5 minute read
Class of 2025 Shines
Class of 2025 Shines
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
The theme for St. Mary’s Catholic School 2025 Graduation Celebrations was ‘Starry Night’. Thirty-two graduates shone with their unique personalities throughout the Divine Liturgy Mass at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church on May 20 and the Ceremony at Vegreville Social Centre on May 23.
Isabella De Guzman was the Valedictorian, and Cameron Dixson was the Salutatorian.
Mrs. Giebelhaus, Mrs. Michaelchuk, and Mrs. Wowdzia were the Coordinators.
The messages echoed with advice to embrace their individuality, talents, and skills. Chelisa Gotobed opened by leading the attendees in singing O Canada.
MC’s Madyson Nichol and Tatianna Salinas-Saez guided graduates and special guests through the ceremony, which began with congratulatory greetings read on behalf of Honourable MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, who is also Parliamentary Secretary for Settlement Services and Ukrainian Evacuees. They read, “Each of you has the potential to impact the world in your own way, and while that prospect seems far away, I encourage you to pursue that with the same enthusiasm and dedication that brought you here today.”
Following this, Mayor of Vegreville Tim MacPhee said that all the grads’ hard work, the work of their teachers and staff at St. Mary’s, has led them to the stage tonight. “As you share this evening with proud parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends; we should recognize the hard work and dedication they put in to help you achieve your goals up to this point. If I could give you any advice, it would be to not be afraid to fail, but be afraid of not trying. Every one of you will make a difference in this world, every one of you will make a difference in somebody’s life; work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen for you.”
Trustee Teresa Makowecki shared that we are all a perfect 10 and worthy in God’s eyes. “In a world with challenges and uncertainties, His unwavering faith becomes our anchor, guiding us towards self-acceptance and inner peace. My dear graduates, as you stand at the threshold of the new chapter of your life, I urge you to remember this invaluable lesson: embrace the truth that you are a treasure and loved unconditionally by a higher power, destined to fulfill a unique purpose in this world. In moments of doubt and tribulation, be unwavering in your faith.”
Assistant Superintendent Brett Cox offered heartfelt congratulations on behalf of EICS and said, “Our theme this year was ‘Rooted in Christ’, taken from the gospel of John 15:5-8. “I am the vine: you are the branches, whoever remains in me and I in them, will bear much fruit, for without me, you can do nothing. These words have echoed throughout our school this year, and they remind us that growth is not just academic or athletic or artistic, but spiritual. Our strength, our purpose, and our hope come from remaining connected to Christ.”
Principal Mr. Salsbury and Assistant Principal Mrs. Giebelhaus spoke next and expressed that they were very proud of the graduates, as these young people worked hard, adapted, persevered, calibrated, occasionally prayed over exams, and they became young people of character, compassion, and courage.
“You earned grades, you learned lessons, and you progressed through grade levels to make it to this point. However, it all began with your parents choosing a Catholic education for you. You, yourself, have the power to decide how a Catholic education has fundamentally shaped how you respond to things.”
Father Iryney led in saying grace which was followed by a delicious meal by Holy Trinity Catering.
After this, Guest Speaker Father Robert Lee stated that the graduates’ lives were infinitely more interesting and infinitely more complex than any TV show or movie they will ever see. Lee then said a prayer asking God to speak simply to the grads’ souls. This means not to be overwhelmed by multiple choices, causes, or phrases. For God to give each grad simple direction from the heart of the person. “Never forget the Lord Jesus is near to those who call upon Him even if the prayer is speak simply to my soul,” Lee said.
Robert Antonchuk and John Rey De Guzman presented the Tribute to Parents, Neila Nelsen and Michelle Henderson gave the Response to Parents. Brooklyn Peyton and Andrew Henderson issued the Tribute to Teachers and Mrs. Stuart and Mr. Manderson gave the Response from Teachers. These messages were all filled with amusing anecdotes, but later they expressed how much everyone meant to them and the impact they had on each other’s lives.
In closing, Cameron Dixson and Sage Lappa passed down the School Colours to Caiden Steinwand and Kate Albrecht.
