It has been three long years since Holy Redeemer hosted an in-person Graduation, but on May 28th, the long wait was over. And it was certainly be a day to remember.
“These young men and women have been through so much,” says Principal Betty Churchill. “The pandemic drastically affected their high school careers. So when the restrictions were lifted we knew we had to put on a very special event for all of them.”
Thanks to the incredible work of the Grad parents, the Edson & District Leisure Centre was magically transformed into a venue to host both the Ceremony and Reception.
The Ceremony took place in the morning and would see the graduates don their cap and gowns to cross the stage to receive their diplomas. The Centennial Arena was packed with friends and family members taking photos and showing how proud they were of the Grads. The Ceremony would also see the Indiegnous Graduates receive a ceremonial feather from Elder Frieda Maynard.
Perhaps the most emotional and beautiful moments is the Light of Learning where Graduates light a ceremonial candle for someone special in their lives, whether it be a younger sibling, a cousin or in Josh Laurin’s case, his nephew, Christopher.
The Ceremony also had many speeches from dignitaries such as Edson Mayor Kevin Zahara, Yellowhead County Mayor Wade Williams, MLA Martin Long, MP Gerald Soroka, Superintendent Jo-Anne Lanctot, and Board Trustee Gemma Christie. The most important speech came from Class Valedictorian Diana Pedrajas who remarked about many memories the Grads had made together.
Later in the evening, the Grads changed into their fancy gowns and suits and took part in the Reception. Masters of Ceremonies and revered teachers Pat Fogarty and Becky Gantz entertained the audience with numerous stories and anecdotes about all of the Grads, while the Grads themselves gave various toasts to the Boys, the Girls, the Teachers, and the Support Staff. The Reception was completely organized by the parents who did an outstanding job at decorating the arena and organizing the event.
Graduate Alyssa Vankosky’s toast to the parents was the most powerful speech ever given at a Grad Reception as she paid tribute to everyone’s parents, especially her late father who was a major inspiration in her life.
The evening capped off with a dance as the Grads shared a special dance with their mother or father, followed by their Grad dates.
In the end, it was a beautiful day that the Grads and their families won’t soon forget. “What made this day even more special was the fact that these students’ high school careers were interrupted at every turn,” says Churchill. “Months ago many of us didn’t know if this day would be possible, but the day went off without a hitch. And I must say, these kids deserve it.”