$1 including gst
Poilievre excited to run in local riding ~ INSIDE Your LOCAL Media since 1918! VOLUME 107: ISSUE 37
www.tofieldmerc.com
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
PHOTOS BY CARLA LEHMAN PHOTOGRAPHY More photos inside
Tofield celebrates large graduating class Kari Janzen Staff Reporter Tofield School held their annual farewell ceremony in the gymnasium on Friday, May 9, and celebrated 64 grade 12 students nearing the end of their high school careers. Dignitaries in attendance included Tofield Mayor Deb Dueck, Beaver County Reeve Kevin Smook, Battle River School Division (BRSD) board trustee Lyle Albrecht, BRSD Director of Education Services Sigrid Sollbach, and MLA Jackie Lovely. Teacher Jeff Manchak was the emcee for the ceremony. “Today is a milestone, an accomplishment that you will remember for a very long time,” Albrecht said in his address to the grad class. “No matter where life takes you, remember this school and this town, carry that small town grit and heart with you, because it's not just where you come from, it's who you are. This will always be your home. If the opportunity arises, bring your skills back here and keep the hometown spirit and drive alive,” he said. Mayor Deb Dueck encouraged the class to bravely face their next chapter in life, with the skills they’ve gained so far. “On behalf of myself, Council and staff, I bring you greetings
and congratulations. Today marks a significant milestone in your lives. You are about to step out of the familiar hallways of high school into a world of possibilities and challenges. So much hard work and determination has brought you to this point. You accepted this challenge and had some fun along the way. You're starting a new chapter. “We all know there are going to be changes and more hurdles in your future. Embrace them, challenge them, own them. Your future is in your control, and only you can be who you want to be. “Stay true to yourself. All of our dreams come true if we have the courage to pursue them. It's not in the stars to hold our destiny, but up to ourselves. So, get out there. Make a difference. There's an abundance of opportunities waiting for you. A new journey begins today for all of you,” she said. Smook also encouraged the grads, and highlighted that Beaver County and other local organizations have scholarships available for application. “We've reached a milestone. We reach milestones in life, this is one of them, and it's a reason to celebrate. When you're thinking about the future, Beaver County offers some scholarships for different things, including agriculture.
Our Tofield Area Health Foundation and Community and Attraction Retention Committee offers scholarships, if you're going into the healthcare field. Whatever it is you plan to do, I hope you make a difference. And whatever you plan to do, go out and take on the world,” he said. Sofie Lindskog was this year’s valedictorian and she wished her fellow graduates luck in their next steps. “This day somehow feels like it snuck up, yet took forever to arrive at the same time. The time we spent at Tofield School has been such a huge part of our lives, but there will be a lot more memories, experiences and achievements that we have to look forward to in the future. Everyone now has a choice, whether they go on to post secondary, a trades program or apprenticeship, or go directly into the workforce, but I hope that we can remember the school and our time together. I wish all the graduates luck in their future endeavours and goals. Congratulations, goodbye, and I'll see you all on Monday,” she said. Principal Zenovia Lazaruik presented each student with their diploma, though Manchak explained that the paper inside was not truly their official diplomas. “Although these are not the
official diplomas that the grade 12s will receive, these certificates symbolize all of the hard work and energy these students have put into their 13 years of school, not to mention the countless hours of guidance and nurturing from their families,” he said. MLA Lovely also presented each grad with a scroll of congratulations after they had posed for a picture with Lazaruik. “I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support of (these graduates’ parents), giving your child to help them become the best version of themselves,” Lazaruik said. “Grade 12, remember this: striving for your personal best is all you need. When you put in your best effort, the best results will follow. This year we had a privilege of hosting Chris Wright, also known as C.W. Anderson, a wrestler who grew
up in a town even smaller than Tofield. He shared his journey in wrestling, emphasizing this message: you can do anything you want if you put in the work. This currently sums up your educational experience. This required hard work and taught your perseverance and resilience. “Stand tall, take pride in your achievements. You put in your effort to fulfill your dreams. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction that comes with that. “And remember, you are a Titan. Here at Tofield School you have been learning that a Titan is a good human being, embodying the values of respect, kindness, caring, honesty, empathy, cooperation, and strive to get your best every single day. You make us proud and carry the spirit of our school with you. Once a Titan, Always a Titan.”
Claire Rickett & Mercedes Fisher