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Commencement ceremony at E.W. Pratt
Mac Olsen
for South Peace News
E.W. Pratt went all out for its 73 soon-to-be graduates, holding a commencement ceremony in the gym May 8.
As the song “Time of My Life” by David Cook played, the students and their escorts made their way under the archway and down the aisle to their seats. Jessica Rose was the mistress of ceremonies and she introduced Neil Lamouche, who sang “O Canada.” The theme was Unmask Your Future.
Several dignitaries brought greetings, including Rick Neidig, a trustee for High Prairie School Division No. 48. Lesser Slave Lake MLA Pearl Calahasen and High Prairie town councillor Jeff Burgar also brought greetings and Rose read a message from Brian Jean, the federal MP for Fort McMurray-Athabasca.
The class historians, Shauna Badger, Tammy Calliou, Sarah Jenkins and Jordan Lewis, took turns reading stories about each graduate. Some stories had humour, others had memorable moments and some had thanks and recognition for special people.
Principal Dan Sloan presented each student with a graduation certificate cover and gave his speech, too.
During the graduate certificate cover presentations, Lina Al-Faouri presented a flower to each student, to give to someone special in their lives. The song “Thank You” by Johnny Reid played as they gave their flowers away.
Loretta Calliou, the elected secretary for the Métis Settlements General Council in Edmonton, gave Métis sashes to Lyndon Anderson, Jordan Cunningham, Riley Gauchier, Terryn Gauchier and Chelsea Smith of Peavine Métis Settlement; Kelly Cunningham, Chasity Gladue, Alexandra Shaw and Vanessa Thunder of Gift Lake Métis Settlement; and Krystal Southwick of East Prairie Métis Settlement.
E.W. Pratt had three exchange students, Asha Ryan of Perth, Australia; Anton Angeling of Vasteras, Sweden; and Tanja Buchholz of Gambach, Germany. They, too, received graduation certificate covers.
The students also watched a slide show, highlighting them in formal and very informal moments during the school year. Sarah Jenkins and Alicia Starrett created the slide show.
The ceremony ended with Jordan Lewis’s valedictorian address.
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E.W. Pratt High School Graduating Class of 2010
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Michael Ochran, right, escorts Ashlee Kocon down the aisle during the walk in.
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Charis Gordey, left, and Matthew Johansson make their way down the aisle.
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James Grey, right, escorts Gypsy Tallman down the aisle during the walk in.
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Michelle Hannem, left, and David Olanski make their way down the aisle.
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Jacob Perry, right, escorts Sarah Jenkins down the aisle during the walk in.
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Like the others, Allie Shaw, left, and Cody Beamish had their moment in the spotlight.
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Kelsey Marquardt, left, escorts Jaden Paul down the aisle during the walk in.
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Dutton Halcrow, right, escorts Shauna Rose make their way down the aisle.
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Christopher Williscroft, right, escorts his sister, Kylie Williscroft, down the aisle.
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Principal Dan Sloan, left, presents a graduation certificate cover to Darcey Perry.
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Principal Dan Sloan, left, presents a graduation certificate cover to Krystal Southwick.
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Graduate Max Burgar is escorted by his niece, Callista Gomes, and nephew Jared Gomes.
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