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News Advertiser
JULY 1, 2020
www.NewsAdvertiser.com
Vegreville Composite High School Graduation Michelle Pinon News Advertiser The orchestral piece ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ is a staple in graduation ceremonies, and that was no exception at Vegreville Composite High School (VCHS) as graduates walked the red carpet in their formal wear to the stage to receive their certificates throughout the week of June 22. Principal Rod Leatherdale said that is one of several traditions at VCHS, but instead of walking alongside classmates, each student strode down the carpet with their family members looking on. It was a private affair, because of COVID-19 gathering restrictions, and
the intimate setting created a very personal experience, and one that would be unique and special for each and every one of the graduates. Each family was given 20-30 minutes to enjoy their own private ceremony. The graduate’s favourite song, quote, memory, and shout out were all captured on video. Graduates changed into their caps and gowns and had one of their parents move the tassel from the right side to the left side during the ceremony. Graduates also got to throw their caps in the air after the ceremony was complete. Leatherdale said they purchased the caps and gowns for all 52 graduates as a
permanent keepsake. Staff tried to make the event as memorable as possible for the graduates, and families took advantage of their allotted time to take as many photos as possible to cherish and hold dear for years to come. “We would have loved to have had a full graduation, but it was still nice to be able to celebrate the students’ achievements with their families,” stated Leatherdale. The feedback from parents was very positive, and Leatherdale said staff were very happen to hear their responses, especially in light of the fact they weren’t even sure they would be able to hold a graduation ceremony a
few months ago when the health and safety restrictions were put in place. “These students are very special to us,” added Leatherdale. Pomp and Circumstance, was composed by Sire Edward Elgar back in 1901, and is a phrase taken from Shakespeare’s Othello recalling triumph in battle. Much of its meaning still holds true today as students have now entered the land of hope and will move forward on their own with newfound freedom and hope towards the future that is in front of them.
Vegreville Composite High School Tribute to Parents Katie Zuk Vegreville Composite High School Submitted Hello Parents and fellow graduates, As we all know parents play an important role in our development; caring for and nurturing us, guiding and protecting us, teaching us valuable life lessons and ultimately shaping us into the young adults we are today. While growing up, I am certain we take most of these things unintentionally for granted, asking why you are always in our business or telling you to shut our bedroom door on your way out. Having our parents beside us to celebrate our first big milestone will always be a blessing as we begin our journey into adulthood. We started this journey 13 years ago when you sent us on our first day of kindergarten, for some there may have been tears but understandable there may have been some relief that you could finally have a little peace and quiet. Every day you would ensure we were up in time for school, breakfast ready, clothes set out, and lunch packed. You never batted an eye when we told you the night before that we needed cupcakes made for the whole class for a birthday celebration or a holiday, even if that meant staying up the whole night. We could count on you to be there for us at the end of the day to share everything we learned that day or
Vegreville Composite High School Graduate Katie Zuk delivered the Tribute to Parents speech that was videotaped during the school’s graduation celebration that was held between June 22-25. (Vegreville Composite High School/Submitted Photo)
who we played with at recess. Then middle school began and that’s where the hard stuff began. This may be where some had more extracurricular activities than time in the day but
you still drove us around even after a long day at work. Now we started to want more freedom and go out with friends but got pummeled by questions like “Who’s going to be there?” “Where
is this happening?” “Are the parents home?” although it was annoying and embarrassing we understood that you were just trying to keep us safe. You dealt with all of our hormones and breakdowns when they were at their worst, which I know must not have been easy. Then high school hit and all the worries and stresses doubled, this is when we thought we needed you the least, having our license feeling like we had it all figured out until we realized that we actually had nothing figured out and we needed you now more than ever. Our workload doubled and now we had the stresses of the social aspect while balancing our studies, you often tried to help us thinking you took the same course 30 some years ago, but you soon realized that it’s not the same anymore, but you still tried you best to help us even googling formulas you didn’t even know existed or trying to teach us the old fashioned way. What I am trying to say is that there will never be a way in which we could thank you for everything you’ve done for us, and will continue to do for us, but on behalf of my fellow graduates and I, we would like to say thank you to our parents for being there for us for our first 18 years, and thank you for being willing to be there for our future. We love you.”
Vegreville Composite High School - CONTINUED from front page challenges we face determines how well we make it through. Like the world must persevere through this time, remember this perseverance in the future when faced with all the many obstacles that come along with life.
Nothing lasts forever, so hang on through the tough moments because there is a light at the end, no matter how impossible that may seem, and also don’t forget to embrace the good times, because they too are not guaranteed to last.
Despite all the many setbacks everyone has experienced in these past months, remember all things pass and there is always hope for new possibilities in the future. So, find joy in the now and keep moving forward.
Even though we could not all be together for this, I hope you all had a great time and I wish you all the best in your future. Congratulations class of 2020, we did it.”
Crisis Association of Vegreville Donates $5,000 Crisis Association of Vegreville Submitted The Crisis Association of Vegreville is donating another $5,000 to the Vegreville Food Bank. Earlier into COVID-19, the association had donated $5,000 as well. Pictured from left to right are: Crisis Board members, Sheila Jubenville, Millie Giebelhaus, Kaelyn Bodnarchuk, (Food Bank Treasurer) Meghan Saskiw, Board member. (Crisis Association of Vegreville/ Submitted Photo)
