Weyburn (cpd) - In conjunction with Southeast Regional College in Weyburn, the Ocean Man First Nation celebrated their student graduates and student achievements from the Stoughton Adult Basic Education program.
Weyburn (cpd) - In conjunction with Southeast Regional College in Weyburn, the Ocean Man First Nation celebrated their student graduates and student achievements from the Stoughton Adult Basic Education program.
The event was held in their band hall at Ocean Man the evening of May 31. The adult Grade 12 graduates this year are: Paige Big Eagle, Tasheena Bison and Sheena Lonechild. The adult Grade 10 completion certificates were awaded to Kara Big Eagle and Larry McArthur.
The evening began with opening comments from Terry Carrier of Yorkton Tribal Council, a representative/employment training counsellor. The graduates then entered the hall to drumming and were led by Tim Delorme and Brian McArthur dressed in dance costume. Senator Christine Grealy gave the opening prayer and the students were introduced. Supper followed of Indian tacos served on bannock bread. After supper, Chief Gloria Shepherd spoke and the Adult education teacher Cheryl Popplestone gave the college introductions, including Brian Binns, the ABE coordinator, and Jody Haukness the SERC counsellor. Also in attendance was Ross Brown the YTC Director of Education. A power point was given capturing the school year followed by Tasheena Bison singing a song accompanied by Freeman White.
There were numerous presentations of gifts given, from YTC, the SERC, Ocean Man, individuals and family members. The graduates were each given a Star Blanket.
Scholarships were given to Sheena Lonechild and to Paige Big Eagle. Brenda Sheepskin was given the scholarship for the strongest student.
Jody Haukness SERC counsellor presented certificates to Larry McArthur for completing his Grade 10 and some of his Grade 12 subjects. Kara Big Eagle also obtaned her Grade 10 certificate and a partial certificate for completing some Grade 12 subjects.
The Vice Chief Simon Bird from FSIN was the guest speaker at the graduation.
Graduate Paige Big Eagle read the mortar board story and Sheena Lonechild gave the message on behalf of the graduating class.
The evening concluded with dessert and visiting.
The ABE program will begin again in the fall in the basement of the Stoughton Legion hall. For more information contact the Southeast Regional College's Weyburn office.
After arriving in Stoughton the summer of 2007 to be the minister of Grace United Church, Deborah Laforet and her husband Jeff and two sons, Josh, age 11, and Evan, age 12, are leaving.
Her last service will be on June 24 and she will officially be done on June 30. The family is moving to Oakville, Ont., where Deborah will be on staff at St. Paul's United as one of two Christian education ministers. She will also finish her term as president of the Sask. United Church this month.
She said she will "miss the small rural community, the nature, the hospitality of the people, the members of the church and being a part of their lives."
The boys have enjoyed the school choir taught by Jacquie Walbaum and Michelle Amy's fiddle lessons. Deborah enjoyed the community choir led by Lori Flath and working with Jacquie in music for Kid's Club at the Stoughton Apostolic church.
Husband Jeff has enjoyed his experience as town councillor and his involvement in the the community in general.
Deborah is working on finishing her Masters of Divinity degree from St. Andrew's College in Saskatoon, and is also working towards her diploma in Doctrinal ministry.
