The theme for Rimbey High School’s 2018 graduation celebration, held Sept. 22 at the Peter Lougheed Community Centre, was “We run this town.”
“The high school years are a lot of fun and around our school, you definitely were a huge part of our life and culture,” said Principal Tim Lekas in his message.
The graduating class of 53 students certainly has some larger-than-life personalities.
Each former RHS student was introduced with a few personal details, such as personality traits, career aspirations, and funny anecdotes.
Owen Campbell was remembered for his signature cowboy hat, and his enjoyment of welding, shooting rodents, and driving semi trucks fast in the school parking lot.
Eddie Kim scored 100 per cent on his math diploma final, apparently despite little studying. He enjoys skiing.
Hudson Scott was remembered for captaining the football team to the provincial championship last year. He is now attending the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), taking power engineering.
Triana Hohn, class valedictorian, was remembered as the “mom” of her group of friends, is a published author, and plans to take zoology.
Joda Snyder is interested in trivia, swordfighting and is an aspiring freelance artist.
Rimbey Mayor Rick Pankiw kept his regards short, congratulating the grads and wishing them well.
“I know what you set your hearts on, you can do.”
Jason Nixon, Rimbey-Rocky Sundre MLA, recognized the parents and faculty.
Watching the reactions of parents and teachers at grad, one can see the pride, sacrifices and investments that were made in each student, says Nixon.
“This is your day,” he said.
“As always, you grads have earned the right to be here - congratulations.”
“Everyone in this room is here because they are proud of you,” said Trudy Bartland, school board trustee.
“You are making your school and community proud, too.”
“Tonight is the culmination of years of growing, learning and developing into the adults we celebrate tonight,” said Assistant Superintendent Corrine Thorsteinson.
Thorsteinson encouraged the graduates to use their light to spread positivity around them.
Principal Lekas finished the speeches with some personal recollections and sage advice, including to always accept a breath mint when offered, and always read, and then delete, an angry email.
“Become awesome at what you do so your talent can’t be ignored,” said Lekas.
Lekas told the grads that as they move on to new towns “ a little piece of Rimbey and RHS will always be with you.”