Special Features - Graduation 2013

Elk Valley’s

Class of 2013 Fernie Secondary Elkford Secondary

Page 2 Page 6

Fernie Academy Page 10 Sparwood Secondary Page 12

C2 THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2013

Fernie Secondary Graduation 2013

Congratulations 250.423-3002 Hwy 3 11:00 am - 10:00 pm DAILY beside west fernie bridge

Your hard work has paid off, and now you are really on your way. We wish you all the best as you embark on exciting new challenges and adventures. The best is yet to come!

250.423.7667 events@enjoyfernie.com

Fernie Secondary School

Principal’s Message

O

n behalf of the staff and students of Fernie Secondary School, I am honoured to present to you the Graduating Class of 2013.

These young men and women have reached an important milestone on their journey towards adulthood, and I know that I speak for all of my staff when I say that it has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with them along the way. Our graduates have faced challenges and displayed perseverance. They have made mistakes, celebrated successes and hopefully learned that hard work and determination are necessary ingredients for a person to reach their full potential.

Graduates, as you look to the future and begin to explore the many opportunities and challenges that await you, it is my sincerest wish that you move forward with the same confidence and enthusiasm that we have grown accustomed to from you. We are proud of you, graduates, and wish you the best of luck in all of your future adventures.

We invite all members of the community to join us at the Commencement Ceremony, to be held on Friday, June 28th at 2:00pm in the Fernie Memorial Arena. We look forward to showcasing the many accomplishments of our graduates as well as recognizing the generous support that our local communities continue to provide in the way of scholarships and bursaries. I hope that you will come and join our celebration! ~ Bill Johnson

Valedictorian’s Message

T

o my fellow graduates,

I am overwhelmed with nostalgia

looking back on these years that we’ve

spent together. As the school year

comes to an end and we finish writing this chapter of

our lives, remember that time is best spent cherished.

Let’s take the time to make more memories and to

reflect on those we’ve already made. This is an exciting time, and we’ve come a long way together. I am honored to pay tribute to our time together this year

as Valedictorian, and I wish nothing less than to send

us out on a good note. Until then, let’s make our last days count.

~ Liam Faucher

Congratulations to our grads!

FERNIE - 792-2nd Avenue 250-423-4607

Connor Bax

Shelby Daigle

Hallie Maclachlan

Jasmine Mitchell

Johnathon Neitz

THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2013

C3

Fernie Secondary Graduation 2013 Odyssey

The YouTh AchievemenT AwArd

Clothing for your Journey.

Proudly sponsored by The City of Fernie

tions Congratula f 2013

Good luck

so

to the Grad

to all the graduates!

Wishing you a bright future!

672F 2nd Ave, Fernie, BC, (250) 423-4620

Taylor Caravetta

Graham Anikina

Cera Atherton

Connor Bax

Brendan Bell

Cole Birch

Brodey Bolen

Hannah Bradish

Shane Caldwell

Ashley Casault

Bron Chahley

Emmy-Lou Czernicki

Shelby Daigle

Best wishes!

Love, your family

class of 2013

Julien Bernard

Matthew Dennis

CONGRATULATIONS

You Made It!

New hat; New chapter.

Graduating Class

Daniel Anikina

432 2 Ave Fernie, BC • 250-423-6464

Kaylee Kormilo on receiving the 2013 McDonald’s Employee Scholarship Award.

Creating Opportunities

2013

we celebrate the success of Fernie’s youth by recognizing our young people’s achievements.

Congratulations to all the graduates and best of luck in all your future endeavors!

C4 THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2013

Fernie Secondary Graduation 2013

BEST WISHES!

Congratulations!

YOU MADE IT!

Here’s hoping your graduation day exceeds your greatest expectations! May all of your hopes and dreams come true.

Dr. Jensen, Drs. Kahane & Staff

250-423-3736

292 - 2nd Ave Fernie (250) 423-6838 dentist@kahane.ca www.kahane.ca

Pierce Dushenko

Liam Faucher

Karrigan Folvik

Roy George

Savhanna Godwin

Luke Gould-Hawke

Kristyn Hamlyn

Tyson Harris

Cori-Anne Huisman

Brayden Hutchinson

Sean Janzen

Ryley Johnston

Reminissa Knight

Kaylee Kormilo

Samantha Laface

Nathan Luznar-Purdy

Cody Marcer

Michaela Matters

Matthew McArthur

Brody McSkimming

Dylan Mitchell

Jasmine Mitchell

Congratulations, Emily!

