The Estevan Comprehensive School's graduating class of 2019 celebrated moving on to the next chapter of their lives Friday during the school's annual graduation ceremony at Affinity Place.
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.
Speeches were delivered by valedictorian Ruth Pecson, student representative council co-presidents Levi Stepp and Nathan Littlefield, and class representatives Tyler Knibbs and Shaun Montebon.
The grad choir and band performed during the evening as well.
Principal Pat Jeannot and teacher Tammy Podovinnikoff spoke on behalf of the school during the evening.
Mayor Roy Ludwig also brought greetings.
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.
Next week's edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
