Graduates stand in line to get their diplomas. Left-right are Thomas Halcrow, Kyle Gladue, Clay Gauchier and Brittany Friesen.

Richard Froese
South Peace News

A record high 33 graduates of St. Andrew’s Catholic School were honoured during ceremonies Aug. 27 in High Prairie.

I’m on My Way was the theme for ceremonies at the Gordon Buchanan Recreation Centre following mass at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church.

“So, to my fellow graduates, I give you this advice: An experience is worth a thousand hours in the classroom,” says class valedictorian Catherine Marzotko.

“So, don’t be afraid of curiosity, take opportunities and never forget to look back every once in a while to see how far you’ve gone.”

Marzotko was also presented the Governor General’s Academic Medal as the top academic student in the class.

The class was the largest since the first Grade 12 graduating class in 1992, which had three students.

Graduates were congratulated and encouraged by several people, including two teachers, Al Baird and Stewart McIntyre, who shared the role of guest speaker. Each reminisced about the students.

“Keep on the right path,” says Baird, a longtime teacher on staff for 28 years.
“Strive every day to make it the best day of your life,” adds McIntyre, on staff for six years.
“I see a group of students filled with determination.”

Graduates were inspired to have courage by Betty Turpin, superintendent of Holy Family Catholic Regional School Division.

“Courage will be your most valuable asset you need to help you grow,” Turpin says.
“Courage is the fuel that drives you on your way to reach your dreams.”

School principals expressed their final words to graduates as they reflected on the theme.

“This is a diverse group of students and I can’t wait to see what you’re going to do [in life],” principal Marc Lamoureux says.

Graduates were also inspired to shine wherever life takes them.

“It is our hope and prayer that the graduates will continue to be the light and salt in the world,” says vice-principal Linda Vandenberg.

Words of congratulations were also expressed from local municipalities including Town of High Prairie Acting Mayor Debbie Rose and Big Lakes County Reeve Ken Matthews.

“This is an exciting time for all of you … the hard work of each of you has paid off and the first leg of the educational journey is complete,” says Rose, who spoke for Mayor Linda Cox.
“I challenge you to define your success not only by the dollars you can make or the number of letters your future education allows you to put behind your name, but by the quality of life you choose.”

She also told the graduates that success is not the key to happiness, but happiness is the key to success.

Several tips of advice were offered by the county reeve.

“Remember, you are not remembered for what you do, as much as how you did it,” Matthews says.

He offered several other tips of advice to graduates.

“Measure a person by the size of their heart, not their flippers.
“You will likely fail often, it is part of life.
“Keep moving forward and never give up.
“You need a soul mate, not a cell mate.”

Graduates were spiritually blessed during mass.

“Know your strengths and weaknesses,” Father George Okoye says.
“Think about your gifts and talents and use them for the good of others and develop them.”

Guest speaker Al Baird shared memories with the students.

Guest speaker Stewart McIntyre shared soem sage advice.

Tristen Calahasen, left, gets his candle lit by principal Marc Lamoureux during mass.

A few of the graduates show off their dazzlng dresses. Left-right are Catherine Marzotko, Billie Cowell, Kendra Calliou and Bronte Backs.

Graduates Caitlyn Keshen, left, and Kenneth Halcrow walk in during the ceremonies.

Mackenzie Desaulniers, left, walks in with escort Steven Brulotte during the ceremonies.

Serena Boulanger-Norbert, left, walks in with her escort Justin Gorospe during the ceremonies.

Christopher Lindo, right, presents a rose each to his father Loreto Lindo, left, and mother Christine Lindo to thank a special person.

Catherine Marzotko, left, receives the Governor General’s Academic Medal from principal Marc Lamoureux. She was the top academic student in the class.

St. Andrew’s graduates Thomas Halcrow, left, and Patience Courtorielle bring in gifts for communion during mass.