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

From, your family

Century 21 MaxiMuM realty ltd.

1361-B 7th avenue, Fernie, BC Bus: (250) 423-4113 • toll Free: 1-877-423-4113 Fax: (250) 423-4103 e-mail: info@c21maximum.ca Web: www.c21maximum.ca

Wishing you all the best in your future endeavours!

THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2013

C5

Fernie Secondary Graduation 2013

The Sweet Smell of Success

Congratulations Class of

2013 WOOHOO You Did It!

Downtown Fernie www.givershirts.com

Johnathon Neitz

Congratulations and best wishes in your future endeavours!

Fernie Garden Centre

ALL GRADS RECEIVE 20% OFF

Jay’s Jewellers

6283 Olivia Rd., Fernie 250-423-3666

652 2nd Avenue, Downtown Fernie, 250.423.7814

Kory Podrasky

Jake Runzer

May your graduation be the first of many great achievements to come.

Taylor Poirier

Sydney Salvador

Daniel Stephenson

Carson Price

Emily Scheller

Lukus Streloff

Lucas Read

Joel Shepherd-Mosely

Randy Teeple

Louise Robinson

Rachael Soukoroff

Travis Thomsen

=h[[d _d Wdo 9ebekh Missing from photos: Darrian Chapman Mackenzie Kealy

Benjamin Voysey

Victoria Walker

CONGRATULATIONS and Best Wishes

from Pierre, Kristine, Brielle, Andre and staff of

Zane Yuszko

Erik Zuffa

On your graduation day, we’d like to congratulate you and wish you good luck as you embark upon new and exciting endeavours.

May good fortune and good health be yours as you continue to achieve great things!

2013 2013

GRAD 2013

391 1st Avenue, Fernie, BC 250-423-4314 www.nufloorsfernie.ca

Congratulaitons Louise!

C6 THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2013

Elkford Secondary Graduation 2013 Special congrats to Kaitlyn Nickerson

Sparwood - 743 Douglas Fir

250-425-6535

Elkford - 1 Front Street

Cranbrook - 701 Industrial Road 1

250-865-4622

250-426-7247

Elkford Secondary School

Principal’s Message

Valedictorian’s Message

E

lkford Secondary School is again celebrating the graduation of a group of young citizens. On behalf of all school staff I wish to extend warm congratulations to this class of students. School graduations are special occasions for the entire community and it is fitting that we gather as community to celebrate. It is my hope that you graduates remember your time at school and the varied experiences, and the individuals you have met, with some fondness. Remember also the unwavering support of family and the sacrifice made on your behalf.

Please remember, graduates, that your success has resulted, not only from your own work but from the collective efforts and good will of many especially your teachers. I hope you have an individual and collective sense of good will for all that has been done for you. Clearly we wish you success in life and in such a fashion as you will be a credit to your school, community and to the nation in general. As the next generation of adults much is indeed expected of you, the hopes of many are consigned to your care. I hope you are filled with an intense desire for intellectual growth and that you experience the satisfaction and fulfillment that the pursuit of life-long learning brings. Please have a safe graduation so that the lasting memories are pleasant and treasured.

Best wishes. ~ Keith Regular

W

e have spent the past 13 years trying to figure our lives out. Finally, we are at the end of the road. It is now time for us to take that next

step. It will definitely be a huge change to not

see all the same people we have seen every day for the past few years.

However, I can confidently say that we are ready. We have all learned

valuable lessons throughout school, but not always from just our teachers. We have also learned from our parents, the community, and

most importantly, from each other. As stressful and overwhelming as our grade 12 year has been, it was also filled with some really great

times. Thank you Grads of 2013 for all the laughs and the memories.

Good luck next year, and remember – “every story has an end, but in life every end is just a new beginning.”

~ Shelby Wurmlinger

Freedom. Comfort. Peace of mind.

