COLD LAKE – The Imperial Oil Place at the Cold Lake Energy Centre was filled with pride, emotion, and thunderous applause as Cold Lake High School’s graduating Class of 2025 walked onto the stage on June 27.
“We would like to formally welcome you to the 2025 graduation ceremony,” said emcee Jenna Cherniwchan as the crowd settled into an evening full of laughter, memories, and heartfelt tributes.
Cherniwchan reflected on the bittersweet nature of the day. “Today is filled with mixed emotions. We know there is so much pride and excitement in this room for these graduates,” she said. “The road to this point was different for each of you. Pause, take a moment to reflect on the journey, and soak it all in.”
Emcee Christina Kean added a touching message for the families watching their children cross this milestone. “It seems like just yesterday, they lost their first tooth, had their first day of kindergarten, and in the blink of an eye, many years have gone by. Grads, please be patient with your loved ones.”
Principal Dustin Walker delivered a message full of perspective and encouragement.
“These little moments… they become the foundation for the bigger ones. They’re the sparks,” he said, pointing to the power of small memories shaping bigger futures. “What stands out most to me, beyond your talents and your achievements, is your resilience.”
“Seated here are the future welders, doctors, musicians, lawyers, cooks, teachers, electricians, and nurses of our society,” Walker said. “Let integrity, commitment, and pride guide you.”
Valedictorian Preslee Jaques delivered an emotional and thoughtful speech, balancing humour and deep gratitude.
“Our class has won with success, companionship, and a definitive sense of humour,” she said. “I mean, look how far we’ve come from being the last Grade 9 class to come through Cold Lake High School… to now sitting here in cap and gown.”
She thanked families, teachers, and peers for their unwavering support.
“You didn’t just teach us facts, formulas, and literature. You taught us how to think, how to question, and how to persevere.”
Jaques encouraged her classmates to focus on what they can control. “Discard the uncontrollables. Let go of the things you can’t change… We can control our kindness, our effort, and our ability to get back up when things fall apart.”
As the ceremony came to a close, cheers echoed through the arena, a celebration not just of graduation, but of the journey and the people who made it unforgettable.
“You will always be a Royal,” Walker said. “Come back and visit, tell us about your adventures.”
