BONNYVILLE – Bonnyville Centralized High School (BCHS) hosted their graduation ceremony at the C2 Centre, transforming the field house for the formal event.
Ms. Samantha Mayer acted as the master of ceremonies for the June 14 event, and welcomed staff and dignitaries.
BCHS Principal Tracie Young spoke about the imperfection of life’s path, and the importance of integrity.
“Here at BCHS, we talked a lot about integrity, doing the right thing when no one is watching. It doesn't mean being perfect. It means being honest when it would be easier not to be...Integrity isn't always flashy, but it's what builds trust, respect, and character. As you head into the next chapter, those quiet choices will define you far more than any test score or transcript ever could,” said Young.
Young said it’s been a pleasure learning alongside the graduates, cheering them on, and witnessing their “unique personalities, passions, and energy that makes this group unforgettable.”
Valedictorian Frida Miller congratulated her fellow graduates, and spoke about leaving behind childhood comforts, and stepping out into the world.
“We are strong and we are capable, and in our own unique ways, each of us has something powerful to offer. Of course, we cannot talk about moving forward without first looking back, without thanking those that have supported us from our very first breaths. So to our mothers and fathers, whether by blood, by choice, or by heart, thank you,”
Miller spoke to the ways the graduating class had to adapt during Covid, and how friendships endured, despite their high school experience not being like what they portray in the movies.
“And to our teachers, thank you. You guided, you challenged, and you encouraged us. You played the role of parent, mentor, and friend to hundreds of teenagers throughout your teaching careers. That's a special kind of heroism. So here's to the future, to possibilities, to potential,” said Miller.
Town of Bonnyville Coun. Phil Kushnir gave a heartfelt speech, that garnered murmurs of admiration from the crowd as he stepped off the stage.
Having struggled in school himself, Kushnir urged graduates to redefine their own version of what success looks like.
“Don’t let anybody or anything define success for you. Society, parents, friends, commercials, and social media all try to define your success. Don’t let them...Find what makes you happy and pursue it,” said Kushnir.
Kushnir encouraged graduates to fully embrace taking responsibility for themselves, even in the face of adversity – to never fall into the habit of becoming a victim.
“I want to talk to you about a person that changed my life. Her name was Julia. She was my first daughter. She passed away when she was just two days old, and I was lost for a year...I just couldn’t figure it out...Here I was, twenty five years old and strong as an ox –I could do anything. But I watched this baby die, and there was nothing I could do about it. And the doctors are watching this baby die, and there's nothing they could do about it. I realized right then that your loved ones can be taken away from you in a heartbeat. So love them as much as you possibly can. Treat them like gold, because they can be gone in an instant,” said Kushnir.
Jeannine Ellis, Director of Learning at Norther Lights Publish Schools (NLPS), said it was exciting to look at the graduates and see some of her former students she taught.
“You’ve grown, you’ve changed, and I really want you to be proud of your accomplishments and excited for the future to come...I really want you to know there's been a lot of people that have believed in you on your journey, and what I encourage you to do is to surround yourself with people that believe in you, because you have so many more accomplishments into the future,” said Ellis.
Cheryl Edwards, a representative of the NLPS board of trustees, shared how proud she was of the graduates and shared her hope that they take the lessons they learned from both inside and outside the classroom, and use them to build the life they want – then share their wisdom to uplift others.
“You've made it through a time in history that demanded flexibility, grit, and resilience. You navigated uncertainty with courage and curiosity, and along the way you've gathered important life lessons - lessons that will serve you well in whatever comes next,” said Edwards.
MD of Bonnyville Reeve Barry Kalinski lightened the mood with some jokes and handed out a prize on behalf of Town of Bonnyville Mayor Elisa Brosseau and himself, for the graduate who could tell him the definition of Ornithology (without using their phone).
“Thanks so much for inviting us here to speak directly to the graduates. It means the world to me, and I’m sure it means the world to the other speakers...Today's young people are way ahead of their time. On behalf of the MD, council, and myself, we are very proud of each and every one of you for graduating,” said Kalinski.
Bonnyville – Cold Lake – St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr spoke to the accomplishments of the graduating class, including hosting their first musical in the new Strathcona Performing Arts Centre, representing Bonnyville in sports events, and fundraising for important local causes such as the Lakeland Centre for FASD.
“Just like stars in Van Gogh’s famous painting, your paths may swirl in different directions. But each of you is a part of a bigger picture. One that you paint step by step with courage, kindness, and purpose, you add to everything that we do as a community,” said Cyr.