Congratulations Grads - from Falkins

ConGRRRRatulations!

Helping to insure your future.

Automotive

Home

691B - 2nd Ave., Fernie, BC • 250.423.6831 814 Michel Rd., Elkford BC • 250.865.2261

Travel

A PARTNER OF

Commercial

110 Centennial St, Sparwood • 250.425.6634 1.877.423.6831 • www.falkins.com

Bestwishes wishes to tothe thegraduating graduatingclass class of of 2013 2011 Best fromMayor, the Mayor, Council and Staff atDistrict from Council and Staff at the District of Elkford. www.elkford.ca ofthe Elkford. www.elkford.ca

THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2013

C7

Elkford Secondary Graduation 2013

2013

13

20 f o s s a l C , s e h s i Best W 808 Michel Rd. 250-865-2211 Elkford Motor Inn, EMIs Restaurant, Sneaky’s Pub and Elkford Motor Inn Liquor Store

Colin Abar

Well done, Grads!

ed you come We’ve watch w the sky is no this far, and fast to your the limit. Hold n’t be afraid do d an dreams, stars. We e th to reach for do it! know you can

MOUNTAIN

MEADOWS

May your dreams take

Hats the of you tooff the to corners Graduates! your smiles!

GOLF

865-7413

Elkford - 250-

Shaelan Bauer

Britt Benthien

Christopher Betz

Justin Bohn

Maggie Conibear

Aaron Draper

Jamie Fairbairn

Sydnie Fuster

April Huisman

Cassidy Huisman

Bret McPherson

Corissa Mildenberger

Jadon Canlas

It’s Your Day Celebrate, stay safe and enjoy yourself. You’ve earned it!

Congratulations and best wishes to all the graduates!

USW Local 7884

C8 THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2013

Elkford Secondary Graduation 2013

PJB Crane Services Ltd. Servicing the Elk Valley

Box 1917 Sparwood, B.C. V0B 2G0 (250) 425-2713 (Office) (250) 425-2718 (Fax)

Good Luck in your Future Endeavours!!

Jordan Milo

Joshua Pare

Nic Rookes

Austin Parker

Alex Sawatzky

Taryn Paton

Brian Standish

Brysun Prebushewski

Scott Takenaka

Lewai Ratudradra

Sydney Thompson

Missing from photos: Clayton Coutts Sonja Duerks Dylan MacDonald Bishop Wild

Braden Villemaire

Jason Wall

As a graduate, all of your dreams are within your reach.

Keep striving and you will surely succeed.

Congratulations & Best Wishes!

from all of us at

Rocky Mountain Optometry

Shelby Wurmlinger

Congratulations!

On your graduation day, we’d like to congratulate you and wish you the best of luck on the road ahead.

Hwy. 3, Fernie 250-423-9211

THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2013

Graduation 2013

P O H S P O T S E N YO U R O ! s d e e n ty r a p d a r g r u for all yo

From cards, to flowers and of course for pre-booking your party platters - WE DO IT ALL!

Extra Foods would like to congratulate the graduating class of 2013 and our grads for their achievements. We wish them all the best!

Taylor Poirier

Lucas Read

Shane Caldwell

Karrigan Folvik

Brayden Hutchinson

Daniel Stephenson

Victoria Walker

Erik Zuffa

Call us to place your PLATTER order!

250-423-7387 OPEN: Sunday - Saturday • 8am-10pm HIGHWAY 3, FERNIE

C9

C10 THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2013

The Fernie Academy Graduation 2013 Congratulations Graduation Class of 2013

Congrats, 13 Class of 20

2013

May your graduation be the first of many achievements to follow.

Box 1648 1301 Railway Avenue, Fernie V0B 1M0

300 Manitou Road, Fernie, (250) 423-4694

250.423.3416 Fax: 250.423.3517 tjsautobody@shawcable.com

Stephanie’s Glass & Art Studio

532 2nd Avenue, Fernie 250-423-3944

The Fernie Academy

Principal’s Message

Valedictorian’s Message

W

hen the Academy opened in September 2002, the anchor class was the group of graduates we celebrate this June.

