Merritt Herald Graduation June 26, 2025 by Merritt Herald

Grad of 2025 StarryNights

SATURDAY, JUNE 19 - 2025

CELEBRATING THE JOURNEY AND THE FUTURE OF OUR GRADUATES”

Graduation is a major milestone in any child’s life. It represents the ending of one chapter and the beginning of another in the story of your life. Graduation is a true accomplishment and represents hard work, time, and perseverance. As a school district, we are grateful to have had the privilege to work with our graduates, who represent our very best. The legacy of our graduates at Merritt Secondary School is one of diverse talent. We cannot wait to see what our graduates will achieve as they make their way forward in life. Congratulations, once again.

Courtney Lawrance, Superintendent

WELLDONENICKOL AS!

Mom,Nonna,Rory, DanyonandElizabeth

Asyoubeginthisexcitingnewjourneywewishyounothingbut successasyoupursueyourdreams!Wewouldliketothanktheentire McKay-Smithfamily,GillRiddle,RyanSmithandourMSSfamilyfor theircontinuingsupport. We aresoproudoftheyoungmanyouhave become!Always rememberwholovesyou!

Thejourneyof lifebringsboth challengesand chances. Youmade itthrough, conqueringall obstaclesalong theway! Followyour DREAMS. Carrie

Charlie, YouTrulyAddUptoSomethingSpecial!

From yourfirststepstoyourgraduationday,we’vebeen counting allthemomentsthatmadeus proud—and thereare toomanytotally.You’vebalancedschool, life,and challenges with grace, andweknowyou’llcontinuetocalculate yourownpathtosuccess. Cong ratulations,Charlie!You’reapricelessasset in ourlives

Charlie Ware .

Dominick Anderson

Soren Anderson

Braydin Antoine-Peters

Kaylie Bara

Levi Bates Rayden Bond

Zayden Brigden

Olivia Broman

Laurraine Dayle Cal-Agan

Madhuri Chand Thakuri

Theo Chapman

Shane Charters

Michelle Chenail

Marcy Chenier

Haidyn Clark

Kelsey Cleaveley

Samoa Coey

Paul Colwell

Carson Mouland

Good evening, parents, teachers, friends, family, and most importantly, the graduating class of 2025.

Before I begin, I’d like to acknowledge that for the last 13 years we have been so fortunate to gather, learn and graduate on the traditional and unceded territory of the Nte?kepmx and Syilx peoples and to acknowledge the contributions of the Metis community.

Being chosen to speak today is a huge honour.

I know each and every one of us has a unique journey that brought us to this moment.

And though I can’t tell all of those stories, I’ll try my best to speak from the heart not just mine, but hopefully a little piece of yours too.

High school has been a mix of stressful late-night’s, hallway laughter, test’s and quizzes that tested our patience, and moments that tested our integrity.

We’ve grown from unsure kids into brave or at least somewhat brave young adults, capable of taking on the world, or at

Valedictorian

least trying to figure out what that even means.

Along the way, we’ve learned lessons that weren’t in any textbook or any simple google search. We’ve learned how to fail and get right back up. We’ve learned the importance of showing up for ourselves for our friends for our school.

We’ve learned that sometimes, the hardest things we go through become the most important parts of our life.

We owe a huge thank you to the people who have walked beside us, our teachers, who believed in us even when we didn’t believe in ourselves. Thank you for pushing us, for supporting us, and for not giving up on us.

To our families thank you for being our biggest fans. For driving us to early practices, staying up late to help with assignments, or simply listening when we had a rough day. Your love has been the foundation we stood on when everything felt unclear.

And to our friends you’ve made the good times unforgettable and the hard times bearable.

From inside jokes to last-minute test cramming, you’ve made this journey meaningful. Thank you for being part of this chapter in our lives.

Jay Peralta told us all in Grade 8 that these high school years would go fast, I’m not sure we knew how fast he meant… and also, who knew that he would be right

Now, as we stand on the edge of something new, I know it’s exciting and a little terrifying.

Some of us are heading to university. Some of us are taking gap years, working, traveling, or still figuring things out.

And that’s okay. Because life isn’t a race.

It’s not about how fast you get somewhere it’s about finding your path, your purpose, and the courage to pursue it.

We are the generation that’s been shaped by challenge whether it was navigating learning through a screen during a pandemic, standing up for justice, or finding our voices in a noisy world. We’ve been tested, but we’ve also been transformed.

We have the strength, the passion, and the creativity to build

something better not just for ourselves, but for each other.

We entered a high school unlike any other class that came before, and hopefully like one that will never have to be again.

We showed up to a school that kept us together in a cohort, away from every other grade, 22-day long classes, and 6 feet apart from everything.

Looking back, maybe it was us being forced together as a group that has created a class that I believe has a unique connection and closeness.

