SATURDAY, JUNE 22 - 2024
MSS Grad of 2024
Good afternoon, it is my pleasure to be here today on behalf of the School District and the Ministry of Education and Childcare.
I would like to welcome all of you to this year’s Graduation Ceremony and to give my sincere congratulations to you, the Graduation Class of 2024.
Today we gather not just to celebrate academic achievements, but to honour the unique path that each of you have taken to arrive at this very special moment. Learning online has increasingly become the norm; however, the
experience itself remains unique. It is self-directed, self-paced, and reflective of your personal interests and determination. The experience has taught you not only academic skills, but also reflects a deep selfawareness and the ability to forge your own path in the world.
As you continue on your journey, remember the importance of walking your own path, but also the power of helping others find theirs.
You are in a world that needs new ideas, brave approaches, and compassion. Use your education and gifts to uplift others, to build
bridges where there are walls, and to support those who come after you.
Today is a celebration of your achievements but also a celebration of you. Graduates, you have navigated your own journey, overcoming obstacles and finding solutions when challenges presented themselves. During those times you likely had support, and I encourage you to take time to thank those who provided advice or a helping hand. Graduates, you are beginning a new, exciting, and rewarding chapter in your lives. Continue to choose
Big Apple Prom
your own path and rely on all you have learned and the relationships you have fostered to keep you moving towards your goals.
On behalf of the District, I would like to extend my congratulations and encourage you to forge ahead with courage, kindness, and an open heart, ready to uplift yourself and others along the way.
Thank you and I wish you all the best for the future.
Mr. Stephen McNiven SD58 Superintendent of Schools
Franchesca Adams Korbin “ylaahl ‘tlaats ‘gaa” Adams Mason Agar
Phoenix Aspinall
Isaac Asselstine
Dylan Ball
Kylee Bernier
Leya Berryman
Tyrel Bob
Keiana Briscoe
Tristan Broman
Tyrese Basil Rae Bassett
Owen Bateson
Ren Becker
Domanic Beckett
Rylan Bennett
Jenna Brewer
Ladies, gentlemen, distinguished guests and bewildered parents who can’t believe their kids made it this far without burning the house down, welcome. I stand before you today as someone who embodies both winning and losing. While many of you were out enjoying time with friends, I was often in my room, buried in homework and being overly nice to teachers. Those countless late-night dates with calculus may have helped me achieve academic success, but they also cost me many fun moments and memories. So, even though you might see me as a winner, I nd myself wishing I had been more carefree. I wish I had spent less time with textbooks and more time getting to know all of you amazing people. Before I start my speech, I would like to recognize some important people and places that helped us get to
Valedictorian
where we are today. In the beginning of our journey, elementary school taught us the basics of academia, and almost taught us how to stay out of trouble. My time at Nicola Canford was especially wonderful, it really was the place to be. I want to thank Mr. Bergmann for always making space for me in his office. Elementary school was a time of joy and endless curiosity. Marked by laughter and a remarkable sense of learning, as it prepared us for life at high school.
On my rst day of high school, in Mr. Finch’s English 8 class, he said something that stuck with me. He said, “You might think you have lots of time, but these next 5 years will be the fastest years of your life”. Of course, being 13-year-olds, we all ignored this thinking: “who is this weirdo in cargo shorts”, but he was right. Looking back, it feels like just yesterday I was in that classroom, small and clueless. Now, here I am, a little taller and still a bit clueless, but at least I know what a simile is!
As I re ect on my journey to this moment, I notice that in every aspect of my life I have been given many privileges. Whilst I am the person speaking to you today, I am acutely aware that many of my fellow grads have worked tirelessly, overcoming far greater obstacles than I have. Despite the fact that these individuals have worked extremely hard, their accomplishments can be diminished in the eyes of conventional success. Today, as we celebrate our achievements, let us also honour the resilience and determination of those whose journeys were littered with unseen struggles and under-appreciated accomplishments. I am deeply humbled by our unwavering commitment, and grateful for the lessons we have taught each other.
During our time in high school, the class of 2024 has faced many great challenges. In grade 8, we not only had to acclimate to life at high school, we also dealt with the Covid pandemic late in the year. Online learning brought a new perspective on education and taught many people lessons of responsibility. In grade 9 the Covid pandemic was still rampant, and our class was separated from the rest of the school in a cohort. Classes that ran for half the day brought plenty of time for learning, and a lot more time for fooling around in class. In grade 10 we learned that Mr. Larter has a beard, because he’d been hiding behind a mask for the last 2 years. Grade 10 was sooo close to being a “normal year”, until the oods struck Merritt and the surrounding areas. The
second major disaster in our class’s high school experience destroyed homes and interfered with many people’s lives. School was canceled for a few months, but we managed to nish grade 10 in two schools while MSS was going through repairs. Grade 11 marked the start of our “normal” high school adventure. We got to learn and grow like never before, and this is where our strong bond as a class began to form.
