HEINSBURG – The seven members of Heinsburg Community School’s Class of 2025 were introduced by mistress of ceremonies Kahliegh Moore as they made their way onstage for Friday’s graduation ceremonies, which started with an honour song and ended with the tossing of their caps high in the air.
Superintendent of Schools Peter Barron brought congratulations from the St. Paul Education Regional Division and asked for a round of applause “for all of those who helped you get this far,” including teachers and families. Urging them to go forward with “an attitude of gratitude,” he told the class that “life is like the North Saskatchewan River, one curve at a time… sometimes calm, sometimes rapids. May your life be as bright as the Northern Lights over Heinsburg.”
Former Heinsburg teacher Keith Dawson, who said he had “last seen you in your Grade 10 social studies class,” at the end of his 14 years at the school, said he felt “very welcome here, it’s a good, safe environment, and a special time for us all, to celebrate… Grads, you are at a crossroads, wondering what to do next, but there are options, Do what you love, do something you genuinely care about, it gives your life purpose and keeps you going on rougher days. Keep learning, be curious – you may make mistakes, but keep learning.”
Kailey Berland had “profound gratitude” for parents and guardians and their “unceasing love, guidance and wisdom and words of encouragement. We salute our remarkable heroes, our greatest treasures.”
In her parents’ response, Priscilla Berland added more thanks. “These kids wouldn’t be here without the teachers’ pushing them, and we are so grateful.”
Aiden Peterson added more thanks to the teachers “for your dedication and the effort you invested in us, we will carry your lessons with us.”
Marie Zayac, with “a lot of years at the front desk,” declared the day “a significant milestone in your lives. We celebrate you.” She urged them to “see the blocks in your road as significant lessons, drawbacks don’t define you. Your future is bright, you have the tools to challenge problems.”
Melvin Abraham officiated at the presentation of eagle feathers and told the grads, “Life itself is an education. You may need specialized training, but this is a big step and as an Elder, I am very proud of you.” He remarked that as a youth, eagle feathers were presented “when we helped out at a sun dance ceremony,” rather than at graduation. Ceremonies are an integral part of First Nations life and because he was working at the preparations for this week’s ceremony, “I had to ask permission to come here.”
Principal Carmen McLeod presented the graduates with scrolls and said graduation “is the closing of one chapter and the opening of another… a collective achievement to the families, and our deepest gratitude to the staff and grad committee. We are honouring the families that brought you here; you have faced your own challenges. We have seen you grow and you have made this school more than a building, it’s a community. It’s not about perfection but completion. You are moving forward and ready for the next challenge. It’s a moment in time that won’t come again. Now go show the world what your determined hearts can do.”
