It's not usual for the provincial Minister of Education to appear before a high school graduation, but that is what happened Thursday for graduates of Sakewew High School, as Minister of Education Russ Marchuk was in the audience for their graduation.
Marchuk, the Sask. Party MLA for Regina Douglas Park, could have attended any of the six high school graduations that were scheduled for that same day in Regina, but had chosen to attend the Sakewew event.
Marchuk's remarks to the audience and to the graduates of Sakewew's Class of 2013 were pretty much in line with those of the other speakers and well-wishers, which included several representatives from the First Nations communities.
At the gathering, Marchuk wished the graduates luck in the future and pointed to the strong foundation the students had received from attending Sakewew.
"Be proud of yourselves for getting here today. It is due to your hard work, the support and guidance of all your families in front of you, your peers, the elders and communities, that's helped shape and prepare you for what comes next. You have acquired lots of guidance to help you face the future with confidence and guide you to make the decisions and to enter the next chapter of your lives."
Marchuk pointed to the school's motto - Rising to Success Academically and Culturally - and urged the students to continue to embrace their culture as they pursue their careers.
"Here at Sakewew you have received an education that is based on values, beliefs and culture. That culture, your culture is an important part of the province's rich history and is vitally important to our future. No matter what you decide to do after graduation, I encourage you to celebrate the practices and customs, and traditions, you have learned."
