Repair • Sales Auto Solutions
403.887.2340 403.887.2340
#6, # 6 2 20A 0A S Sylvaire l i CClose l
rapidautosolutions@telus.net
www.rapidauto.org VOLUME 78
Cake Time! – Page 6
NUMBER 27
24 PAGES
Thursday, July 4, Thursday 4 2013
www.sylvanlakenews.com www syl
FREE
Graduation - École H. J. Cody High School graduates gathered at the pier last Thursday morning for the traditional graduation picture before walking through downtown to the multiplex where commencement ceremonies were held. The timing of graduation was moved from early May to late June last year to keep students focused on their studies. The 130 graduates and five honourary graduates heard various messages of encouragement and advice from dignitaries including valedictorians Bennett Hreherchuk and Alex Donaghy and guest speaker Sean McIntyre. This is the fourth year at Sylvan Lake multiplex which is part of a goal to celebrate their Sylvan roots. Later in the evening, graduates, family and friends enjoyed a banquet in Red Deer. More pictures and stories are on pages 12 &13. STEVE DILLS
Several firsts as Cody’s grad class of 2013 lauded by Steve Dills Sylvan Lake News
Besides providing words of wisdom and advice to the graduating class of 2013, speakers and the audience recognized several firsts at École H. J. Cody High School’s commencement ceremony last Thursday. The first two students to complete their entire education in the French Immersion program of Sylvan Lake schools and Chinook’s Edge School Division — Joelle Shaw-Edwards and Kiana McCluskey — received their certificates.
Also new this year was the Mayor’s Citizenship Award, presented by Mayor Susan Samson to “the graduating student that best exemplifies active citizenship, a student who consciously participates to make a difference in their community”. Brooklyn Soley received the award. “Brooklyn intends on becoming an elementary school teacher,” said Samson. “She volunteers at Steffie Woima School on a regular basis and is very active in her school community in getting things done. She has another remarkable quality though; and that is that she is willing to stand
up to anyone who challenges what she feels is right and will stand there as long as is needed to have the moral and ethical perspective understood.” Innisfail-Sylvan Lake MLA Kerry Towle presented the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta Citizenship Award to Leah Johns. This was the second year Towle has presented the award to a person who gives back, takes the philosophy of citizenship and volunteerism and goes forward with it. For Principal Dave Elwood, there was a “little soft spot” for the graduating class. He started as
principal at École Fox Run School when they entered Grade 6 and then moved to Cody with them. Congratulations, this is really, really cool, I’m really proud of you,” Elwood said. “It has been cool watching you grow up, seeing the changes in you, yeah some good changes, some kids have matured, some kids grew and got taller.” Dr. Lissa Steele, on behalf of Chinook’s Edge School Division, encouraged the students to “be proud of what you accomplish”. Her five simple wishes also included, “ask yourself if what I’m doing today is getting me where I want
to be”. “Life is full of relearning … and a whole lot of unlearning as well,” she said. “Never underestimate your power. Don’t forget to call Mom and Dad, not just for money but to tell them you love them.” And most important of all, she said, “stay safe tonight”. School board trustee Joe-Anne Matejka, on behalf of the board, told students to “float your boat. Everyone does everything differently. You will succeed in everything you want to accomplish when you float your boat your way.” Continued on page 11
Skis, inflatable rafts, and toys, pools and boat safety gear. Whether you are tubing the river or skiing the lake, we have all your water needs!
Canadian Tire #329 • 2510 Gaetz Ave., Red Deer, AB
403-342-2222 Canadian Tire #645 • 300, 6380 - 50 Ave., Red Deer, AB
403-346-1497 Canadian Tire #655 • #200 - 62 Industrial Trail, Sylvan Lake, AB
403-887-0581