Borden's 2011 high school graduates, Jesse Pidwerbesky, Melissa Saunders, Brittany Schroeder, Tamara Tkaczyk and Thomas Wensley, celebrated their accomplishments at the tastefully decorated Borden Community Centre, June 10.
At the banquet, served to 140 people by the Borden Lions, emcees were 2010 grads Raquel Nickel and Derek Wall. Toasts and replies were made by: to the parents, Tamara Tkaczyk with her father Terry Tkazcyk replying; to the staff, Tom Wensley, reply by Mr. Dean Broughton; to the coaches, Jesse Pidwerbesky, reply by Tony Martens; to the School Community Council, Brittany Schroeder, reply by Kim Anderson; and to the bus drivers, Melissa Saunders, reply by Peter Thiessen. The guest speaker was Jesse Pidwerbesky's grandfather, Peter Peters, who spoke on the seven qualities needed for life.
Derek Wall and Raquel Nickel were MCs for the ceremonies as well. After O Canada, the graduates and their escorts entered through a twinkling, lighted archway decorated with white chiffon, silver stars and mauve butterflies. Principal Dean Broughton introduced each one, giving a brief school history and describing future plans.
Jesse Pidwerbesky, escort Alyshia Watson, spent grades 5-12 at Borden, excelled in sports and plans to enter the College of Engineering at the U of S. Melissa Saunders, escort Ashton Lehman, was in the school band for eight years, performs trick riding and whip-cracking at rodeos in her spare time and plans to study at the U of S to become a veterinarian. Brittany Schroeder, escort Brian Crabb, took part in many sports and plans to take phys ed at the U of S. Tamara Tkazcyk, escort Tyler Enns, was described as the quiet, shy student and plans to study psychology at the U of S. Thomas Wensley, escort Stephanie Spithakis, was in band from Grade 5 on, excelled academically, also plans to attend the U of S and eventually would like to farm.
The valedictorian address was given by Tom Wensley, who spoke of his fellow grads individually, mentioning great qualities, friendships and competitiveness. He thanked them for the years together and wished them all the best for the future. He asked them to maintain their friendships.
Mrs. Gloria Derbowka, who had taught all of the graduates, was the guest speaker. She pointed out that each has unique talents and characteristics. She told some stories about each one and of the great memories she has. She told them to be proud of their accomplishments, as their parents and siblings are proud of them, and to go forth showing consideration and courtesy to others. She gave the ABCs for thought, being 26 ideals to follow, and told them to Make a Wish as you are never too old to wish but don't wish your life away. Aim high. Push yourself and work hard to make your wishes come true. Our wish for you is that in the future your wish has been granted. She closed with a poem, These Special Wishes are Just for You.
The grads had a slideshow presentation, showing photos of each of them through the years from babyhood to the present. Dean Broughton presented the scrolls and then, after God Save the Queen, the grads and their escorts left the hall while the chairs were set up for the grand march and dance. The grads re-entered under the archway, were introduced again and the five of them did a grand march line-dance around the hall, followed by dances with their escorts and parents. Finally everyone who wished to could dance while punch, coffee and sweets were put out by the Grade 10 and 11 parents.
