ESTEVAN — June 14 was a day to remember for the Class of 2025 from the Estevan Comprehensive School, thanks to the school's annual graduation ceremony.
The cap-and-gown ceremony was held at Affinity Place for 169 Grade 12 students who are set to graduate this year. Festivities started with the processional, with the grads walking in while receiving applause from family and friends.
Grade 12 students Timothy Briz, Mary Dela Cruz and Noah Stepp performed O Canada. Another of this year's grads, Nevaeh Whitebull of the White Bear First Nations, gave the land acknowledgement. In a poignant moment, she was presented with sacred gifts – tobacco, a star blanket and an eagle feather – by her sister Breanna and Emily Steffenson.
Mayor Tony Sernick offered his congratulations.
Grads Kerison Burnett and Madison Holtz delivered the annual tribute to the parents. Burnett encouraged the grads to look around Affinity Place, find their parents - or those who played a parental role - and give them a wave.
Student representative council co-presidents Blake Hlohovsky Andrist and Prysm Gooding delivered the tribute to the teachers.
Principal James Jones and vice-principal Craig Palmer then recognized the grads with their speeches.
"Graduates, take a moment and look around here. Gathered are almost 3,000 people – siblings, grandparents, family, friends, neighbours, educational assistants, administrative assistants, distinguished guests and teachers. Know for all of us, things have gone wrong, and it's OK to feel upset when things do go wrong," said Jones, drawing on the theme of People change and things go wrong, but just remember, life goes on.
He reminded the grads the challenges and missteps play an important role as the young people transition to adulthood.
ECS teacher Kyle Whitehead introduced valedictorian Emmalee Ursu, who shared her thoughts on the milestone. (SaskToday will have more on her speech). Then the diplomas were distributed and future plans were read out to the audience.
After the ceremony was finished and the chairs were cleared from the events centre's floor, the grads and others reconvened for the grand march and dance. Another highlight of the day, the grad photo, took place at the Estevan Courthouse lawn, with grads dressed in their finest clothes.
The annual grad parade, which is another highlight of the celebrations, was held June 13, with many turning out to congratulate the youths.
SaskToday's photo albums, paying tribute to the grads, can be found here and here.
More to come.