Our school philosophy was designed for them and continues to be the backbone of our program. As we have grown and developed over the years, we persist in asking our students, their families and our teachers to work together to prepare our students for the future by offering a variety of learning opportunities. We have built a strong liberal educational experience emphasizing academics, athletics and arts - our graduates leave us with over 150 credits, exceeding the 80 required by the Ministry of Education. Through public speaking, science fairs, debates of current events and issues, spelling bees, international travel, local field trips, athletic competitions, school plays, volunteering and raising awareness about those less fortunate, Academy students have an opportunity to learn and develop in venues beyond the regular classroom.

Our determined team of staff continue to be committed to the complete education of every student.

Their care and attention has laid the foundation for the future success of our graduates. I would like to recognize them for their hard work and dedication to each individual student.

As our graduates approach the close of their time at the Academy, I trust that they feel confident and are well prepared to succeed in their chosen fields. We have challenged, nurtured, respected and had the pleasure of watching them grow. We wish all the graduates of 2013, a happy, healthy and prosperous future. ~ Jocelyn Sombrowski

O

n behalf of the graduating class of The Fernie Academy, I would like to thank the community that has shaped us into the people we are today. We have had the privilege of growing up surrounded by the beauty of Fernie and have been supported by its active citizens. The environment in Fernie has invited us to explore diverse opportunities. Fernie is a small community, but a multitude of programs are offered for our youth. We have been privileged to be a part of this tight-knit community which has made us feel safe and supported in all our ventures.

I have attended The Fernie Academy since the opening day in 2002, and it’s a choice that I’m grateful I made. It’s hard to start something brand-new, so the growth I have seen in this institution is inspiring.

The opportunities that students have been provided with have benefited our development immeasurably. Trips to the Maritimes, Peru, and Germany have allowed us to experience different places and cultures. We have taken a wide variety of courses and been exposed to challenges such as public speaking events, science fair and sports. Fortunately, we have had a team of devoted staff to help us reach our full potential.

With all of the support I have been given, it’s going to be hard to leave this place next year, but I’m so excited for what the future has to offer. My class is comprised of some of the most thoughtful people I know, and I’m so lucky to have had them growing up by my side. We are a family, supporting each other through hard times, and pushing each other to be the best we can be. The security of their friendship has given me courage to leap forward into the next stage of my life, and I am certain that the next time we encounter each other, they will have found success in all of their endeavours. ~ Madalon Burnett

ON LIKE U FAC S EBO OK

Wishing all graduates happiness and success in the future!

The Difference is Taste

Fernie Mountain Lodge

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

Each Best Western hotel is independently owned and operated

1622-7th Avenue, Fernie BC 250-423-5500 • Toll Free: 1-866-423-5566 www.bestwesternfernie.com

250-423-0007 592 - 8th Avenue, Fernie, BC

A FEW WORDS FOR OUR

GRADUATES...

Congratulations on a job well done. Celebrate your special day!

We wish you all the best in the future.

THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2013

C11

The Fernie Academy Graduation 2013

It’s Your Moment

CONGRATULATIONS GRADS OF 2013

TO SHINE

All eyes are on you, graduate, as you accept your reward for years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations, and may all of your hopes and dreams come true.

Best Wishes for the Future!

From the management & staff at

From All of Us at Yamagoya

Madalon Burnett

Breanna Howard

Hallie MacLachlan

Congratulations to the Class of 2013 Enjoy a safe and happy graduation day

Max Sombrowski

Jocelyn Tanton

Rosaele Tremblay

C12 THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2013

Sparwood Secondary Graduation 2013 Marian B. Gravelle

Congratulations

wood S par

Notary Public

All the best in the future Sparwood Office: 114 Centennial Square Phone: 250-425-2114 Fax: 250-425-2204

Fernie Office: 78 Ridgemont Drive Phone: 250-423-2161 Fax: 250-423-6149

Special congrats to our employees:

Congratulations to the graduates of 2013 Best Wishes for All Your Future Endeavours ~ Grads of Fernie 2013

from the Doctors and staff of

Jeffrey Cote

Christy Hawley

Blake Peebles

Sparling EaSt MEdical cEntrE

Sparwood Secondary School

Valedictorian’s Message Principal’s Message

I

am truly honoured to be the one chosen to represent

Sparwood Secondary’s incredible grad class of 2013. Our graduation is a time of celebration, and let us not forget

C

ongratulations to the commencement class of 2012-2013. It has been a great year with lots

of fun, humour and, not least, learning. You

have met all the many challenges that have

come your way and succeeded. May you look back fondly on all those who have been part of your lives to this point.

