The Norquay Class of 2018, which is comprised of 17 students, celebrated on June 8 at their graduation.
The graduation program started at 1:30 p.m. with a faith service organized by the parents of the grade 12 students 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 Whistle Stop 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 Cody Heskin, the SRC president making his address. Pyper Ramsay and Allison Robinson presented verses about what their peers wanted to be remembered for and what they actually will be remembered for.
Arthrine Pasaporte and Tyler Shankowsky presented the graduates’ favourite school memories.
Caleb Godfrey introduced Justin Hudye, the guest speaker, a former student of Norquay School.
“Thank you for the kind introduction and thank you for inviting me to speak tonight,” Hudye said. “It’s good to see you guys again.”
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,” Hudye said.
He spoke of his own experiences, “find what makes you happy,” Hudye said when giving his advice to the students. “In school, this means attending school regularly, being on time doing your homework and studying for tests. In life, it means this: take your time with the major decisions in your life.”
The valedictory address was presented by Cody Heskin and Makenna Olson.
Scholarships were then awarded to the graduates. On behalf of the Norquay Kin Club, Andrew Jacquemart presented a scholarship to Allison Robinson. Lisa Dyck presented a Norquay Legion scholarship to Jessica Pasieka. The Jackie Krushkowski Memorial scholarship was presented by Evan Rostotski to Cody Heskin. The Norquay School Community Council award was presented by Melissa Johnson to Allison Robinson. The Norquay N.I.C.E Center award was presented by Delphine Howard to Allsion Robinson. The Norquay Health Center Auxiliary award was presented by Delphine Howard to Cody Heskin, and the Retired Teacher scholarship from Norquay/Sturgis/Preeciville was presented by Deby Dahl to Allison Robinson. Duck Mountain Ambulance bursary was presented by Evan Rostotski to Arthrine Pasaporte, GSTA Education scholarship was presented by Heath Morin to Allison Robinson.
The graduation ceremony wrapped up with a slide show presentation created by Emma Johnson. 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.