It is my belief that the grad class of 2024 has something special, something that has never come out of MSS before. See, the grad class of 2024 has a connection like no other. We are not just a group of individuals that happen to share a graduation year, we are a community, a family. We laughed together, cried together. We won together and lost together. We learned together, from the nervous rst days of grade 8 to where we are today, graduating. Our bonds transcend mere friendships, they are forged from shared experiences, struggles, and unforgettable memories. As we move into our next stage in life, I want to remind the class of 2024 that even though we are moving away, we aren’t moving apart. Even though we will be spread across the country and beyond, we will remain connected as the MSS class of 2024. As the most resilient, hardworking, and brilliant class to come out of MSS. I am so incredibly proud of everyone before me. It was a pleasure to learn and grow alongside you.
I do have one regret though, and its that I didn’t get to know all 138 people graduating today a little better. As compensation for this, I would like to offer a quote from Toy Story. It reads “You’ve got a friend in me”. I hope this quote nds a home in your heart, as it did mine. I hope you not only see me in this light, but everyone surrounding you today. I hope that you can look to your left and right and feel con dent that this sentiment rings true. Feel con dent that if one of us was in trouble and needed help, our connection alone would be enough to bring us together one last time.
As we look forward into the scary unknown, let us remember the moments that shaped us, the struggles that strengthened us, and the community that raised us. Let us remember the kindness and the connection shared amongst ourselves. Let us carry forward the values of resilience and dedication that has made our time at MSS so special. Congratulations to us all, and may our futures be as bright as our spirits are today. Thank you.
Jorja Collins
Ignatius Connolly
Riley Dalla Vecchia
Isaiah Davis
Heidyn Dawson
Triana Clarke
Lucas Dixon
Thomas Ehl
Gavin Fietz
Sophia Forman
Jamie Fountain
Kaitlyn Dixon
Liam Cartie
Hannah Charters
Lane Charters
Komalprit Cheema
Simon Cisco
Shantyl Brooks
GIndigenous Valedictorian
graduating class of 2024, on this most special of nights. Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the unceded territory of the Nlakapamux and Sylix people of the Nicola Valley.
Generally, I am totally ne speaking in front of people. I usually don’t struggle with the basics of public speaking, especially in front of my friends, classmates, and teachers I have known for so many years. But writing this speech was hard, like really hard. Maybe even harder than surviving Sambrook’s Pre-Cal 12 class…. well maybe not quite that hard. I want to accomplish 3 things tonight. First make you laugh, second, make you shed a tear, and third, leave you feeling inspired. And, the speech should be short, no one wants to sit here all night. So, I’ll give it my best shot….
Most of us, if not all of us, attended a very similar ceremony some 13 years ago in our elementary school gymnasium. It was our kindergarten graduation. Some of us have known each other that long. Others we have met along the way. I recently came across some of my kindy grad pictures. We all had our homemade grad caps on, made of brightly colored construction paper, placed on top of our cute, little heads. Big smiles on everyone’s faces, excited for the class party we would soon be attending, lled with cupcakes and treats. Kindergarten graduation day was all about the party, none of us had a care in the world, there was no decision making to be done, no pressure put upon us, yet……
things that haven’t changed. We sit in rows, all wearing our matching black caps and gowns looking so grown up and official. We are all so ready to move the tassel on our cap from right to left and then throw our hats high. And once again, we are all so excited for that class party, but the one this weekend will be slightly different.
And, the million-dollar question that we have been asked repeatedly since we began this journey 13 years ago, is still front and center “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
The question that used to be considered cute and funny now seems somewhat intimidating and so full of pressure. Now that we are all “grown up” everyone expects a serious answer. Most people assume that once you have these hard-earned diplomas in your hand, you magically know exactly what to do next. And yes, some of us may have our lives totally mapped out right now, heading off to university in the fall or we have already started our trades career. Others have full-time jobs lined up or are planning a year of travel.
ood evening fellow graduates, esteemed faculty, proud parents, and respected elders. My name is Rae Bassett, and I am a proud member of the High Bar First Nation. I am honored to represent the indigenous graduates of School District 58 this year. Thank you all so much for coming out to support us, the
That year was the rst time most of us heard the question we would be asked so many times throughout the next dozen years, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Back then, our parents and teachers were satis ed and mostly amused with our thoughtful and unique responses. “I’m going to be a re ghter!” “I’m going to be a cowgirl!” and of course “I’m going to be Batman!” Any answer was a good answer, there were no wrong answers, no pressure….
