The Community
Press 115 Years of Telling YOUR Story
Volume 115 Issue 51
www.thecommunitypress.com
Wednesday, June 28, 2023 s
CHSPS Class of 2023 Back Row from left: Matt Pedersen, Will Pedersen, Eli Ryan, Lane Smith, Branston Freadrich, Kyle Van Cleave, Aidan Borgel, Carter Brausen, Cade Schatschneider, Cooper Bahm. Centre Row: Owen Pasztor, Braden Busenius, Jayce Johannesson, Breanna Anderson, Kelsey Price, Keeley Ehnes, Hannah Thomas, Adam Maertz, Bodi Goodrich, Brody McDowell. Front Row: Sophia Beaudry, Reegan Dempsey, Rebecka Kuilboer, Lakeisha Doody, Kassidy McMahon, Mikayla Homan; Hunter Polege, Evelynne Waldner, Cayla Polege.
Leslie Cholowsky Editor Central High Sedgewick Public School graduands formally celebrated the end of their time at CHSPS at a graduation ceremony held Saturday, June 24, at the Wild Rose Co-op Recreation Centre. Emily Grant and Jenna Borth capably acted as co-masters of ceremony on Saturday. Richard Cowan gave the Principal’s Address to the class, first acknowledging special guests BRSD Superintendent Dr. Rita Marler and Deputy Superintendent Shan Jorgenson-Adam, along with Board Trustee for Flagstaff Dwight Dibben, and former principal and now BRSD Director of Human Resources Stephen Hoyland, “Also here in attendance today for a record 17th CHSPS graduation ceremony.” Cowan said, “All of these wonderful people have gathered here to help support the CHSPS graduating Class of 2023; it is an honour, and it is greatly appreciated.” Cowan praised the hard work of organizers, “towards the common goal of creating a sensational day for our graduands, soon to be graduates.” Then he moved on to speaking to the class. “Did we realize 18-ish years ago that a group of stars were born? Will we remember in the years to come that we were witness to a bunch of modern-day rural rock stars? “Like stars, you all shine bright on your own, but you got brighter and brighter as you aspired to reach for the stars. You were inspired, you took risks, and you navigated with confidence, from your first years to this day. “From those you know and those who came before you, you were surrounded by people you could look up to, and heard stories about people that inspired you, from
your parents to your grandparents and the people they knew who came long before you. They accomplished things that made you think you could do that, and more.” Cowan said as he grew up and heard the stories of his family, and the people who came long before him, he was inspired to push himself to take risks and experience new things. “Leave your comfort zone, and be outrageous. Graduands, you will be rewarded with incredible experiences, and maybe even meet the most incredible people throughout your life. Take a risk, and head down that road less travelled. “Graduands, you are well on your way. Always reach and be confident. Now it is your time to inspire others; to show that taking risks is a safe and positive thing, and to always move forward confidently so that those who look up to you will walk proudly in your footsteps.” Cowan was followed by Trustee Dwight Dibben. Dibben said, “I can see that this is a class of character; I can also see that this is a class with characters.” He said he searched for what to say today, and came across this advice from Navy Seal William McRaven. “Chase your dreams, change the world. And if you want to change the world, start by making your bed. There’s a reason for that. “It will take many actions to change the world. Many tasks, many undertakings. Even before you’re awake and have that first coffee, Red Bull, Jolt Cola, or whatever you like, make your bed. “You will have at least accomplished one thing that day. And believe me, there will be some crappy days. It will take all you have to make your way home. But even if you think you have accomplished nothing else that day, you’ll get home and see a made bed. You’ll know you have accom-
plished one thing that day, and tomorrow will be a better day. “You can’t change the world alone; you’re going to need help. And along the way embrace the help, and be kind. “You will fail. It will be painful, discouraging, and it will test you to your core. Pick yourself up, and become. Take risks, stand your ground, don’t be afraid, and if confronted push back against the voice. “Changing the world is a lofty goal, and one thing that has stuck with me is something my father told me when I graduated. He said, ‘Dwight, maybe you’ll change the world. You probably won’t, but at the very least, try and leave the world a better place than you found it.’” Guest speaker Krista Rathwell spoke next. “Today is a remarkable day in your lives, a day where you gather together and celebrate the culmination of all your hard work, dedication, and countless sleepless nights. “As we stand here at the precipice of a new chapter, I am reminded of a timeless piece of wisdom that has guided countless dreamers throughout history. Reach for the stars....” At this point, Rathwell stopped, saying that wasn’t the right speech, but instead something written through AI. She continued with her own words, because, she said, “I love you too much to use it. “This speech is from the heart, because matters of the heart are more important on a day like today. “You all have a special place in the hearts of the people here today. They are the ones who raised you, encouraged you, and watched you grow into these amazing people. “The staff of CHSPS will also hold you close. You were the crew with endless ideas, innate kindness, and a whole lot of spirit.” Julie Pasztor gave the message from par-
ents. “For many of us, we will be releasing into the world, our firstborns. For some, it is our last borns, who were ready a long time ago to get going. “Up to this point we can’t remember a time when we were not fully submerged into being your parents. And as a result, some of us don’t know much of a life beyond this role. “We would like to acknowledge that the past few years have been nothing short of catastrophic for all of us in one way or another. To have to see your young spirits subject to such a world event almost crushed us as parents. “As much as we want to keep you with us as long as we can, we will nudge and gently encourage you to go on your way. We hope we’ve done our best to give you wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay. Now is the time we watch you make your own decisions, and bite our tongues at some of them, as you enter the realm of adulthood.” She talked about how this class respected one another and worked cohesively as a group. “We know you’re ready.” In closing, Pasztor shared some things she said she wished she’d known when graduating. “Congratulations to you beautiful, incredible 2023 graduates.” Kelsey Price and Keeley Ehnes gave the response, “We thank you for everything. No words can describe how grateful we are to have you in our worlds.” Owen Pasztor and Branston Freadrich then gave a message to the teachers. “Over the last 14 years, teachers have been shaping our minds, teaching us good habits, and providing the basis of our education for us to use in whatever path we take in the future.” Madison Nickel and Trish Ryan Pictures inside, Story Cont’d Page 27