Maintaining the standards and decorum to which we are accustomed, the Bjorkdale School staff organized this year’s graduation ceremonies which began with the supper.
Principal Geoff Goldsworthy, the MC, first introduced the graduates, then asked the Blessing. Toasts were given and replied: Jessica McCormick to the School Community Council, replied by Sherry Fredsberg; Scott Spedding to the teachers, replied by Penny Mohr; John Hart to the parents, replied by Michelle Hart.
Goldsworthy continued as Master of Ceremonies for the exercises, which followed. Grads were introduced as they entered escorted by their parents: Jonathan Campeau by Marlene and Wayne Campeau; Blake Guest by Melonie and Wesley Guest; Johnathon Hart by Michelle and Tom Hart; Jessica McCormick by Carla and Carmichael McCormick; Scott Spedding by Carrie and Dailen Spedding. Each of the grads presented his/her mother with a rose before taking a place on the stage.
At the opening of the ceremonies, Goldsworthy gave the invocation: “May God’s blessing follow you all as you find new journey’s to travel...”, and added a request for safety, guidance and reflection of love and truth. He also acknowledged the Métis nation and their Elders and ancestors.
He pointed out the attributes of the class, their sense of humour, respect, and willingness to help. He advised them to maintain the humour in their lives, continue to learn, show emotions and be appreciative of our many blessings. He then thanked each graduate for specific contributions.
Hugh Nerlien, MLA, Kelvington-Wadena, spoke of the technological advances that took place throughout the lifetime of the graduates, how fearful we were at the turn of the century, the year each graduate was born. He noted the development of Facebook, Netflix and other advances and how these affect what we do. Glen Button read the biography of each student as written by parents and the following awards were presented: the Beeland Co-op Scholarship by Nicole Goldsworthy to Jessica McCormick, the Science Award on behalf of Marean Lake Valley Resort, by Penny Mohr to Scott Spedding; the Math Award on behalf of Cornerstone Credit Union by Stan Bentz to Scott Spedding; the English Award on behalf of Johnson Agencies by Geoff Goldsworthy to Scott Spedding; the History Book Award by Peggy Looby on behalf of the History Book Committee to Scott Spedding; the Eileen Moen Legacy Bursary by Sherry Fredsberg to Blake Guest; the CLR, Unionized Construction employers Youth Apprenticeship Scholarship by Penny Mohr to Scott Spedding; the Wheelers Transport Employees Award by Bonnie Horn to Blake Guest and the Bjorkdale Public Library Scholarship by Sherry Fredsberg to Scott Spedding.
Jessica McCormick introduced guest speaker, Carol Belchamber, who presented each graduate with a plaque of an owl, and went on to explain the merits of the bird, its clarity and vision. The valedictorian address was given by Scott Spedding, who recognized those who have assisted them along their journey. He bid farewell to his classmates with a personal memory. We were shown a short video of the grad’s lives followed by the presentation of scrolls. The grads then left escorted by parents.
