Teachers, family and friends came together to honour 16 graduates at the Canora Composite School exercises on June 29.

            Members of the graduating class were: Ethan Born, Jilles Dussome, Ryan Edwards, Austin Gress, Abby Gulka, Brodie Korchinski, Cheryl McPhee, Sidney Moshenko, Casey Ostafie, Mickey Popoff, Hannah Scherban, Kayla Sheptak, Mikey Skibinsky, Carmen Stusek, Glen Tesla and Brookelyn Tratch.

            A total of 20 scholarships were presented to the graduates based on a fixed set of criteria.

            Hannah Scherban won the Canora Lioness scholarship, the Beta Sigma Phi scholarship, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) scholarship, the Canora Economic Development scholarship, the Community Insurance scholarship and the Gateway Co-op scholarship.

            Cameron Stusek was awarded the Canora Ag Society scholarship, the St. Joseph’s Catholic Women’s League scholarship and the Crop Production Services scholarship.

            Abby Gulka received the Crossroads Credit Union scholarship, the Canora Ambulance scholarship and the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League scholarship.

             Sidney Moshenko received the Canora Economic Development Co-op scholarship, the Canora Hospital Auxiliary scholarship, the Richardson Pioneer scholarship and the Canora RCMP scholarship.

            Brodie Korchinski was awarded the Leson’s Funeral Home & Monumental scholarship and the Town of Canora scholarship.

             Grads encouraged to use their gifts, face challenges head on

          In the administrator’s remarks, Katherine Leblanc, principal, expressed her warmest wishes to the graduates. She encouraged them to look back fondly on their accomplishments during the last dozen years or so, and utilize them as a foundation for future successes. Leblanc presented scrolls to the graduates.

            Abby Gulka said she was honoured to be chosen as the valedictorian, and immediately helped the guests get to know her classmates better.

            “Ethan would earn “most likely to show up late to English, again, holding Tim Hortons and yet he never brought anything to share.

            “You really have to listen when Jilles talks. If you’re not really paying attention you risk missing some of the best puns and quips you’ll ever hear.

            “Ryan, all I can say is this: we know, we’re loud, we’ve always been loud, we’re not sorry.

            “Austin is ‘The Dad’, and the usual suspect for a commotion, whether in the back of the class, the hallway or the parking lot.

            “Cheryl, you are the smiley-est person I have met, really. I swear you couldn’t catch this girl not smiling or giggling.

            “Sidney is the much needed outside perspective. You always know she’s going to tell you exactly what she thinks, it doesn’t matter if you’re a student or a teacher.

            “We’re all more or less, somewhat Ukrainian. But Mickey P is The Ukrainian. Really, you ask him what song to put on next and he asks for a polka, every time.

            “Hannah is the girly-est hunter... in a good way. You would never catch her without her hair and makeup and nails done, but she’s also not afraid of mud, or skunks.

            “Kayla is the artist-slash-baker. This girl is talented whether she’s making a poster for a project or writing on a cake. Not to mention she did the incredible photo backdrop for today.

            “Mikey S is ‘the jock’, when you think about it, it seems like Mikey has always been on the football and basketball teams.

            “Brodie is the firefighter, and no matter what, his fire calls always seem to come through during English class.

            “With the voice of an angel, and style that rivals A-listers, Carmen would win best dressed every day, hands down.

            “Glen is the most laid back, chill guy you’ll meet. You have to try pretty hard to offend him, and even then he usually laughs it off.

            “Brooke is as fierce a basketball player as she is graceful as a figure skater. Believe me, I’m still trying to understand that contradiction.

            “Casey is “the interior decorator.” I’m just waiting for her HGTV (Home & Garden Television) show to premiere.”

            Gulka thanked those responsible for helping the graduates achieve this milestone, starting with their families.

            “I know we stressed you out. And I know many of you still have other kids to worry about, so good job and good luck. The love we have for you matches no other, and your willingness to listen is extraordinary. You listened to us rant about friends, and work, and absolutely anything and everything we could think of.

            “I’m sure we all can admit that we were not the greatest class, she said, addressing the teachers. “We didn’t always bring cupcakes, or joy, or even our homework to class, if we came at all. But we love you, even if we don’t always show it. You have changed our lives in immeasurable ways. Teaching us that the answer is in the textbook, right in front of our eyes, and that if you guess on a multiple choice test you will not be guaranteed 25 per cent.

            Gulka shared her thoughts on the chosen graduation theme, “Did everyone see that? Because I will not be doing it again.” She admitted that it wasn’t her first choice initially, but after some thought, she realized it was indeed the best choice for this class.

            “We are never going to be the people we are right now, ever again. Everyone here… around us… in front of us… in our hearts… has had an effect on us; the people we are, the people we will be. Whether it was a hug when you didn’t know you needed it, a ride home in the middle of the night, or a sarcastic answer to a dumb question, everyone we’ve seen today, and will see, has had an effect on us. Now that’s pretty incredible.”

            The graduates chose Helen Forbes, teacher, as the guest speaker. As a teacher, Forbes said she is accustomed to making students think. She shared some thought-provoking observations on their chosen theme for graduation.

            “I think it’s really important to put your best effort into everything you do because no one wants to go back and repeat the same thing again,” she said. “So make the first time you take a class or enter a career or take on a job the only time you have to do that.”

            Forbes told the graduates they will encounter failures, because they happen to everyone.

She said the trick she has learned is not to be afraid of failing. 

            “If you let yourself hide away from challenges, you’ll miss so many great opportunities.  Don’t put your head down and avoid the tough things that come your way.  Look up and face them head on. Fear stifles imagination and achievement.  Don’t ever let it stop you from taking on a challenging new job, a leadership position, an opportunity to give back to society, an overseas adventure, or whatever tickles your fancy. Go for it!

            “Each of you has talents and abilities, imagination and ideas, intelligence and ambition, the love and support of family, friends and this community, and future plans that will take you far.”

            Forbes thanked the parents for raising “such a stellar group” of graduates, and left the grads with a list of important things to do each day after graduation.

            “Make your bed, pick up your clothes and eat breakfast. Talk to a friend, not text, look them in the eyes. Take time to listen to advice and offer it in return. Don’t take crap from bullies, and don’t be one. Accept differences in people, culture, religion, lifestyle, gender identity, and political affiliations. Life is better when there’s variety. Watch out for the little guy: the ones who are struggling with whatever. Help if you can. Accept your failures and mistakes, and move on. Call your Mom, call your Dad, at least once a week, or more often if you need money. Don’t lose your phone.”

            Forbes reminded the graduates to always look on the bright side every day, because life is so much fun.