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Rimbey’s 2012 grads leave mark on town

The Rimbey High School graduation is a done deal; fittingly, their theme, Tattoos on This Town, exemplifies the lasting effect the grads
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Lynnette Allemand

The Rimbey High School graduation is a done deal; fittingly, their theme, Tattoos on This Town, exemplifies the lasting effect the grads had on the people they brushed elbows with during high school.

On Sept. 22, 56 graduates celebrated their special night at Rimbey Community Centre in front of almost 700 guests including parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and friends.

It was a gala affair, made even more so by the 2012 grads themselves, who had discarded their usual casual attire of blue jeans and T-shirts for the evening and were dressed in lovely gowns and formal tuxedos befitting the momentous occasion.

Principal Tim Lekas, who handed each graduate their diploma, told the students they were now pupils of another school; the school of life.

“This is an exciting time for you and for your families. When you move on to the next stage of your life, whether it is the world of work, or further education, remember that life itself is a school of which we are all students.”

Lekas said the theme Tattoos on This Town is appropriate.

“This theme certainly points to the fact that each of you has left an indelible mark on this community, as you have grown and been raised by the community. And as you have walked through the hallways of school, you know you have left your tattoos there.”

Lekas quoted Dr. Seuss as he wished the graduates well. “How did it get so late, so soon?

Valedictorian Branden Cave reminisced about his high school years, recognizing the teachers, parents and fellow classmates as pillars of success for the graduates.

“The experiences we had outside of the classroom turned out to be just as important as what was learned inside and were what made our time at Rimbey an amazing part of our lives.

“Tonight we not only look back and appreciate the times we had here but we also look forward to the world we are walking into. The next few years and those beyond we will continue to learn and change, and find out what we want to, and most importantly, what we don’t want to do in our lives.”

He finished his address with a bit of humor.

“Don’t sweat the petty things and don’t pet the sweaty things,” he joked.

MLA Joe Anglin told the graduates they may not remember what was said on their graduation night, but they will remember the night.

“Your future is limited only by your imagination and your fears,” he said. “Always remember to follow your bliss.”

Chair of Wolf Creek Public Schools, Trudy Bratland, and Amber Hester, assistant superintendent of student services each commented on the theme of the graduating class.

“Rest assured that each of you has left your tattoo on the town,” said Bratland.

“You’ve sure left your mark on us and we’ve left our mark on you,” added Hester.

High school teacher Gary Hiebert was the master of ceremonies for the graduation banquet held prior to the ceremonies. Ceara Newman gave the toast to the graduates and Natasha Bartsch replied. The toast to the parents was given by Connor Norstrom and Marj Dolman replied.