It’s these relationships that we will be able to lean on for a lifetime.

I encourage all of us to not just chase success define what success means to you. Don’t be afraid to fail because failure means you were brave enough to try. And don’t lose sight of who you are because who you are is enough. You have something to offer this world that no one else does.

Never forget that.

I learned at age 5 that I was scared. I probably learned that a lot younger, but at 5 I remember being scared.

And in that moment, I was also challenged to be scave. Meaning, Being brave when you are scared.

This is hard. But when the world gives you the word and presents it as a challenge. You take the challenge. You choose scave.

As we go our separate ways, let’s bring with us the lessons we’ve learned here not just from classrooms, but from friendships, hardships, and the moments that made us who we are.

Let’s lead with kindness, act with integrity, and move forward being scave.

And hey, let’s also remember to look back now and then. Not with regret, but with gratitude. For the people who walked with us. For the laughter, the tears, the lessons. For every moment that brought us here.

To the Class of 2025: we are unique. We are resilient. We are ready for whatever life throws at us.

Congratulations, and thank you.

Ryland Sheldon Tristan Joyce

Jacob Corrigal

Maddox Craske

Nickolas Crerar

Kash Cressey

Anhad Devgun

Diana Doda

Xander Dodding

Caleb Dumais

Miguel Etchart-Vegara

Electra Fairley

Mattias Forman

Jorden Fountain

Riley Fraser Jordynn Furman

Francisco Garcia

Lilli Gauthier

Addison Geier

Danylo Gulakov

Indigenous Valedictorian

Asia Munro

Good afternoon, graduates, faculty, family, friends, respected elders and the incredible parents and guardians who have supported us every step of the way.

Thank you, Mr. Anderson, for that kind introduction and for everything you’ve done for us throughout the years. Your dedication has been a guiding force for so many of us, and we’ll forever be grateful for your presence in our lives.

Before I begin this speech I would firstly like to proudly acknowledge that we are on the traditional territories of the Nlaka’pamux and silk people, and to recognize the contributions of the Meti people

I know that when most people hear the word “speech,” they immediately think “Oh no, not again.” So don’t worry—I’ll keep this as short as I can.—I just want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve all been on.

My name is Asia Munro, and it’s a true honour to stand before you today as the valedictorian of the indigenous grad class of 2025 I am— grateful, humbled, and excited to share this moment with all of you.

Before I dive in, I want to say a huge thank you to my parents. You have been the reason I’ve been able to stand here today. You gave me everything I needed—love, support, patience, and more. Thank you for being the cool parents, the ones who stayed up late helping me with projects, who cheered me on through the highs and lows, and who always knew how to keep me grounded. I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done

I also want to take a moment to thank all the teachers and staff who supported us through these years. You guided us not only through the years but also through the most challenging and uncertain times we’ve ever faced. You were there for us when we felt lost, and you helped us find our way. To everyone who made a difference, thank you.

Now, to my classmates—thank you. Not just for voting me as valedictorian, but for walking this path with me. From our first awkward days in Grade 8 to this moment, we’ve seen each other grow in so many ways. For us high school in 2020—during a global pandemic. Remember that first day? Masks, hand sanitizer at every doorway, and one-way hallways. We entered high school behind screens, unsure of what to expect. Our world seemed smaller, quieter. no clubs, no sports, no dances. Just uncertainty, isolation, and questions with no answers.

We’ve laughed, we’ve stressed, we’ve celebrated each other’s victories, and we’ve pulled together through tough times. I wouldn’t want to have shared this journey with anyone else.

We all have different perspectives of what high school is supposed to be like. For some of us, it’s like the movies—full of adventure, new experiences, and excitement. For others, it felt like a giant, overwhelming place. There were days when it felt like the hallways would never end, and moments when we weren’t sure we could keep going. despite the differences in how we saw it, we all arrived at this day together. And that’s something we should all be proud of.

We didn’t just survive high school—we thrived in it. We adapted. We grew stronger. And through floods, fires, and a pandemic, we kept going. And here we are—graduates, proud and stronger than ever

Now, as we stand on the edge of a new chapter, it’s important to remember that, like all chapters, this one must come to an end. Whether we’re ready or not, this part of our lives is now complete

There were moments when finishing high school seemed impossible. But we did it. We got here together. And if we can do this, we can handle

anything life throws our way.

And as you reflect on what’s ahead, remember to live in the moment now. Too often, we get caught up in what’s coming next—whether it’s summer, college, or starting a new job—and we forget to appreciate the moments right in front of us. I’m not suggesting we stop dreaming. In fact, dream big—shoot for the stars. But don’t miss out on the beauty of the present by constantly thinking about what’s next.

