Wednesday, June 7, 2023 Vol. 46, No. 23
$1 includes GST
Your LOCAL Paper!
Viking Grad Class of 2023 Cover and Grad Spread photo courtesy Dreamlight Photography
Patricia Harcourt Editor
Viking High School held its farewell ceremony for 26 graduates on Friday, June 2, in the school gymnasium. This year’s class included Jorja Andreson, Rayne Arndt, Andrew Bae, Cianna Beaumont, Amber Dubeau, McKenna Flores, Keegan Grisdale, Robyn Hackywicz, Kirstin Haeberle, Caley Haydon, Makayla Hill, Katie Hrabec, Connar Hummel, Kass JenkinsDay, Jasmine Kaur, Kevin Kennedy, Denna Koch, Dillon Kolenosky, Halle Labreche, Chandra Laskoski, Rylan LeBlanc, Brayson McClements, Jade Pollington, Taylor Roulston, Kerry Simot, and Nelinora Wiebe. The ceremonies began with Master and Mistress of Ceremonies Mr. Vita Wong and Mrs. Shelby Roth greeting every-
one in the auditorium. During the Processional which followed, each grad’s name was called out as they made their way to the stage and had their future plans read out. A tribute was also made to Sierra Loades who died several years ago but would have graduated with this class. A picture of her was placed onstage and a single candle was lit as a reminder that her spirit was still with them. In honour of Sierra, family and friends hold a fundraiser every year for animal causes. Then the program continued with Class President Taylor Roulston reflecting on the students in the class. ‘Memorable Moments’ were provided by McKenna Flores and Jasmine Kaur; Brayson McClements and Dillon Kolenosky; and Cianna Beaumont and Katie Hrabec. Another humorous feature,
called ‘Most Likely To…’ was provided by Halle Labreche, Kirstin Haeberle, and Caley Haydon; and Kevin Kennedy and Andrew Bae. Local Beaver County Councillor Dale Pederson gave the audience a chuckle while offering some homespun advice for the grads. Local trustee Lyle Albrecht spoke on behalf of the Battle River School Board offering congratulations to the successful students. Also on hand were Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely and Deputy Mayor James Buttner, each congratulating the students on their achievement. School Principal Candice McLeod gave greetings from Viking School, and Erin Hollar brought greetings from the Viking Parent Council. Chandra Laskoski provided the 2023 Valedictory Address, acknowledging the help of parents, school, and community in
getting the graduates to this point in their lives. A slide show presentation showed the grads in pictures through the years as they were growing up. This was followed by Halle Labreche thanking the teachers, and Jade Pollington thanking the parents, for all their help through the years. The reply to these thank you’s came from Crystal Pollington and Cynthia Roulston. The grads then left the stage, each to be presented with their diploma by Principal McLeod and a flower to give their families during the touching “Forever Grateful” portion of the ceremony. The Recessional concluded the ceremonies, but everyone headed over to the community hall for a fun social gathering and to dance with parents, escorts and other grads.