Free Press Graduation 2015

Graduation

Fernie Academy Graduation 2014 - Photo by S. Moulton

KeepsaKe

Elkford Secondary Page 2 | Sparwood Secondary Page 4 | Fernie Secondary Page 8 | Fernie Academy Page 14

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C2 THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2015

Well Done! from Dr. Soetaert & staff at the

Leroux Clinic

Elkford Secondary Graduation 2015

Congratulations to the graduates of 2015

BEST WISHES!

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

Dr. Jensen, Drs. Kahane Dr. Peach & Staff 592 2nd Ave, Downtown Fernie 250.423.3736

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

Elkford Secondary School

WAY TO

Principal’s Message

GO!

G

raduation is such a special occasion.

It represents the culmination of years of hard work, the actualization of goals attained and the acknowledgement of successes achieved. On behalf of all ESS staff, Erin Hay our vice principal and I, we extend sincere congratulations to the graduates on their successful completion and accomplishments of their high school education and wish them success with their post-secondary endeavours.

Graduation may be met with both enthusiasm and anxiety. It is a time of excitement as opportunities are available for those who wish to travel; go into the workplace or continue with college or university.

My own children loved Dr Seuss. In the book, Oh The Places You’ll Go, he wrote, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the person who will decide where to go”.

Whatever path you may choose, school graduations are special occasions and it is fitting that we gather as a community to celebrate. We wish you success and hope you will represent not only you and your family but also Elkford Secondary school and our community as you move forward to the next stage of your lives.

Please remember all your family, friends and teachers who assisted you to make your graduation possible.

Have a safe graduation so that the lasting memories are pleasant and treasured. ~ Doug Bolander

Jacob Atherton

Tyler Atherton

Daylen Bidinger

Congratulations to the 2015 Graduates!

Fred Fisher

Michelle Gamache

Heather Greer

THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2015

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Elkford Secondary Graduation 2015 Marian B. Gravelle

Congratulations

Notary Public

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

Buds & Blooms

Best Wishes to All the Grads of 2015!

Extraordinary Flowers & Gifts

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

250-425-4401

We deliver to all Elk Valley communities.

Owners Patsy & Richard Boivin

250.425.0222 Sparwood buds&blooms@telus.net

Keegan Horwath

Samuel Hubbard

Anna Klippenstein

Talin Loran

Seena Luciak

Duncan McCracken

Morgan Mudge

Kevin Park

William Ratudradra

Lindsy Sedrovic

Yong Shin

Malik Tracey

Sacha Tremblay

Christopher Tuusa

ConGRRRRatulations!

Thai-Lynn Windler

Bryce Wittfoth

Taylor Wurmlinger

Celebrate, stay safe and enjoy yourself. You’ve earned it!

Congratulations and best wishes to all the graduates!

12 Water Street P.O. Box 36 Elkford, BC V0B 1H0

Best Bestwishes wishes to tothe thegraduating graduatingclass class of of 2015 2011 from Council and Staff fromMayor, the Mayor, Council and Staff at atthe theDistrict DistrictofofElkford.

Elkford.www.elkford.ca www.elkford.ca

Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Phone: 250-865-2223 Fax: 250-865-7515 Website: www.usw7884.com

Local 7884

C4 THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2015

Sparwood Secondary Graduation 2015

Congratulations to our grads!

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

Jason Prince

Tanner Ryrie

Trista Sergeant

Sparwood Secondary School

Principal’s Message

Valedictorian’s Message

I

t seems like we were just starting the year and here we are celebrating Sparwood Secondary School’s Class of 2015, as they plan the next step of their future. The grad parent committee has been working very hard to prepare for this year’s Grad. The Grad Banquet will take place at the Sparwood Leisure Centre on May 29 at 6:00 pm, and The Class of 2015 Commencement Ceremony will take place May 30 at 6:00 pm, also at the Sparwood Leisure Centre.

Congratulations to Jared Willett, who will represent SSS Class of 2015 as Valedictorian!

The class of 2015 is a small but versatile group of students.

They are athletically inclined, they are academically inclined, and they are artistically inclined. At Sparwood Secondary we believe in lifelong learning, and every year our graduation class leaves with the knowledge that they have not only graduated but they are prepared to deal with change in this ever-changing world. Class of 2015 you have made us proud. Your future experiences will be filled with new choices, but I ask you to remember your roots. Be proud of where you came from. Keep the memory of your graduation ceremony with you always.

GRADS!! On behalf of the administration and staff of Sparwood Secondary School, as well as all the other teachers who have contributed to your education, I would like to offer the Sparwood Secondary Class of 2015 our congratulations.

GOOD LUCK IN THE FUTURE!! REMEMBER, PLEASE HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE GRADUATION. ~ Frank Sopko

Madison Allen

Hailey Bodie

Austin Clark

G

oing against three other valedictorian candidates, Jared Willett said he was thankful to be picked to represent Sparwood Secondary School’s 2015 graduating class.

