The theme for the Rimbey graduating class was “Life is Waiting,” but for the young men and women who filled the stage at the community centre Sept. 21, it seemed life, at least for one shining moment in time, had arrived.
Throughout the evening, the young grads, splendid in their formal attire, listened to speeches filled with nuggets of wisdom, well wishes, common sense advice and humour. And even though the presenters agreed life was indeed waiting for the class of 2013, now and then the speeches took on a nostalgic twist, taking the grads back to the hallowed halls of Rimbey Junior/Senior High School.
Class valedictorian Erica Trenson, who is living in Ottawa and studying political science, said people are surprised she went to school in a town without a Tim Hortons.
“Actually they are dumbstruck that a town without Timmy’s even exists,’ she said. “And they are usually even more surprised that I know the name of everyone in my graduating class and, let’s be realistic, some of our parents graduated together and I have probably met your grandparents. The truth is, I miss Rimbey and I miss high school.”
Trenson experiences a bittersweet feeling when she realizes she will never again walk the crowded halls of her high school as a student.
The accomplished young woman gave credit to parents and teachers for helping all the grads make it through their high school years. She also thanked her classmates for making her own school experience a pleasant one.
“Our grad theme is ‘Life is Waiting,’ but truthfully, life moves fast, things change, and if you don’t adapt, life won’t be waiting for long. Embrace every moment. Change the world. Get out there and don’t let your dreams be dreams.”
In his speech, principal Tim Lekas also talked about the future.
“You may not know where life is going to take you, but we are confident you have the skills to navigate the journey. As you reflect on change, I hope that you will come to understand that life’s adventures often do not come from what you have planned, rather, adventure is what you find along the way.”
Lekas commended the gradating class for being a strong group who supported each other through the good times and the bad.
“As we reflect on past years, one of the lessons we learned was how fragile life is as we think about our good friends, Corey (Walsh) and Eli (Palm) — who (have passed away) and are not on the stage tonight, but here in our hearts and minds. As a group, this Grade 12 class showed enormous strength and perseverance as they supported each other through some very tough times.”
Lekas left the grads with the advice to not worry about being popular but just to be themselves.
He added credit cards are not free money, exercise is good for you and you cannot live on Ramen noodles. He told them to write or text their mother or someone who loves them and his final words before he presented them with their high school diplomas were “be nice.”
Trudy Bratland, chairman of Wolf Creek Public Schools board of trustees, said the theme ‘Life is Waiting’ is a promising and positive prediction for a graduating class.
“May the life that is waiting for you bring much satisfaction and happiness along the way as you now have more control over how your life will be than ever before. Good things are waiting for you. Appreciate your friends and classmates one more time and don’t forget where home is, as you will always be welcomed here.”
MLA Joe Anglin, Rimbey Coun. Scott Ellis and Jayson Lovell, assistant superintendent of Wolf Creek Public Schools also spoke.
Following the presentation of the high school diplomas, awards and certificates were handed out.