“I remember it like it was yesterday” was the theme of the Coronach School 2012 Commencement Exercises.
On May 5, 2012, 12 young men and 10 young ladies, who make up the Grade 12 class of 2012, celebrated reaching the end of their formal years of school.
Although the day most likely began much earlier for many, with hair to do, photos to take and last minute food to prepare, the formal part of the day began for the graduands and their families at 3 p.m. at the Catholic Church. Father Andrew led an optional prayer service for the class and their families.
The class then gathered at the school for a class photo and the banquet.
The Grade 11 class, under the direction of Daisy Jean and Donna Dyck, prepared and served a hot meal of roast beef, mashed potatoes, Caesar salad and skor cake for the graduands and their parents.
The Mistress of Ceremonies for the banquet was Principal, Mrs. Catherine Hiltz.
Grace by Nikki Cairns preceded the meal, that was followed by a number of toasts.
Toast to the Staff was given by Colton Clark, with the reply by Miss Ashley Rachul.
Toast to the parents was given by Garrett Foley; reply by Tim and Carla Foley.
The Toast to the school board and School Community Council: Jordan Gent; reply - Angela Gent.
Toast to the Guys: Kayla Kursky, Ashley Strutynski, Larissa Warken and Samantha Elder.
Toast to the Girls: Curtis Noll, Brandon Knudson and Dylan Mack.
Toast to undergrads: Kirstin Reid-Clavelle and Carissa Gjertsen.
The group then moved to the Coronach Sportsplex for the exercises.
The commencement exercises began at 6:00 p.m. in the Sportsplex which had been beautifully decorated in a Vintage theme, in shades of brown, gold and cream, with wheat features.
Madison Hiltz and Alicia Menke sang “O Canada” to begin the commencement exercises.
The graduating students entered the beautifully decorated arena on the arms of family members as Principal Catherine Hiltz and Vice-principal Terry Sand introduced them and shared their future plans.
Grade 11 students, Karlie Wilson and Alicia Menke were the emcees for the evening.
The salutatory address was given by Garret Pifko, who shared the second highest average with classmate Connor Ferrie.
Colleen Cote-Christopherson gave a short greeting from the Prairie South School Division.
Grade 12 student Zachary Shelstad presented the traditional class key to undergrad Ian Calkin.
A video presentation of the students followed where they shared what they would miss once they graduate and their future plans.
Mrs. Catherine Hiltz, Principal, introduced the Derek Knudson Memorial Fellowship Award. Derek was a student of the Coronach School who died in an accident in 2006. In 2007, the year Derek would have graduated, the school renamed the fellowship award in his honour. This year, the class voted to recognize Kelsey Wrolson, a former member of their class, who died in an accident just before the class began Grade 11. Kelsey’s brother Jase accepted the award.
Wesley Jean introduced the evening’s guest speaker, fellow graduand Conner Ferrie.
The class veered from the traditional route where a former teacher or adult from the community addresses the crowd. They chose instead, a classmate that has been active in the school and community drama clubs and undertaken many emcees roles within the school.
Connor followed the theme of “I remember it like it was yesterday” by reminiscing with his classmates about memorable events over the years. The crowd chuckled along as he spoke of the infamous “rice table” in the Kindergarten room, his class “farming” in the playground and numerous other stories that those familiar with the class would readily relate to. Connor took a humorous poke at all of his classmates and many staff, and closed by encouraging everyone to end everything with a “smiley face.”
Nikki Cairns, who has the highest average in the class, presented the valedictorian address. Nikki thanked the school staff, parents, community and classmates for their guidance and support over the years.
The multi-media presentation followed that shared photos recounting the lives of each graduand, wrapping up with a number of group shots.
The formal portion of the program ended with the presentation of the scrolls by Hiltz and Sand and the recessional.
The grads left the stage and were joined by their escorts and parents and then formed a receiving line where family and friends had a chance to congratulate the students.
The Grand March followed where the students and their escorts were introduced by Miss Ashley Rachul, then walked in a procession where many a photo were snapped. The grads had a dance with their escorts and their parents before heading for their individual socials.
With rain falling from approximately 3 p.m. through the evening, many puddles and muddy lanes awaited community members as they made their way to the homes of friends and family to congratulate the graduands.
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