The 2018 Bentley Grade 12 graduating class was small in numbers, a fact which seemed to make the evening stand out in a truly extra special way.
And, perhaps because of the size of the class, teachers and classmates had more poignant and meaningful memories of the years preceeding this special event.
Principal Lane Moore said the grads were a unique and diverse group.
“It’s easy to tell stories about them, but we only bug those we really care about,” he noted.
Mayor Greg Rathjen also spoke at the ceremonies.
“Treat others the way you want to be treated and you can change the world.”
Pam Hanson, the representative from Wolf Creek Central Office said she was honoured to watch the grads walk across the stage and into their future.
Guest speaker, Cheryl Floris, a former graduate from Bentley High School told the students to expect a few of life’s hard knocks after they graduate.
Her speech was sprinkled with her own personal story of heartbreak, joy and struggle as she faced her own life journey.
“At the end of the day, you have to be happy, no matter what other people’s opinions of you are,” she said. “Life after high school is unpredictable.”
Her advice was sound.
“Work hard. Do the job nobody wants to do. Cabbage and carrots are cheap. And it’s better to be looking at work than for it.”
Class valedictorian Reese Pollitt urged the class to set goals and remember they all had bright futures ahead of them.