Your LOCAL Media since 1918! Volume 105 Issue 43
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Wednesday, June 28, 2023 s
Big day arrives for Cornerstone Grad Class of 2023 Christian Academy celebrates largest grad class since becoming a private school Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter
Cornerstone Christian Academy celebrated their 2023 graduating class with a special banquet and ceremony on June 24. Principal Alan Welde said this year’s grad class is the largest one the school has had since they became a private school in 2018. “It's been our biggest class since we opened as an independent school. And what's really nice is that most of these students were kids that had been here for six or seven or eight years,” he said. “They've definitely been in it for the long haul, and we've really enjoyed working with them.” Cornerstone Christian Academy began in 1986 as a private Christian school before becoming a program of choice under Battle River School Division in 2009. When the agreement with BRSD dissolved in 2018, Cornerstone was granted private accredited school status and has been operating as an independent school since. Meanwhile, over 100 family and friends gathered at the school gymnasium in Kingman, 18 kilometres south of Tofield, to celebrate the graduating students; Sarene Christopher, Logan Daley, Cahil Giesbrecht, Brado Herbert, Ashton Kirby, Emalie Loewen, Tyler Pelsey, and Rick Sawatzky, who all donned sunglasses to align with their grad theme of the movie ‘Men in Black’. The evening began with a catered roast beef meal followed by a full program of speeches, music, a humorous videos depicting the graduates in addition to a diploma presentation. Graduates were also presented with congratulatory certificates from Battle River Member of Parliament Damien Kurek. Grad Sarene Christopher gave a toast to parents, highlighting the sacrifices parents made to get their kids the education they chose, and recognizing the uncertainty the school itself faced when moving over to private status five years ago. “Over the years, there have been challenges, even the uncertainty for the school to remain on,” she said. “Thank you, parents, for persisting and believing in
Cornerstone Christian Academy principal, Alan Welde, stands with the graduating class of 2023, who wore sunglasses to align with their grad theme of the movie 'Men in Black'. L-R (back row) Ashton Kirby, Logan Daley, Cahil Giesbrecht, Tyler Pelsey, Brado Herbert, and Rick Sawatzky, (Centre) Principal Alan Welde, (seated L-R) Emalie Loewen and Sarene Christopher. JANA SEMENIUK PHOTO
Graduate and aspiring singer Logan Daley (L) and his grandfather sang two songs together during the graduation ceremonies, 'Like a Child of God' and 'I Keep Praying'. this school with its mandate to not conform to the ways of this world. Even when they were under pressure from the government. “You value us and the importance of Christian education. Your support was imperative for us to stay. Thank you, parents, for putting God in the centre of our lives and sending us to Christian School setting us up for success in the future.” Christopher’s mother, Lori-Ann Christopher, gave a response from the parents, praising the graduates’ tenacity and accomplishments. “What I do know is we as parents above all value these children and the times we have with them. (Graduates) pinch yourself. You are here, you made it,” she said. “This is reality. Congratulations, you are amazing. You persevered through some very tough
challenges, temptations to be frustrated, making accomplishments and brand owners. You have been building for a strong future starting with a firm foundation in Christ.” Additional guest speakers included Pastor Chris Ulriksen, Society Board member Jon Kauffman, and Cornerstone teacher Zach Burgess. Graduate, and aspiring singer, Logan Daley entertained the crowd by singing two heartfelt songs with his grandfather; ‘Like a Child of God’ and ‘I Keep Praying’. A small group of parents also sang ‘The Blessing’ while one mother played the piano and sang. The evening concluded with a prayer by teachers Miss Lee, Miss Stewart and Mr. Burgess for the graduate’s success and protection in the future.