling, it is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live too cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all - in which case, you fail by default," Baker said.
"As you live your lives, whether you're going off to further education, or entering the workforce, remember to follow your dreams and take your next steps. Your choices and your mistakes are yours to make now. Embrace them," Baker concluded.
Joint valedictorians Chantal Baker and Brooke Winter each encouraged their fellow graduates to "live your lives" and "follow your dreams" in their speech.
"We have all spent the past 12 years sitting behind our desks, taking notes and now look at us. We've written our last essay, handed in our last project and finished our last exam, but school wasn't just about work, it was a place where we made friends and memories to last a lifetime," Chantal said.
"We've all been anticipating this day (for a while). We each have our own passions and our own dreams and if you (take but one message) away with you, let it be to follow your dreams. Time will pass in the blink of an eye, so take the chances that come your way and do something you love. Live your lives your way and don't let others (shape) your lives for you," she added.
"Now that we're heading in our separate ways, the bonds that we have formed will remain with us forever. While we may not see each other again, the friends we've made throughout this journey will help shape our futures. I would not be who I am today without each and every one of you."
Chantal concluded, "Congrats fellow grads - We did it!"