Savor the little moments: the trips to Starbucks with friends, the laughter around a campfire, the late-night drives with your favorite playlist blasting. These moments are what make life beautiful, and they’re happening now. The future will always be there, but right now is the only time we’re truly living.

You might find yourself waiting for the next big thing—waiting for summer, for college, for the “real” world to begin. But trust me that the present is just as important as anything that comes next.

So, let’s embrace this moment, because it’s never going to happen again. Take time to enjoy where you are right now. The diploma? That’s just the beginning. The rest of your life is waiting for you

We’ve made it through the highs and lows. The late-night study sessions, the first crushes, the nerves before presentations, the unforgettable friendships. We made it through all of that

And as we move forward, remember this: you are stronger than you know. You are more prepared than you realize. The world is out there waiting for you—and it’s lucky to have you. So, don’t be afraid to dream big, to lead with empathy, to take risks, and most importantly—to enjoy the journey.

And now, as we get ready to part ways, I want to leave you with a quote from Phoebe Bridgers:

“Anyways, don’t be a stranger.”

Please don’t become a stranger. Text about the new friends you make at college or at work. Call when you just need someone to talk to. Send those invitations to your weddings and your baby showers. Say hi in the grocery store and wave when we pass on the road.

Congratulations, Merritt Secondary School Class of 2025. You did it. We did it.

Now let’s go out there and make the world a better place. But before we do, let’s take a moment to appreciate everything that brought us here. To the laughter, the tears, the memories—we’ll carry them with us forever.

Thank you, and good luck to us all.

Kassandra Hall Brooklynn Hatfield

Griffin Hintz

Suevanna Ho Baileigh Holmes

Arianna Hostrawser

Brenda Hunt Dorian Hurtubise

Grace-Lynn Jackson

Isaac Joe Manuel

Tristan Joyce Brody Jury-Hoisington

Jayden Keddie

Danisha Khangura

Jake Klassen

Dani Kuzio

Wyatt Latremouille

Jade Lindgren

Scholarship Recipients 2025

SCHOLARSHIP

Alberta (Berta) Fraser

Amen Lalli Memorial Award

Arnica Contracting

Awarded to:

Kassandra Hall; Brynne Striemer

Francisco Garcia

Braydin Antoine-Peters; Zayden Brigden

Best Western Brooklyn Hatfield

Beta Sigma Phi

Charles M. Suttie

Ryland Sheldon

Nanditha Saritha

Christine Perkins Ciarra Wuensche

City of Merritt

City of Merritt - Transmountain

CUPE - Local 847

District Authority Scholarships

Douglas Lake Cattle Co.

Elks Lodge #441

Eves Family Bursary

GeorgeArmstrong Memorial Bursary

Hospital Employees Union

Ezekiel Thuveson; Suevanna Ho

Miguel Etchart-Vegara

Brynne Striemer

Marcy Chenier; Haidyn Clark; Francisco Garcia

Cedeno; Brooklyn Hatfield; Danisha Khangura; Dani Kuzio; Aurora McDermott; Carson Mouland; Carlos Olguin; Savannah Ortiz; Sarah Parno; Eva Rodie; Ryland Sheldon; Owen Sigurdsson; Kelsey Starrs; Brynne Striemer; Liliana Taylor; Abby Thoms; Ezekiel Thuveson; Emily Van Roosbroeck; Harlan Wainwright; Annika Westergard; Ciara Wuensche

Kelsey Starrs

Arianna Hostrawser; Savannah Ortiz

Eva Rodie; Ryland Sheldon, Brynne Striemer; Lili Taylor

George Spahan

Arianna Hostawser; Savannah Ortiz

Indigenous Advisory Council (Cherish Oppenheim) Haidyn Clark; Asia Munro; Adeline Seward

Infracon

Infracon - Lower Nicola Site Service

Interior Savings

Haidyn Clark; Carson Mouland

Asia Munro

Riley Fraser; Danisha Khangura; Carson Mouland; Sarah Parno; Cali Schwarz; Abigail Thoms; Emily Van Roosbroeck

Jeremy Bain Memorial Brooklyn Hatfield

Kamloops Blazers

Danisha Khangura; Carson Mouland; Asia Munro; Lilianna Taylor; Emily Van Roosebroeck

Lalli Randhawa Kelsey Starrs; Marcy Chenier

Merritt Sikh Society

Danisha Khangura; Marcy Chenier

Merritt Minor Hockey Carson Mouland

Merritt Volleyball Association

Mobil Gas Bar

Mohinder Basi Memorial

Carson Mouland; Ezekiel Thuveson

Ryland Sheldon

Danisha Khangura

Monte McLean Memorial Kassandra Hall

Mr. Mikes Kassandra Hall

Nicola-Similkameen Principal & Vice Principal Assc. Ezekiel Thuveson

Nicola Valley Healthcare Auxiliary Kassandra Hall; Savannah Ortiz; Brynne Striemer

