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Rimbey JSHS holds graduation and awards evening

The Rimbey high school class of 2016 gathered together last Saturday night to celebrate graduation.
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RJSH graduates were on stage to receive their diplomas last Saturday at the Peter Lougheed Community Centre.

The Rimbey high school class of 2016 gathered together last Saturday night to celebrate graduation with all the pomp and splendor deserving of such an occasion.

It truly was a special evening, highlighted by speeches, toasts and awards.

Principal Tim Lekas said he is pleased that all 65 graduates qualified to receive their high school diploma.

“The provincial average is 75 per cent,” he said.

He was also pleased to note the number of grads is up from 53 last year.

“Around the school, it is not uncommon to hear staff say that we are in the business of graduating students and it certainly is our number one goal. It is a huge celebration as we send another diverse group of young adults out into the world.”

‘Tell everybody I’m on my way’ was the grads theme.

“I love this theme,” said Lekas. “I am a nostalgic kind of guy and often reflect back on my own high school years with great fondness.”

The principal went on to say that the night was a mini–reunion for the students, many of who have moved away to further their education.

“”In the years ahead, you will spend time thinking about the times you had in high school and will certainly recall them as the time of your life,” he told the grads.

In her valedictorian speech, Rebecca Lohmann injected humor by recounting several incidents from the student’s high school years.

“I think our class is known for being one of the quietest classes in Rimbey history, much to the dismay of our teachers. Most days the teacher would be standing at the front of the room, just hoping somebody would say something. To attempt to get us to speak up, Mr. Osinchuk often reminded us that there was not, in fact, a bomb strapped underneath our desk that would detonate if we gave an incorrect answer.”

In a more serious vein, she ended her speech with a note of advice.

“The most important thing to do every day is to get out of bed and try to improve yourself. Even if you can’t compel yourself to leave your bedroom one day, try the next, just don’t give up. Wish, hope, dream.…then eat a cupcake. Cupcakes make everything better.

Special greetings came from Rimbey Mayor Rick Pankiw, Rimbey-Rocky-Sundre MLA Jason Nixon, chairman of Wolf CreekSchool Board, Trudy Bratland and Jayson Lovell, superintendent of Wolf Creek Public Schools.