Wednesday, September 1, 2021 Vol. 44, No. 35
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YOUR LOCAL PAPER
2021 Irma Grad
'And So the Adventure Begins' Patricia Harcourt Editor
Irma School’s 2021 graduation ceremonies celebrated with the theme, “And so the adventure begins.” There were six of the seven grads present along with family and friends at this important milestone the evening of Friday, August 27. The grads at the ceremony were Lincoln Glover, Emily Larson, Donna Bagga, Jaida Fuder, Destiny Fuder, and Skyla Leblanc; as well, another grad Gabe Gosselin was absent. Principal Darren Grosky acted as Master of Ceremonies and ushers for the evening were Holden Gwinn and Jagger Firkus. The grads, dressed in finery befitting such an auspicious occasion, were introduced to the crowd gathered during the Processional. Each grad chose their own special music for their journey from the back of the hall to the stage. Once onstage, everyone rose for the singing of “O Canada,” followed by an address from local trustee for the Buffalo Trail School Division Sheldon Archibald. Archibald encouraged the
graduates to ‘live their truth’ and ‘know what makes them happy,’ which he said would be markers of real success for them. “Your greatest strength comes from the darkest days,” he advised, adding: “If you believe, then you are halfway there…I salute you for your accomplishments and congratulate you for the people you are.” As he stated the class’ theme, “And so the adventure begins,” Principal Grosky reflected that: “Life has a way of challenging what seems to be a simple concept,” noting: “Adversity doesn’t build character, it reveals it.” He told them that, “It’s all up to you” now that they have graduated. Asking them to be passionate, yet practical, he said: “Our hope is that you strive to be part of the solution rather than the problem,” adding that, “You will always have a home at the Irma School. We will always
support you.” The grads left the stage, as teacher Kyle Parsons introduced them, to receive their diplomas from the principal. Following this, each took a seat in the front of the hall to hear Jaida Fuder’s Valedictory Address. Jaida said the class has “learned many things” over the. years, and spent time recounting amusing childhood experiences with her fellow students and teachers. But she also had a serious message to give them. “Never allow yourself to succumb to the limits of your situation and even if you do not succeed, you will learn lessons,” she said. She concluded by reciting a verse from the famous poem, “The Road Not Taken,” by Robert Frost: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” After this, everyone turned
their attention to watch the “Slide Presentation of Graduates,” with pictures displayed spanning the years and showing each grad growing up and as a class together. Guest speaker Brandon Thompson, a former teacher for this class, told them: “This is the closing of a chapter and the opening of a much bigger one.” He urged them to “thank everyone for the help given,” which provided the tools needed to begin their journey into life. He advised them to pack with them life skills like character, determination, compassion, a sense of honour and confidence as they head off into their new adventure. “Use them wisely,” he said. “You, the Class of 2021, are ready to go.” The most touching part of the ceremony was the “Forever Grateful Presentation.” Grads Destiny and Jaida Fuder spoke for the entire class in dedicating
the presentation to the parents as an expression of their heartfelt gratitude, saying: “We are grateful for your unwavering support. It is an honour and a blessing to be raised by you.” The grads then each picked up flowers to take to their parents in the audience as an expression of that gratitude. Then grads Emily Larson and Skyla Leblanc read out the amusing Class Prophecy of each grad, followed by the Class Will read by Donna Bagga. Lincoln Glover thanked everyone who helped to make the graduation a reality. The grads stood onstage for their “Kodak Moment” as the crowd surged forward to get pictures of this memorable event in the lives of these young people. The Grand March took place followed by the Parent Dance and Friend/Escort Dance at the back of the hall to round out the evening’s celebrations.