Now, years after that rst kindergarten graduation ceremony, here we all are, yet again. And as with kindergarten grad, there are a few
And that’s fantastic! But you know what else is fantastic…. Making mistakes and learning from them…. Changing your mind and not feeling bad about it…. None of us are on a strict timetable, there are no set rules or checklists to follow anymore. Do some travelling, maybe miss a ight and get stuck somewhere? Oh, well. Fall in love…. A lot…. with people, places, and experiences. Spend the summer driving an ice cream truck, then maybe realize that won’t pay the bills…. Change your mind, switch directions, it’s okay to take a detour and reroute. We may be nishing up our high school studies, but our real-life lessons are about to begin. So, for now, let’s make as many mistakes as necessary…. And then learn as much as we possibly can from them. That way, some day, when somebody asks, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” There will be no confusion…. The answer will be crystal clear.
K”uk”scemx” and thank you!
Rae Bassett
Tristen
Nicolas Hubbard Morgan Huff
Chloe Hughes Ava
Malena From
Maddie Fulford
Emily Furber
Noah Galbraith
Drucel Garcia
Stetson Fox
Brooke Gray
Brooke Gustafson
Axel Hansen
Megan Hatch
Tynan Head
Ayla Goss
Scholarship Recipents 2024
Scholarship Recipents 2024
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO
Alberta Fraser Bursary
Isaac Asselstine, Nathan Skotnicki
Charles M. Suttie Memorial Bursary Autumn Rusin
Best Western Willow Johnny
CUPE - Local #847 Scholarship Nahanni Thoo
Amen Lalli Memorial Award
Christine Perkins Human Rights Award
Beta Sigma Phi - Merritt Chap-ter Bursary
Douglas Lake Cattle Company Scholarship
City of Merritt
Dogwood School District Scholarship
Elks Lodge #441 Bursary
Harris & Co.
Eves Family Scholarship
Hospital Employees Union
Harkeet Ghag Scholarship
Interior Savings
Indigenous Advisory Council (Cherish Oppenheim)
Infracon Scholarship
Jeremy Bain Memorial Bursary
Jamara Joyal Massage
Lower Nicola Site Service (Infracon)
Merritt Firefighters/Monte MacLean Memorial Bursary
Merritt Masonic Temple
Holly Taylor
Willow Johnny
Iggy Connolly, Lindsey Hewton
Ayla Goss
Jillian Jarvis, Maggie Morris
Isaac Asselstine, Rae Bassett, Owen Bateson, Dominic Beckett, Kylee Bernier, Simon Cisco, Iggy Connolly, Kaitlyn Dixon, Sophia Forman, Noah Galbraith, Ayla Goss, Heidyn Hopkins, Chloe Hughes, Jillian Jarvis, Willow Johnny, Robert Lanin, Maggie Morris, Michaela Nicholls, Marissa Ouimet, Autumn Rusin, Brooke Shintah, Nathan Skotnicki, Megan Voigt
Rachel Rabbitt, Brook Robichaud
Rae Bassett
Isaac Asselstine, Ayla Goss, Nathan Skotnicki
Lindsey Hewton, Hayden Hopkins
Isaac Asselstine
Rae Bassett, Jenna Brewer, Kaitlyn Dixon, Chloe
Hughes, Lindsay Hewton, Willow Johnny, Mack Klassen, Marissa Ouimet, Nicola Peters, Victoria Preston, Brooke Robichaud, Nathan Skotnicki, Nahanni Thoo
Kylee Bernier, Simon Cisco, Ayla Goss
Owen Bateson, Lindsay Hewton
Rae Bassett
Nicola Peters, Lalli Randhawa, Jillian Jarvis, Nahanni Thoo
Sophie Sterling
McKenzie Manning
Maggie Morris
Merritt Volleyball Association Bursary Willow Johnny
Merritt Sikh Society Scholarship Komalprit Cheema, Marissa Ouimet
Mobil Gas Bar Bursary Cruz Slanzi
Mohinder Basi Memorial Bursary
Mr. Mike’s
Isaac Asselstine
Brooke Robichaud
Nicola Similkameen Principals & Vice Principals Assoc Kylie Bernier
Nicola Valley Holding Company Jacob King
Nicola Lodge #53 Bursary
Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
Isaac Asselstine
McKenzie Manning, Ignatius Connolly, Korbin Adams, Mason Agar, Rylan Bennett, Simon Cisco, Isaiah Davis, Lucas Dixon, Brooke Gray, Heidyn Hopkins, Nicolas Hubbard, Chloe
Hughes, Axel Klein, Shelby Mackie Fonos, James Merchant, Isabel Porter, Jaiden Ramsey, Erika Rigden, Laura Rivette, Korben Stump