“I think each and every one of us deserved it,” he said.

Looking back at his four years at the local high school, Willett said one of his fondest memories was their senior year prank, where students decided to park “wildly” in the parking lot for a few days, until Vice Principal Michael Kelly warned the students that all vehicles would be towed unless they were moved immediately. The Grade 12 students were forced to move their vehicles while the rest of the school watched.

Raised in Sparwood, Willett said he hopes to return to the mountain community after trades training.

“The trades are in huge demand here with the mining and mining contractors, so I think it’s really important to help out and support trades locally,” he noted.

The grad was recently accepted into the electrician apprenticeship program at the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook and will be taking the next step towards his future on August 4.

“I want to find a company in the valley that will sponsor me, so I’ve been looking,” he said.

As for why Willett wants to stay in Sparwood, the home-grown senior said, “I’ve been raised my whole life in Sparwood. Everybody knows each other. You know everybody.”

Although he’ll be leaving Sparwood Secondary School behind, Willett said he will be taking his memories of a supportive staff and friendly students with him.

“I’m going to miss the majority of the staff and being able to build great relationships with the majority of teachers,” said Willett. “The staff spend the time learning about you on an individual basis.” ~ Jared Willett

Ryan Clark

Kayleigh Cook

Andrew Coombs

THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2015

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Sparwood Secondary Graduation 2015

2015

Congratulations

We are so proud of you, Grads!

Well done, Grads!

to all the hardworking graduates in the Elk Valley!

250-425-7772 Sparwood BC

May your dreams take

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

From the staff at the Sparwood Public Library

Garrett Ready Mix is a division of Interoute Construction Limited

Ben Doratty

Samaya Dyer

Brett Engel

Emily Fehr

Jeffery Forrester

Nickolaus Goetting

Dillan Halko

Hailly Harder

Curtis Hawley

Alex Isaacs

Sam Keizer

Morgan Klein

Brendan Kutzner

Justin Montgomery

Ethan Musil

Jazzelyn Patten

Mackenzi Payette

Emily Peebles

Y

our graduation is a great achievement, but this is just the beginning. Your future will be filled with goals, dreams, challenges, and opportunities that will bring you fulfillment and help you make a positive difference in the world.

We wish you good luck as you start a new chapter of your lives and hope you find yourselves along the way.

You Did It!!!

CLASS OF

2015

Enjoy every moment of this special time as you celebrate with family and friends, best wishes from everyone at

Congratulations graduates!

The District of Sparwood wishes you the best of luck in the future.

STEEL LTD. SPARWOOD • 250-425-7738

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Sparwood Secondary Graduation 2015

Jason Prince

Urban Ramchuk

Brayden Reedy

Dustan Roach

Morgan Rowlinson

Tanner Ryrie

Tyler Sadler

Trista Sergeant

Ethan St Jean

Kasia Still

Karlie Sundstrom

Cassandra Thummerer

Missing from photos: Katie Martin

Kelsey Vanier-McCallum

Kyra von Matt

Jared Willett

Kaitlyn Wittfoth

743 Douglas Fir Rd, Sparwood 250-425-6535

#1 Front Street, Elkford 250-865-4622

Special congratulations to Karlie Sundstrom and Hailly Harder!

Congratulations to the graduates of 2015.

Wishing you all the best, whatever your future may hold

THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2015

Graduation 2015

d u a a r t G i o t s ns a P Elkford Second

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2013

2012

2010

2010

2012

2013

The Fernie Aca

demy

ood Secondary

Sparw

2011

2014

2014 2011 2010 2012

2014

2013

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Fernie Secondary Graduation 2015 Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. – Emerson

to All 2015 Grads!

! e l y K

2015 Youth Achievement Award Proudly sponsored by the City of Fernie and the Fernie Chamber of Commerce

FernieCHAMBER OF COMMERCE

From The Free Press staff

Hwy. 3, Fernie • 250-423-6868

Fernie Secondary School

Principal’s Message

T

Valedictorian’s Message

he 2014/2015 school year is nearly behind us – and I must say it has been quite a ride. From the less-than-ordinary school start-up, to the many new faces joining the FSS Staff, to the mildest winter I have ever encountered, this school year was unique to say the least.

What wasn’t unique, however, was the vibrant and energetic atmosphere that continues to make FSS a great place to work and learn. We have enthusiastic and talented students who are learning and growing and a staff that takes great pride in guiding students on their path to graduation. Mr. Baty and his students have done an outstanding job of showcasing these talents as well as capturing the colourful personalities and numerous events that have helped to make the past ten months memorable.

