Borden School held their graduation banquet and ceremonies in the Borden Community Centre Friday, June 14. The hall was beautiful, decorated with a photo gallery on one wall and the theme Where I Come From on the other wall. The chairs on stage were covered in lilac chiffon material and hanging from the ceiling were many lilac and blue paper flowers.
The 2013 grads and their escorts entered under an archway covered with white chiffon and blue and lilac flowers. MCs were Lucas Julseth and Dustin Bezugly. Grad Aryn Polichuk played O Canada.
Mr Broughton introduced the graduates and their escorts as they entered the hall, telling of their activities in school, what they didn't like about school and what they plan to do after graduating.
Chris Anderson, with fellow grad Robynn Pidwerbesky as escort, was involved in all sports and on the honour roll. He plans to attend the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) in education and kinesiology.
Robynn Pidwersky was at Borden for Grades 3 to 12. She took part in many sports, was on the honour roll, won awards, took dance and was on the SRC and yearbook committees. She plans to enter the college of engineering for environmental studies.
Ben Cutting (escort Karli Maxwell) came to Borden from England in Grade 7. He played sports and plans to work, then attend SIAST in ag mechanics.
Kelsey Derksen (escort Eric Westad) went to Borden School from kindergarten through to Grade 12. She played volleyball and was on the honour roll. She plans to work after graduating.
Austen Dielsen (escort Emma Prescesky) came to Borden for Grade 12. He was involved in sports, on the SRC and on the honour roll. He plans to attend the U of S and become a special education teacher.
Allison Meister (escort Tell Kieper) was in Borden for Grades 3 to 12 and was in sports and dance and on the honour roll. She plans to go to the Mission Quest program in BC.
Tristan Papenburg (escort Cherinda Van Loon) came from the Netherlands in Grade 6 and was the most improved student. He plans to enter the skills and trades program.
Aryn Polichuk (escort Jesse Gilchrist) was in Borden School from kindergarten through Grade 12 and was in sports and band, excelling in music - writing Grade 10 piano and planning to work, then take music education at the U of S.
Josh Schroeder (escort Dani Joynt-Skillingstad) took all of K-12 at Borden. He was involved in sports, especially track and field. He plans to work for now.
Deanna Wall (escort Jacob Anderson) was at Borden School for K - 12. She was in sports, particularly volleyball, and on the honour roll. She plans to attend Briercrest, then become a physiotherapist.
Jesse Wensley (escort Graham Sargent) was in Borden for K - 12. She was in drama, dance class, piano, band and on the honour roll. She is enrolled in arts & science at the U of S.
Kim Young (escort Brad Brazeau) was in Borden for Grades 8 to 12. She was in drama and yearbook, and played ball. She plans to work, then become a social worker.
Shaun Dyck read the congratulatory message from the Minister of Education. Robynn gave the valedictorian address, speaking of the special bond they all had, even though they weren't all together for all the grades. She told a story about each one and said they are a diverse group with great friendships and she is proud to be graduating from a wonderful community.
Guest speaker Darrel Wiebe, who is a school bus driver, said he would like to induct some of the grads into the School Bus Hall of Fame. He drove the senior boys' team to provincials the past five years. He spoke of the theme that points to the past and present and said each one should be proud to be here and a Canadian. He saluted the grads for all their efforts during the flood, saying all have a great work ethic. Wiebe spoke of where do you want to come from and what do you plan to do. He advised the grads to always be courteous, be generous, control their temper and language, be respectful, positive, realistic and get involved wherever they are as they all have a lot to offer.
A slideshow presentation followed, showing each graduate from babyhood to the present. Then Mr. Broughton handed out the scrolls.
At the dance and social which followed, the grads came in individually and went to a vase of roses in the centre and presented roses to parents and family members. Then the grads and escorts had the first dance followed by parents, then everyone could join in. Fruit and squares with coffee or punch were available, provided by the Grade 10 and 11 parents.
