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After two years of interruptions, the Elkhorn Graduation 2022 ceremony was held back in the school gym. This year’s Grade 12 class had five graduates, but you would not know it by the large crowd. The graduates were a colorful mixture of gowns and suits, with a few pairs of cowboy boots thrown in for good measure.
On the stage wall was the theme of this year’s grad class, "I Go Back” based on a song by Kenny Chesney about how a sound, image or smell can bring memories of their past 13 years together.
The school principal, Lance Barrate, introduced each graduating student who had selected their own entrance music.
Baratte said this group had made the high school finish line successfully with many challenges along the way, specifically the Covid pandemic, and have completed one chapter of their lives and are ready to move on to the next. He told them you will make mistakes, you will learn from and overcome problems and obstacles down the road.
After a student-produced PowerPoint of their time at Elkhorn School, Spencer Chapman and Drayton Shiner shared memories such as the proper way to have a tea party in their kindergarten class with Mr. Jamison and learning how to paint their finger nails. But also, how to respect others, to work hard, along with homework and driving tips. They made mention of past teachers and a principal – important parts of their school journey.
The valedictorian address given by Chezney McAuley was a memory mixture of fun, friendship, work, future hopes and thanks to all the school staff, parents and community.
Alexis Lowes and Taylor Wegener spoke, saying the parents had prepared them with love and life lessons, for the next part of their journey in life.
The parents’ reply was delivered by Suzanne Chapman and Shawna Wegener, who, while looking forward to the next stage of life, admonished their graduates saying, “every now and then, call home to your mother!”
Graduation diplomas, awards and a number of scholarships were presented among the class of five and There was one special moment when the Gavin Krieser Memorial Scholarship, was presented by Gavin’s parents Terrance and Cathy Krieser. The annual award is given to a student selected by the school staff who shares the qualities of the late Gavin Krieser. However, this year the award was presented to each of the graduates; they were Gavin’s contemporaries.
Superintendent of Fort La Bosse School Division Barry Pitz awarded the Governors Generals Bronze Medal for academic excellence to Chezney McAuley, daughter of Wade McAuley and Lacy Langley and older sister to five siblings. Chezney had an average of 88.4 %. She plans to attend Brandon University for a Bachelor of Science toward a career in radiologic technology.
The grads reception line was in the front hall and later, despite the cool damp weather, they rode a parade float around the village.
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