ELK POINT - This year's graduating class from FG Miller Jr./Sr. High School in Elk Point took centre stage in the school's gymnasium as family, friends, school staff and supporters gathered to celebrate the achievements of the 36 graduates.
The ceremony began with the singing of O' Canada, lead by Vaugh Ockerman and Gavin Kadutski. Then, Gunner Crawford presented the student message to parents.
"As we celebrate an important milestone in our lives here today, it is simply unreasonable to go without recognizing the outstanding love and support we have received. . . Today's a day where we celebrated, reflect and look toward the future," said Gunner.
But, before moving forward students would like to say thank-you "because this road could not have been walked alone without the help from you all," he added.
Moms, dads, guardians, grandparents, and to those watch down from above, "thank you."
Gunner's father, Justin Crawford, offered a parent response.
"Years ago, us as parents dropped you off at playschool and in the blink of an eye you're all graduated today and moving on to the next chapter of your life. Be extremely proud of yourselves," said Justin. "Heartbreak and failure are part of life. If you stumble and all, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep going. Never give up."
Graduate Ashley Lecopoy spoke honestly in her student message to the teachers.
She thanked teachers for their patience and encouragement.
"You have taught us all so much more than what is in the textbooks. . . through all of this, the impact you've made has gone far beyond academics," said Lecopoy. "You've supported us through every struggle."
She acknowledged the teacher for their hard work, the late nights spend grading assignments, time and care that went into planning lessons - event when the whole class forgot there was a test. "They didn't just teach us but rather invested in us," said Lecopoy.
Jonathan Randall offered a response from the teachers, along with a sports recognition to the graduating student who dedicated their time and talents to the school's athletic program over their high school years.
"As teachers we are incredibly proud to see you on the graduation stage," said Randall. "We recognize the effort it has taken to reach this moment."
He recalled how many of the students came to the school as quiet, and unsure Grade 6 students and they are now leaving as "confident young adults, ready to take on the world."
The tradition offering of the sword ceremony took place, with graduates Calei Penner and Kaleb Flamand passing on the sword to next year's graduates, Elizabeth Smith and Duanne Rivera.
Then, the class' valedictorian, Ellerion Smith, took to the podium.
She offered thanks to the teachers, families and parents, and to friends and classmates.
"Six years ago, we entered this school, not knowing what was in store," said Smith, noting, a lot has changed since then.
"High school wasn't just about the challenges though, it gave us moments we will remember forever," said Smith. "These moments shaped us just as much, or even more, as anything in our textbooks."
She encouraged her fellow graduates to explore the world.
"I think the best moments often come from places or situations we didn't expect ourselves to be in."
Each graduate was then presented with a diploma by Principal Colin Bjorkman, who also spoke to the graduates and reminded them of the difference between ignorance and stupidity, noting ignorance is the lack of knowledge, but stupidity is when you close yourself off to learning about something, "a closed frame of mind. And that's a dangerous thing."
Ignorance can be solved through education, "And that's an important thing," said Bjorkman.
"Be open minded to new information, new ideas . . . look at the evidence," he concluded.
The afternoon ceremony wrapped up with the tossing of the caps and a some celebratory confetti.
