Photos: Southeast College celebrates Estevan campus graduates

ESTEVAN — The Southeast College's Estevan campus saluted graduates from its Estevan campus during a June 6 ceremony.

Certificates were presented to more than 70 students, including those in the adult Grade 12, essential skills for the workplace, Grade 12 academic upgrade, continuing care assistant, early childhood education, electrical applied, industrial mechanic applied technician, and heavy equipment truck and transport technician and programs.

Drummers from the Ocean Man First Nations performed as the grads entered the auditorium to start the ceremony and exited to end the celebration. Knowledge keeper Calvin Racette, also from Ocean Man, presented ceremonial tobacco and delivered the opening prayer.

Guest speakers included Estevan-Big Muddy MLA Lori Carr, who is the minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors, and Rural and Remote Health; college board vice-chairwoman Heather Vermeersch; and college president and CEO Jody Holzmiller.

Vermeersch said graduation day marked the culmination of hard work, perseverance and commitment for students and their support networks.

"Through your studies, you've not only gained knowledge and skills, but also show resilience, adaptability and integrity that reflect the values we hold dearly," said Vermeersch. "You are now well-equipped to thrive in a changing world."

Holzmiller added she felt an "overwhelming sense of pride and admiration" as she looked at the crowd. The college has the privilege of watching them grow, learn and overcome challenges along the way.

"While I look at the sea of bright, hopeful faces, I'm reminded of countless achievements, challenges and moments of growth that have defined your time here. Each of you has contributed to the rich atmosphere of our college community," said Holzmiller.

Students have excelled in academics and leadership roles, demonstrating the true spirit of resilience, she said.

When the students walked through the doors of Southeast College, Holzmiller said they were eager but nervous about what the future held. Now they are confident, resilient and capable individuals who worked tirelessly to get to this moment.

"It hasn't always been easy, but you have navigated the complexities of being an adult student, for some raising a family and working, all while studying; for others, travelling to a brand-new country to receive your education, and you have all persevered. You've learned, adapted and emerged stronger for it."

She encouraged grads to remember the support system they have had throughout the education process.

The college had two valedictorians: Janessa Kolenz for the Adult 12 program and Rochelle Krahn for skills training.

Kolenz noted that when she dropped out of high school, she never thought she would return to school. Everyone at the college helped her change her mind about education, and helped her realize she could accomplish great things if she was determined and had a good support system.

"Although I was only here for a couple of months, my teachers and classmates made an impact on my life that I will always be grateful for. They were right there beside me, pushing me to be a better person, and I couldn't thank them enough for all of the support and kindness."

She has been accepted into the primary care paramedic program in Weyburn this fall.

Krahn noted that 13 years ago, she wanted to enter the early childhood education field, but backed out at the last minute. Now she's a graduate of the college's early childhood education program.  

"After gaining some life experience and growing as a person and as a mother, I am now more passionate than ever about learning alongside children and deepening my understanding about child development."

Early childhood asks her to show up as an educator, guide, encourager, protector and lifelong learner, she said.

She offered a hearty "Congratulations!" to the grads, which garnered plenty of applause.

"We have all grown so much, not just with what we know, but who we are. We laughed together, we cried together, likely more than we'd like to admit, and supported each other."

MC Dean Loberg, the college's vice-president of academic, teaching and learning, said each graduate took a unique path to the college, but wherever their journey leads next, the college was truly honoured to have them in the college, and the college is "tremendously proud" of what they have accomplished.

"What makes today so special is we're all gathered here to recognize that variety of achievements, to honour the hard work and growth and the incredible dedication that brought each student to where they are today."

Each graduate showed determination, perseverance and the courage to take "bold" steps to a better future, he said.

Scholarships were also presented. Recipients were:

• Government of Saskatchewan Opportunity Scholarship: Talan Trail and Rowan Erickson;
• Southeast College Post-Secondary Opportunity Scholarship: Joel Macalalad, Rochelle Krahn, Rowan Erickson, Kaiden Duke, Lydia Bruyere Hanson and Kaden Cooper;
• Vermillion Energy Scholarship: Alexander Churchill, Hunter Andrews and Brody Hadley;
• Board of Governors' Award for Academic Excellence: Laura O'Hanlon, Serena Liesch and Joel Macalalad.
• President's Award for Outstanding Student Leadership: Vincent Otoo and Kaiden Duke.
• Southeast College Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community: Marc Relucio.

Loberg noted that during the college's different grad ceremonies and the February bursary ceremonies, the college will have provided $75,000 to student support this year, thanks to donors.