Nicola Valley Holding Co. Bursary Zayden Brigden

NVIT Immediate Entry Bursary

Dominick Anderson; Zayden Brigden; Haidyn Clark; Paul Colwell; Maddox Craske; Matthew Elliott; Electra Fairley; Lilli Gauthier; Baileigh Holmes; Arianna Hostrawser; Brenda Hunt; Grace-Lynn Jackson; Brody Jury-Hoisington; Jayden Keddie; Aurora McDermott; Asia Munro; Adeline Seward; James Stewart; Destiny Terry;

Dominick Unsworth; Hailey Williams

Nicola Valley Teacher’s Union - Member Kelsey Cleavely (Member)

Nicola Valley Teacher’s Union - Non-Member Annika Westergard (Non-member)

Nicola Valley Teacher’s Union - Service Emily Van Roosbroeck (Service)

Nicola Valley Teacher’s Union - TA Nanditha Saritha (TA)

Nicola Valley Teacher’s Union - Trades Cayden Loeppky (Trades)

Old Time Fiddlers Paul Colwell; Harlan Wainwright

Rock Solid Industries Brody Jury-Hoisington; Owen Sigurdsson

Rotary Club of Merritt Ryland Sheldon; Emily Vanroosbroeck

Skoflek Electric Liliana Taylor; Owen Sigurdson; Cayden Loeppky

Suki Randhawa

Ezekiel Thuveson

Teck Highland Valley Copper Brody Jury-Hoisington

Thompson-Nicola Regional District Harlen Wainwright; Dani Kuzio

Ty Pozzobon Memorial Marcy Chenier

Yellowhead Community Service SocietyEducation/Healthcare

Madhuri Chand Thakuri

Yellowhead Community Service Society - Trades Riley Fraser

Royal Canadian Legion Madhuri Chand Thakuri, Marcy Chenier; Arianna Hostrawser; Asia Munro; Ryland Sheldon; Brynne Striemer; Liliana Taylor; Harlen Wainwright

Madhuri Chand Thakuri, Marcy Chenier; Arianna Hostrawser; Asia Munro; Ryland Sheldon; Brynne

Liliana Taylor; Owen Sigurdson; Cayden Loeppky

SCHOLARSHIP

Cayden Loeppky

Ella Ludtke

Keanu Manuel Brycen Marcelet

Jessica Martin

Aurora McDermott

Aurora Moses Carson Mouland

Montana Mountain Chief

Asia Munro

Riley Munson

Carlos Olguin Peterson

Cameron Olney Savannah Ortiz Mahlon Padvaiskas

Justice Park

Sarah Parno

Roland Quewezance

Eva Rodie James Ross

Nanditha Saritha

Lane Schultz

Cali Schwarz

Adeline Seward

Milaina Seymour Romeo Sheena

Sheena-Patrick

Ryland Sheldon

Hayden Shintah

Kiera Shuter

Owen Sigurdsson

Keltie Smith

Luke Sowpal

George Spahan

Quinten Spahan-Shuter

Kelsey Starrs Ryder Sterling-Canadien

James Stewart Jacob Sutherland

Liliana Taylor

Mackenzie Taylor-Bellamy

Abigail Thoms

Ezekiel Thuveson

Dominick Unsworth

Emily Vanroosbroeck

Harlan Wainwright

Charles Ware Annika Westergard

Katelyn Whittaker-Spahan

Hailey Williams

Ciara Wuensche

Photo not available: Leeann Ned Jacob Payne Braiden Willson

Brynne Striemer

Quinten Spahan-Shuter

Kaylie Bara

George Spahan

Wallace BobroskiRayne Wyatt Smithers Ashton Washington

Shaylynn Blue

Lower Nicola Indian Band

Montana Mountain Chief

Michelle Chenail

Carlos Olguin Peterson Haidyn Clark

Adeline Seward

Electra Fairley

LowerNicola IndianBand

Lower Nicola Indian Band

ANNA BROWN, Masters in Indigenous Educational Leadership

SONDRA TOM, Bachelor in Nle?kepmx

WILLIAMSANDY, Bachelorin Nle?kepmx LanguageFluency

LNIBPOST-SECONDARY GRADUATESWITHOUTPHOTOS

SIMONCISCO, EnvironmentalResource TechnologyCertificate

INDIANAJOE, CulinaryArtsLevel1

RYANSILVEY, NaturalResourceCompliance Diploma

AYLAJOE, MastersinHumanRights & SocialJustice MELISSAMOSES, AssociateofArts CHANTELTROSKY, EarlyChildhood EducationCertificate CHEROKEEBENT Nle?kepmxLanguage FluencyCertificate