The Norquay Class of 2017, which is comprised of 12 students, celebrated on June 9 at their graduation.
The graduation program started at 1:30 p.m. with a faith service organized by Marcia Gustafson and Lillia Livingstone held at the Norquay Evangelical Covenant Church.
Following the service was a photo session with Craig Popoff of Canora Photography and Framing. The graduates were accompanied by their choice of family and friends for supper catered by Roxanne Boychuk of RB’s in Norquay, and toasts to the graduates were made at 4:30 p.m. at the Communiplex in Norquay.
The public graduation ceremony began at 7:30 p.m. with teacher, Heath Morin as emcee. The graduates made their entrance with their parents before making their way to the stage.
O Canadawas sung by the attendees with Elena Gustafson, the SRC president making her address. Joshua Jansen, Jared Sorrell and Anna Howard presented verses about what their peers wanted to be remembered for and what they actually will be remembered for. When it came to graduate MaKayla Goertzen, “MaKayla would like to be remembered for always smiling.” Sorrell said. “What MaKayla will be remembered for is being the biggest Rider fan.”
Cassandra Dyck and Piper Abbott read the graduates’ favourite school memories. “Logan’s favorite school memory is MaKayla’s laugh” Dyck read, adding that “Justin’s favourite school memory is Mr. Chapman’s Nintendo parties.”
Justin Newcombe and Taylor Romanyshyn introduced Michael Chapman, the guest speaker, a former teacher and one who was said to have “really made an impact” on each of them.
“Thank you for the kind introduction and thank you for inviting me to speak tonight,” Chapman said. “It’s good to see you guys again. I’ve missed you. Well, most of you, maybe not Calum.”
When the graduates entered with their parents, their future plans were stated.
“The fact of the matter is that many of you are going to change your minds. And that's OK,” Chapman said.
He spoke of his own experiences once he entered university, changing career choices, learning to apply himself and work for the success he wanted.
“Find what makes you happy,” Chapman said when giving his advice to the students. “In school, this means attending regularly, doing your homework and studying for tests. In life, it means this: take your time with the major decisions in your life.”
Chapman concluded his speech with a ping pong ball demonstration in which he placed a container on a stool on the stage and filled it with ping pong balls, saying they represented the most important things in life. Rocks were added, which were the other important things in life. Next, sand was added to represent everything else: the small stuff.
Chapman then poured in cans of pop.
“Take care of the ping pong balls first, the really important things. Set your priorities, because everything else is just sand.” Chapman said. “And what's up with the drinks? Well, no matter how full and busy your life gets, remember that you've always got time in your life for drinks with a friend.”
The valedictory address was presented by Anna Howard and Elena Gustafson.
“Growing up, we had the support of our family and friends, and the support of the school staff, each urging us on to always do our best.” Gustafson began. ”Without their help, we wouldn’t be standing in front of you today.”
“Our class alone will be successful in so many unique ways,” Howard added. “Success for some can mean money, for others it could mean fame, being respected, or it could mean simply leading a good life.”
The valedictorians spoke to their classmates on believing in themselves as they go in to the world on their own.
Take risks, ask for help, stay humble, stay kind and make a difference, Howard concluded.
Scholarships were then awarded to the graduates. On behalf of the Norquay Kin Club, Reagan Foster presented a scholarship to Anna Howard. Bob Abbott presented a Norquay Legion scholarship to Elena Gustafson. The Jackie Krushkowski Memorial scholarship was presented by Heath Morin to Anna Howard. The Norquay School Community Council award was presented by Melissa Johnson to Anna Howard. The Norquay N.I.C.E Center award was presented by Iris Nokinsky to Anna Howard. The Norquay Health Center Auxilary award was presented by Patrick Livingstone to both Anna Howard and Elena Gustafson, and the Affinity Credit Union Build a Better World scholarship was presented by Cheryl Holodniuk to both Elena Gustafson and Anna Howard.
The graduation ceremony wrapped up with a slide show presentation created by Taylor Romanyshyn and Cassandra Dyck and in it each graduate was showcased by photos that had been taken through the years.
The graduates then participated in the traditional grand march followed by a dance with their escorts and parents to conclude the graduation celebration.