As you turn the pages of your yearbook I hope you are reminded that Fernie Secondary continues to be a place where we celebrate successes, learn from mistakes and nurture a sense of community. ~ Bill Johnson

I

t’s exciting and slightly overwhelming to think about what awaits us after we leave high school, and for many of us, our hometown Fernie. Our memories from the past six years however, I am sure will never leave us. Reminiscing about some of those moments, it’s hard to even imagine that I’m anything but a grade seven student walking through the halls of FSS for the first time. Although if anything’s changed since those first days, it’s the friendships we’ve created amongst each other and the large supporting family we’ve developed, making our memories from high school in many ways more about the people than anything else. Having grown up with these individuals, I can assure you that they are all capable of many more commendable achievements and I hope that they take every opportunity that is presented to them.

While there have certainly been moments of stress, panic and long nights for all of us working hard towards graduation, I know I can speak for my class and say that when we look back, the great times vastly surpass the less enjoyable. As the school year comes to an end lets take the time to cherish our final memories and laughs together, and also recognize all those who have helped us get to where we are today. To all the parents, teachers, principals, and coaches who have been strong influences in each of our lives, assisting, loving, and encouraging us along the way, we give a heartfelt thank you.

I am truly honoured to be the recipient of the title Valedictorian amongst such an incredible grad class. Graduation is an exciting time, as it’s not only a celebration of our completion of high school, but also the beginning of an adventure filled with new opportunities and accomplishments.

Congratulations grads of 2015! ~ McKinley Richards

overwaitea From all the staff at fernie 6x3 Kyra Kallies

Justina Hutchinson

792 2 Ave, Fernie, BC • 250-423-4607

THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2015

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Fernie Secondary Graduation 2015

6165 Brenners Road, Fernie - 250-423-9211

CONGRATULATIONS

Jayde Borgen on receiving the 2015 McDonald’s Employee Scholarship Award.

2015

Associated with Legacy Auto Group

Graduating Class

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

class of 2015

You Made It!

Congratulations!

Creating Opportunities

Serena Anderson

Courtney Bell

Cameron Birch

Jayde Borgen

Brooklynn Borys

Tyler Bush

Andrea Byrne

Easton Elia

Thea Gimard

Kyle Goertzen

Tyson Gredzuk

Megan Hammer

Bailee Harris

Benno Hart

Danielle Hutchinson

Justina Hutchinson

Ryley Johnson

Maxwell Johnston

Wishing all graduates happiness and success in the future!

Hats off to the

Class of 2015!

The Board of Governors and Employees of College of the Rockies congratulate all secondary school graduates.

We wish you well in all your future endeavours!

Fernie Mountain Lodge Each Best Western hotel is independently owned and operated

www.cotr.ca

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

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Fernie Secondary Graduation 2015 Congratulations to the Elk Valley's Class of 2015!

2015 Box 1648 1301 Railway Avenue, Fernie V0B 1M0

250.423.3416 Fax: 250.423.3517 tjsautobody@shawcable.com

Best of luck for the future.

Pizza and wings – the perfect grad party food!

Congratulations to all of our Elk Valley Graduates!

1221 7th Avenue, Hwy 3 Unit B Fernie, BC Pizza & Pasta

250-423-4231 www.ferniepizzaandpasta.ca

Downtown Fernie www.givershirts.com

Jennifer Joinson

Kyra Kallies

Kianna Kisyel

Kylee Lampman

Austin Lee

Madison Lewis

Lewis Lum

Hudson Malmas

Jacob Maple-Folden

Jordon Marcer

Brittany Mitchell

Irisa Ogura

Robin Petovello

Brittany Poirier

Austyn Potyok

Nolan Rae

McKinley Richards

Katie Robillard

Oh, the places you’ll go... and see!

Best of luck in the future!

FERNIE 250-423-4467 BLAIRMORE 403-562-7144 ELKFORD 250-865-2022

It’s Your Moment

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.

From the management & staff at

THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2015

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Fernie Secondary Graduation 2015

Congratulations 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!

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

Montanna Romanda Bannick

Samantha Scheller

Marlie Stephenson

Brader Rotvold

Tyson Schmidt

Hannah Thompson

See the Possibilities Congratulations to the Class of 2015

Madison Ruiter

Amanda Schwarz

Madison Traverse

250.423.7367 events@enjoyfernie.com

Gabrielle Runzer

Brendan Shepherd-House

Adam Van Wijk

Curtis Vanghel

Halle Soukoroff

Braydon Voth

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Fernie Secondary Graduation 2015

Kristian Walker

Jessica Wiebe

Sawyer Ward

Mollie Wyss-Mullins

Colten Webster

Darcy Zuffa

Megan Zuffa

P O H S P O T S E N O YO U R ! s d e e n y rt a p d ra g r u for all yo From cards, to flowers and of course for pre-booking your party platters - WE DO IT ALL!

Call us to place your PLATTER order!

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Extra Foods would like to congratulate the graduating class of 2015 and our grads for their achievements.