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO
Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary Bursary Keiana Briscoe, Komalprit Cheema, Marissa Ouimet, Mckenzie Manning
Nicola Valley Teachers’ Union Rae Bassett (TA), Willow Johnny (Service), Gavin Fietz (Trade), Iggy Connolly, Megan Voigt
Old Time Fiddlers Scholarship Owen Bateson, Maggie Morris
Rotary Club of Merritt Scholarship Willow Johnny, Isaac Asselstine
Re/Max Legacy Bursary
Pharmasave Bursary
Alex Klein
Kylie Bernier
Rock Solid Industries Scholar-ship Jenna Brewer, Noah Galbraith, Hailey Vermiere, Megan Voigt, Willow Johnny
Royal Canadian Legion Isaac Asselstine, Ignatius Connolly, Katilyn Dixon, Gavin Fietz, Maggie Morris, Marissa Ouimet, Nicola Peters, Brooke Robichaud
Skoflek Electric Rylan Bennett, Axel Klein
Smart Steps Isaac Asselstine
“Smitty” the Baker Memorial Bursary Dominic Beckett
Suki Randhawa Memorial Scholarship Kaitlyn Dixon
Teck Highland Valley Copper Bursary Simon Cisco
TNRD
Ty Pozzobon Memorial Award
Nicola Peters
Michaela Nicholls
Jilliann Jarvis
Willow Johnny
Trinity
Johnny-Voght
Carsyn Jones
Wade Kanigan
Ty Jackson
Jacob King
Mack Klassen
Axel Klein
Robert Lannin
Hunter Lee
Madison Karlson
Shelby Mackie-Fonos
Mckenzie Manning
Connor Martin
Noah Mccarron Obey
Nikki Lindgren
Ashton McKinney
James Merchant Wesley Moody
Maggie Morris
Linden Munson
Zoey Nelson
Michaela Nicholls
Jamez Oppenheim
Marissa Ouimet
Nicola Peters
Jaylee Poittris
Glen Newman
Victoria Preston Brooklyn Purdy
Rachel Rabbitt
Nathan Racher
Wade Rauch
Isabel Porter
Erika Rigden
Mariss a Ouimet
Nicola Pe ters
Br ooke Robichaud
Amira
Scott Florence
Kirith Sekhon
Gavin Shackelly
Tyler Shackelly
Alex Sheena
Kaden Schuitema
Nathan Skotnicki Olguin
Emagin Skwarchuk
Cruz Slanzi
Rylan Sparvier
James Stamp
Brooke Shintah
Laura Rivette
Brooke Robichaud
Autumn Rusin
Heaven Sargent
Lexie Schoenit
Timothy Scholtens
Yourteachers wish you successinthe future. Congratulations
Nicola ValleyTeacher’s Union congratulates the Grads of 2024. Youare the fruit of our labour.
Photo not available: Jordan Catchpole-Stewart Brenden Lindley
Holly Taylor David Sterling III
Elijah Walker
Corbin
Nahanni Thoo
Kirith Sekhon Hunter Lee
Brooke Robichaud TrianaClarke
Korbin Stump
Jorja Collins
James Oppenheim Trinity Voght-Johnny
Lucas Dixon Rae Bassett Kaitlyn Dixon
Michaela Nicholls Kylee Bernier
Rylan Bennett Morgan Huff Nahanni Thoo Autumn Rusin
Victoria Preston
GR AD UA TE S
Theteams at Klassen LandscapeSupply, ValleyCarriersand KlassenWood Co wish youall thebest on your next chapter!
Liam Cartie
Mack Klassen
LowerNicola Band School
THELOWER NICOLA BAND SCHOOL
INVITESALL CHILDREN (First Nations/NonFirst Nations) To Register for KINDERGARTEN to Grade7
FULL-TIME KINDERGARTEN
•Mustbe5 yrsbyDec 31, 2024
•Bus Services Provided to most areasofMerritt
HEAD STARTSERVICES:
•3 &4 year oldProgram (K4mustbe4 yrsold by Dec. 31,2024)
•HomeVisitingProgram
•Transportationprovidedfor allHeadStart programs
•Mom’s &Tot’s Services 0to6 yearsold
CURRICULUM:
•BcEducation Curriculum
•Two RecessesPlusA Lunch
•Nle?Kepmxcin(K-7)
•CulturalStudies
•LearningAssistanceProgram
•School SuppliesProvided
•Skate/Hockey Program
•Science of Reading
FACILITIES:
•Full-Size Gymnasium
•Classroom Libraries
•A CalmingSpace
•Baseball/Soccer Field
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
•Climbing Wall
•BasketballCourt
•Spinner
•Literacy& Numeracy BlitzesAfter LunchEvery Day
• We ParticipateInThe District Elementary Sports Program
•WeAre On TheLandFor FieldTrips Often
• We AreA Play Is TheWay School
Save On Foods would like to congratulate our employees and team members children on a job well done.
Class of 2024
Proudly supportingMerritt’s youth
Maddie
Fulford
Lindsay Hewton
Ashton McKinney
Michaela Nicholls
Nicola Peters
Heaven
Sargent
Cruz Slanzi
Asher Westergard
Korben Stump