"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step," was the theme for the Neilburg Composite School graduation exercises, held May 7.
The 14 graduates were (escorts in brackets): Jon Davis (Danyka Hiar); Lauren Evanger (Arlee Walde); Corey Hiar (Tishemia Tootoosis); Jessica Johnson (Braden Spence - who was also a graduate); Dayton McCulloch (Teagan Stapley); Reed Putnam (Brooklyn Krahn); Kyle Richardson (Jacquie Parker); Danielle Rogers (Owen Evanger); Kristen Schmidt (Jeffrey Johnson); Tanner Scott (Kiana Wells); Leah Timmermans (Nick Williams); Christine Watson (Jason Spence); and Samantha Williams (Isaiah Bay).
The graduates filed into the gymnasium to the strains of Don't Blink by Kenny Chesney and Wherever You Will Go by The Calling. Mrs. Danelle Covey introduced the graduates and their escorts before Ashlee Goodfellow led the singing of the national anthem. Skyler Bossert and Ashton Czerniak were the flagbearers.
The MC for the evening program was Wade Worman, a teacher who had taught the graduates since they were in Grade 7. Jon Davis gave the salutatory address before principal Diana Worman brought her annual message.
"This is the culmination of years of hard work," she told the graduates before quoting the automobile maker, Henry Ford.
"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success," she quoted.
Danielle Rogers introduced the guest speaker, Brandi Rolfe. Rolfe taught the class, for several years before leaving Neilburg for a teaching post elsewhere. The graduating class were so inspired by their years with Rolfe, they asked her to come back and be the guest speaker for the evening.
Rolfe did not disappoint and provided excellent advice, including to "be open to any opportunity that comes your way. Consider which ones to take advantage of. Time will pass by very quickly."
She also noted you should "make sure you enjoy life. Treat others with respect and use time wisely."
The ceremonial "Passing of the Colours" was completed with graduates Leah Timmermans and Samantha Williams giving these to Skyler Bossert and Dayneeka McCulloch of the Class of 2012.
The joint Valedictorians were Leah Timmermans and Kirsten Schmidt. Principal Worman presented the Neilburg Community Council Valedictorian Shield to the pair. They were selected for this honour by their fellow classmates.
Worman also presented Bryn Makaroff, a graduate from the Class of 2010, with the Governor General's Medal, for having the highest average in his class.
Christine Watson introduced a PowerPoint presentation of photographs of the graduates from kindergarten to Grade 12. There were also special out-takes of a canoe trip the class had made together.
Corey Hiar gave some general remarks before the recessional, Born This Way by Lady Gaga, was played.
Later, the grand march and a dance were held in the Neilburg Community Hall. Then, at 11 p.m., a fireworks display was held behind the Neilburg Community School near the track. The effects were spectacular with the Neilburg Volunteer Fire Department assisting with the display.
The graduates also held a chemical free "after party" to celebrate this milestone in their lives.