We wish them all the best!

Cam Birch

Nolan Rae

OPEN: Sunday - Saturday • 8am - 9pm HIGHWAY 3, FERNIE

THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2015

Graduation 2015

Congratulations graduates of 2015!

The curtain is rising and a new adventure awaits.

The Free Press

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The Fernie Academy Graduation 2015 City Hall 501-3rd Avenue, Fernie 250.423.6817 www.fernie.ca

Congratulations to all Elk Valley graduates Work hard for your goals Stay true to your dreams And never stop learning.

From Council & City Staff

Best Wishes for All Your Future Endeavours ~ 2015 Grads ~

from the Doctors and staff of

Sparling EaSt MEdical cEntrE

The Fernie Academy

Head of School Message

Valedictorian’s Message

O

ur fifth graduating class is comprised of students who attended the Academy from First, Second and Fourth Grades as well as new members who were embraced along the way. Together they have learned, experimented, travelled and played as they forged their way to this celebration of graduation.

We continue to prepare our graduates for the future and encourage lifelong learning by asking our community of students, their families and our teachers to work together. We have built a strong liberal educational experience emphasizing academics, athletics and arts – many of our busy graduates leave us with over 150 credits, exceeding the 80 required by the Ministry of Education. Academy students are challenged to learn and develop in venues beyond their regular classroom through public speaking, science fairs, debates of topical issues, international travel, local field trips and community involvement, athletic competitions, school plays, volunteering and raising awareness about those less fortunate.

Our determined team of staff are 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 thank and 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 wish all the graduates of 2015, a happy, healthy and prosperous future. ~ Jocelyn Sombrowski

The Sky is the Limit There’s no stopping you now, graduates! Think big, work hard and enjoy your success.

W

e are challenged every day to become better people not through assignments and exams, but through each other. As we face graduation, we are getting pushed into an uncertain world, not believing we are prepared. But we are. We have been preparing since we started our adventure at The Fernie Academy.

In Trevor and Carter’s case, they walked through the school doors in Grades 1 and 2. We might forget the trigonometric equation, the life cycle of a plant, or the symbols in poems, but we will never forget the lessons they taught us. How the blind writer of Paradise Lost John Milton taught us that we can overcome obstacles and do anything if we set our minds to it.

How mathematicians such as Newton and Pythagorus taught us that determination and perseverance can lead to revolutionary discovery. How physicists spent their whole lives mapping the stars to produce equations that make our lives simpler. Scientists taught us to always ask why and how. Writers and poets have taught us about life, love, death, and friendship through the impact of their words. Famous figures like Rosa Parks have taught us about struggle and how one small action can spark a revolution of change.

These are the lessons we will carry with us for the rest of our lives and I thank the teachers, the parents, and friends who have taken the time to show us the way. I want to thank my classmates for molding me into the person I am and teaching me so much these past years.

As Nick Carraway in “The Great Gatsby” said about new adventure: “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” ~ Sinde’lla Sugden

Congratulations 2015 Graduates!

Home insurance • Life insurance • Car insurance

300 Manitou Road, Fernie 250-423-4694

FERNIE 691B - 2 Avenue | (250) 423-6831 SPARWOOD 110 Centennial Street | (250) 425-6634 ELKFORD 814 Michel Road | (250) 865-2261

THE FREE PRESS, JUNE 2015

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The Fernie Academy Graduation 2015 Graduates of 2015...

The Sweet Smell of Success

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

Congratulations, graduate, and best of luck to you!

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Congrats to all graduating students Your career choices are limitless!

~Eleanor Roosevelt 1650 Railway Ave, Fernie www.ferniereadymix.ca ph: (250) 423-6174 fax: (250) 423-6251

Fernie Garden Centre 6283 Olivia Rd., Fernie 250-423-3666

Monday – Friday, 7 am – 5 pm

Fernie Ready Mix is a division of Interoute Construction Limited

Follow Your

DREAMS

Sarina Jeffery

Trevor Jones

Keyten Kunst

Carter Nieuwesteeg

Katelin Pater

Sinde’lla Sugden

Taya Vale

Sascha van Zyl

250-423-0007 Take-out or Delivery!

592 8th Ave. Beginning June 1st Wed. - Sat. from 11:30am

Enjoy anything on our regular menu plus a Soup and Salad Special and Chili with garlic toast.

Facebook Giveaways! Help us get to 1000 LIKES. You could win a Gift Card ($25 & $50) or a Pizza Party ($100 value)!

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Congratulations and best wishes in your future endeavours!

Jay’s Jewellers 652 2nd Avenue, Downtown Fernie, 250.423.7814

1791 9 Ave Fernie 250-423-4222

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Graduation 2015

Congratulations to the grads of 2015!

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

A message from your teachers, members of the Fernie District Teachers’ Association Local 01