Note: SaskToday and the Carlyle Observer are proud to present this ongoing salute to the Class of 2025 in southeast Saskatchewan. We congratulate the grads from Stoughton Central School and wish them the best in the future.
STOUGHTON —
As parents, friends and neighbours slowly filled the Stoughton Central School gymnasium on June 21, the ceremony for the 2025 graduation began.
The 11 students were escorted to the stage by their parents through a hallow of black, gold and white decorations, while Louise Big Eagle took photos.
Joan Dempsey was the MC for the event. She was a long-time secretary at the school before she retired.
She introduced each graduate as they entered the gymnasium, sharing a little of their history and what they have loved about school. Once everyone had arrived, the Ocean Man First Nation (OMFN) Drum Group came to the front to sing the Honour Song, this was followed by the singing of O’ Canada.
Alexa Frederiksen and Anna Knapp had a tribute to the parents, thanking them for all the years of getting them ready for school, bringing them to events, and making their endless lunches. They thanked their parents for their endless love, and they are forever grateful.
Juanita and Jason Big Eagle had the parents' reply.
The couple took turns speaking but the message was clear, that moms are their children’s first teachers. They are the ones who cry when their children start school, and they cry once again when their children graduate.
They are proud of the young people that they have become and hope that their future will be bright and filled with good things.
Grayson Clements and Trey Malowski thanked the teachers for getting them to graduation, and for their tireless efforts on teaching them, when at times it was most likely not easy. They believe they gave the teachers some extra gray hair.
Shelley Campbell, principal at the Stoughton Central School, joked about having more gray hair with this group of graduates.
But she also said they were the easiest students to have and were always agreeable on everything they were handed.
The program continued with Chayse Hemphill giving the vote of thanks to all who have been in their lives.
Stoughton Mayor Stefen Clarke told the students this new chapter in their lives is exciting, but they need to look after themselves. Family and the community shape students, and it is important to keep a connection to where one grows up.
Chief Ernest Standingready, the new chief from the Ocean Man First Nations, also said that woman are the first teachers and play an important role in children’s lives.
The star blanket was made especially for Bronte Big Eagle. It signifies the creator, the stars, and loved ones before us. Big Eagle is a published author and plans to become a plumber
Sarah Goudy was the valedictorian and will study general agriculture in Manitoba
The evening came to an end with a procession of the students leaving the gymnasium, and Dempsey making a few closing remarks.