I would like to wish the class all the best in their adventures

to come.

that. A celebration of our completion of high school, the

journey it has been, and the adventure known as the rest of our lives that we are about to embark on. But it is also a time of recognition

for all those who have helped us to get where we are today. To all

the parents, teachers, principals and coaches, we give a resounding thank you.

Now today, we finish one race and tomorrow we find ourselves at

the beginning of the next, though all we know is the starting line.

We have no idea where the finish will be or where we will end up

~ Fran Kellington

along the way.

So, may we run our race with honesty, integrity,

endurance, and in good health and may our paths cross many times along the way.

Thank you, and congratulations Grad’s of 2013!

Helping graduates and their families celebrate their big day for over 100 years!

~ Ty Hanlon

We were there.

(Celebrating 115 years of serving the Elk Valley.)

Est. 1898

THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2013

C13

Sparwood Secondary Graduation 2013

102 Red Cedar Dr Sparwood, 250-425-2003

Bryce Chorney

Kennedy Allen

Vanessa Davies

Samantha Kyle

Kiana-Mari Bedford

Raeli Paskiewich

Gabrielle Plourde

Steven Bewski

Colby Burns

Bryce Chorney

Jeffrey Cotes

Vanessa Davies

Mackenzie Francoeur

Tyrone Glover

Ty Hanlon

Christy Hawley

Kyle Hubbard

Jacob Isaacs

Jessica Jones

Samantha Kyle

Anthony LeClerc

We are so proud of you Grads!

250-425-7772 Sparwood BC

250-423-7719 Fernie BC

Congratulations, to all Elk Valley graduates Pierce Dushenko

C14 THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2013

Sparwood Secondary Graduation 2013

Well Done!

Congratulations

Today you’ve completed the first step toward your future goals.

Congratulations, graduate, and best of luck to you!

from Dr. Soetaert & staff at the

Leroux Clinic

to all the hardworking graduates in the Elk Valley!

Follow Your

DREAMS

From the staff at the Sparwood Public Library

1791 9 Ave Fernie 250-423-4222

Kevin Leonard

Sawyer Lewis

Zachary Makaroff

Jade Martin

Elizabeth McMenamon

Kelsey Meadows

Miranda Mehrer

Taylor Nelson

Kaitlyn Nickerson

Erik Otting

Raeli Paskiewich

Ashley Patmore

Blake Peebles

Logan Plessis

You Did It!!!

Special congratulations to:

Congratulations from everyone

at RaYCo Steel

Mackenzie Francoeur

taylor Nelson

Gabrielle Plouride

Jeffrey Ray

SPARWOOD • 250-425-7738

Jeffrey Ray

Create your own journey

Amy Robertson

e h t o t f f Hats o 2013 f Class o The Board of Governors and Employees of College of the Rockies congratulate all secondary school graduates.

all your in ll e w h you We wis re endeavours! futu

www.cotr.bc.ca

THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2013

C15

Sparwood Secondary Graduation 2013

Alicia Rowlinson

Lindsay Rybachuk

Bree Sander

Amrit Saran

Danielle Sheets

Austin Smailus

Britney Sutherland

Veronica Templin

Koby Thibeault

Michaela Thompson

Markus Ward

James Wasiewicz

Congratulations to our grads!

Steven Bewski

Mackenzie Francour

Tyrone Glover

Kelsey Meadows

Miranda Mehrer

Logan Plessis

Gabrielle Plourde

Amy Robertson

Sparwood - 2-101 Red Cedar Dr. 250-425-6489

THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2013

C16

Graduation 2013

Congratulations to the grads of 2013!

We know how hard you worked to reach graduation day, and now it’s time to celebrate your accomplishments.

Please, celebrate safely!

A message from your teachers, members of the Fernie District Teachers’ Association