The festivities started at the Estevan Court House, where the grads gathered for the annual class photo in their finest clothes. Photos were also taken with friends and family members.
The attention later shifted to Affinity Place for the ceremonies. This year's theme was Night of a Thousand Lights. The arena, decorated with blue and gold, was sparkling. The grads had a few beautiful spots set up for more memorable pictures to be taken.
The grad choir and band opened the ceremony performing O Canada and the Grad Song. But that wasn’t it for music, as student representative council co-presidents Levi Stepp and Nathan Littlefield sang their version of A Whole New World during their filled with humor tribute to the teachers.
Mayor Roy Ludwig brought greetings on behalf of the City of Estevan.
He wished the graduates to have the confidence in their abilities, listen carefully to those around them and to always have faith in themselves as they take their next steps forward. He also encouraged them to be themselves, be strong, to embrace diversity, to always remember to help others, to have a great sense of humor and enjoy whatever they decide to do.
Class representatives this year were Tyler Knibbs and Shaun Montebon, who paid tribute to parents.
“We wouldn’t be here today without your unconditional love,” said Montebon addressing the parents.
Principal Pat Jeannot spoke on behalf of the school during the evening, sharing his advice with graduates.
“First, learn the importance of asking one very important question over and over and over in your life. And that question is ‘Why’ … My second point, learn the importance of being independent… My third point, life can be difficult, don’t make it more difficult for yourself than it needs to be… Point number four, nothing is impossible,” said Jeannot.
Teacher Tammy Podovinnikoff introduced valedictorian Ruth Pecson, talking about her strength and commitment to success and helping her classmates, her passion and faith that nothing is impossible.
“When I first taught Ruth in Grade 9…, I knew she was special. Even then she exhibited what I think is one of her best qualities. Ruth sees where the bar is set and then she consistently exceeds those expectations,” said Podovinnikoff.
The opening part came to an end with the speech by Pecson, who graduated with an average of 99.4 per cent.
“In Grade 9 we all started our journey at the foreign building known as the ECS. At that time we were most concerned about the 12-minute run, figuring out what the heck polynomials were, and debunking whether or not there is actually a pool underneath the gym floors,” said Pecson, recalling their first days.
“Grade 12 is filled with complex feelings. We are nervous, sad… to say goodbye to our parents’ cooking, to our friends, to high school, to what we call home. We are stressed, overwhelmed by grad season, applying for schools and planning out our future. But most importantly, I believe that all of us are excited for new beginnings,” she continued.
As graduates were starting their adult lives, Pecson advised them not to be afraid of failure.
“Even if you fail it’s OK because that only means that next time you will be stronger, wiser and more driven than before.”
She also wished all her classmates to become better persons every day of their lives.
“Success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that you invest in every single day.”
Finally, Pecson advised grads to trust in God’s plan.
“Whatever experiences you have from now on always remember that it will all work out to God’s perfect plan for you.”
Once the speeches and music were finished, the school presented diplomas to the graduates. Students walked across the stage and accepted their diplomas and other gifts to the delight of the audience.
A small meal was served after the diplomas were handed out, and then everyone reconvened at Affinity Place for the grand march, when the grads were presented with a rose and spent more time with their families.
Then Affinity Place was transformed into a mock casino for the chem free after grad, in which the grads played games of chance for play money that could be used to purchase prizes.
For more pictures see www.estevanmercury.ca.
