The 2015 Bentley school Grade 12 graduation exercises took place at the Blindman Valley Ag Centre on June 19. The theme chosen by the 2015 class was “Every Mile a Memory”.
The parking lot was overflowing, not only with vehicles, but also with rain as a heavy storm passed through.
Inside the hall there were floating purple, black and silver balloons, mini-lights, black net material on the head table wall, sprays of silver trees, beautiful floral table centerpieces, and huge silver “GRAD 2015” ornaments standing on the floor.
A Power Point Presentation by Savanna Spendiff featuring the grads was shown before the supper, catered by Bob Ronnie.
Masters of ceremonies for the banquet were Grade 11 students Ashley Cumming and Kyle Adair. Grace was given by Caleb Schmidt from the Bentley Youth Group.
Toast to the parents was given by graduates Shenoah Reban and Tyson Hueppelsheuser. The reply came from parents Dodi Farnham and Terry Reban.
Alyssa Hyink and Savanna Spendiff extended the toast to the teachers. Jason Hazlett and Brenda Von Kuster replied.
Lane Moore introduced the graduates.
“I have been told (by the graduates) that they have heard all my speeches so I’m not going to say anything but — ”, he said, and he introduced assistant principal Stephen Lush to give the address.
Lush expressed how much he would miss everyone and mentioned each grad by recalling each individually with a memory.
Town mayor Lynda Haarstad-Petten said these grads are Bentley’s “centennial” graduates as Bentley celebrates 100 years since incorporation this year.
Other congratulatory messages were given by Wolf Creek representative Pam Hansen and by MLA Mr. Jason Nixon.
Class historians Lyndsey Grutterink and Damon Sawyer recounted short stories about each of the classmates.
Class valedictorian Amy Woolf, who has been with the class since Grade 6, delivered her speech using a form similar to the style of Dr. Seuss. She mentioned what she had learned from her teachers and said, “Learn from your mistakes. Don't follow the crowd.” Guest speaker was Chad Beagle who had played with the WHL, and with the Bentley Generals senior hockey team for 10 years, and is now coaching in Rimbey.