2 SECTION PAPER!
Holden Farmer Day gets boost from ball tournament PAGE A8
Your LOCAL Media since 1918! Volume 105 Issue 41
www.tofieldmerc.com
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 s
Holden celebrates first graduating class in nearly 40 years BY JANA SEMENIUK Holden Rural Academy (HRA) held graduation celebrations June 8 at the Paragon Theatre for the village’s first graduates in nearly 40 years; Alyssa Zimmer, Cordell Janzen and Cayden Brisson. Holden had their last graduating class in 1984 before becoming a K-9 school then a K-6 in 1999. After Battle River School Division closed the school in June 2020 due to declining enrollments, HRA society was created and eventually took it over as a public charter school offering ‘placebased’ education for grades 7-12. The specialty programming has students learning not only in the classroom, but also in the community acquiring skills and gaining experience from local businesses and community groups. HRA opened their doors in Sept. 2022 to just over 60 students. Emcees for the graduation event were students Grayson Zemlak and Cheyenne Suchy. HRA Board Chair Justin Ewasiuk spoke to the crowd of 90 and offered congratulations to the grads. “I'd like to thank everybody for coming out today to celebrate the first grad class in Holden in almost 40 years,” he said before addressing the grads. “I'm glad that you guys got to experience this new type of education that we've brought to Holden, and to be the first grad class. You guys are going to be setting the example for everything going forward.” HRA Superintendent Wes Oglinski focused on how HRA came to fruition while praising the work of society members and the community in addition to the bravery of the new graduates. “This day would not have been possible without the contributions of so many people. Holden Rural Academy would not have been here, if not for the hard work and dedication of our founding members and board of directors,” he said. “I look at our three graduates and I see the future. They made the decision to leave the traditional school system
Holden Rural Academy's first graduating class; (L-R) Cayden Brisson, Cordell Janzen and Alyssa Zimmer. They are also the first graduating class in Holden in nearly 40 years. Photo: Jana Semeniuk and chose Holden Rural Academy as their school that they wanted to complete their education in. They wanted the opportunity to have a work-based program to cultivate their interests and explore opportunities in the community and beyond. These young people are transitioning to new adventures, and I applaud their bravery.” Guest speaker for the ceremonies was Kevin Van Lagen, also known as the Prairie Principal. Van Lagen helped HRA in their earliest phase by coming out on a speaking engagement in addition to providing advice along the way. Van Lagen is the principal of Altario and Consort schools in central Alta., and a vocal advocate for the value of rural education in Alta. Through his leadership, Altario and Consort schools have both staved off closures and saw increased enrolments due to their school’s specified focus; Al-
tario on agriculture and Consort on baseball. “I spoke a few years ago in this community, when there was talk about shutting down Holden school. And since that time, I've worked closely with members of your school board in particular, to come up with this vision of Holden Rural Academy. So, when I was asked to speak today, I felt an honour and privilege to be here,” said Van Lagen. “There's no greater joy than seeing the success of our students. Knowing that, you also understand that there's joy in giving, and give back to this community, and whatever community eventually becomes your home. If we all give in our communities, we have a better place to live and we have a better sense of purpose, especially in rural communities that we live in.” Continued Continued on Page on B8 Page 21
Prairie Principal, Kevin Van Lagen, as the guest speaker at Holden Rural Academy's first graduation ceremony June 8. Van Lagen is the principal of Altario and Consort schools in central Alta., and a vocal advocate for the value of rural education in Alta. who supported HRA in their efforts to become a charter school after Battle River School Division closed Holden school in 2020. Photo: Jana Semeniuk