Vegreville Composite High School Class of 2023

Vegreville Composite High School Class of 2023

Official portrait of graduates dressed in formal attire.

(Fiddle Leaf Photography/Submitted Photo)

Graduates throw their caps in the air.

(Fiddle Leaf Photography/Submitted Photo)

VCHS Graduation Ceremony

Vegreville Composite High School - Submitted

Vegreville Composite High School Graduation Ceremony was held on May 27 in the school gymnasium. A total of 500 people were in attendance, including dignitaries, staff, parents, families and friends. There were 57 graduates, and the ceremony began with the graduates highlighted one by one on stage prior to the formal speeches.

Graduates Emily Chetney, Hannah Driedger and Darren Ham delivered the tribute to staff. They stated, “Our teachers have not only been fundamental in our learning, but also in cultivating our personalities. They allowed us to express our ideas, no matter how ridiculous they were, and always let our voices be heard. They supported us in the stress of high school, making sure we weren’t overwhelmed, and understood the need for breaks.

Grad’s message to teachers read by Emily Chetney and Darren Ham.

(Fiddle Leaf Photography/Submitted Photo)

Teachers would teach with great enthusiasm, tell us interesting facts about the things we were learning, and show us pictures and videos to help visualize the content. While our academic teachers have been very vital on our road to graduation, this is also dedicated to the coaches and mentors who have brought out the best in ourselves, and motivated us to find and chase our passions.

For as long as we can remember, we were constantly learning. The efforts of the teachers, mentors, and coaches has resulted in the position we are in today.

On behalf of all the graduates, we thank you, and appreciate all you have given us during our time with you.”

Teacher Glenn Brophy responded, “As you move forward, remember that education does not end here. It is a lifelong pursuit, a continuous quest for knowledge and personal growth. The lessons you have learned within these walls extend far beyond the pages of textbooks. You have learned the value of hard work, the importance of collaboration, and the strength of perseverance. These qualities will guide you through the challenges that lie ahead and help you seize every opportunity that comes your way.

But as you go forth, remember that success is not measured solely by external achievements or material wealth. Success is about finding purpose and meaning in what you do. It is about pursuing your passions, making a positive impact on the lives of others, and living a life true to yourself. “I urge you to embrace the challenges ahead with courage and resilience. Know that setbacks are a part of life’s journey, but they do not define you. In those moments of adversity, you will discover your true strength and resilience.”

Grad’s message to parents by Mya Stemberger.

(Fiddle Leaf Photography/Submitted Photo)

Mya Stemberger presented the tribute to parents and families. She stated, “As I thought about what to write, while looking through baby pictures for graduations I realized how much our parents and families have watched us grow up and shape us to be the individuals we are today.

I’ve now realized how much we try to imitate our parents in certain ways, since they serve as role models for many of us here. For me, my mom has coached many of us in sports growing up and organized events. She’s taken on leadership roles which has influenced me to follow in her footsteps of organization and involvement in the community. There is no way to measure the sacrifices our parents have had to make for us and will continue to make as we grow. However, one way to show gratitude to the special people in your life here today would be as simple as saying “I love you and I appreciate all you have done” along with a hug. From having our baby feet be stamped and hung in a frame, to now walking across this stage today at graduation, our parents have been here guiding and supporting us along the way and will always be there to catch us when we stumble. We cannot express enough our thanks for nurturing and loving us always, even from the terrible twos to our teenage years, and now as we move on to our new path in our adult world."

Parent Sheila Stemberger replied “Good afternoon, it is an honour to speak on behalf of all the parents here today and represent some of our thoughts and reflections on this happy occasion seeing our sons and daughters graduate.

I want to thank all those teachers and parents who have helped our children get to this moment as well as those who are here from our community as dignitaries to support our students on this special day. I believe every child has a different path and as much as parents we want to guide them the way we think they should go, we all know they will ultimately choose their path and we hope it leads to happiness.

Teacher’s message to grads by Glenn Brophy.

(Fiddle Leaf Photography/Submitted Photo)

We want you to make good decisions and we know too that you will fall but you will learn from those mistakes. And that may not necessarily be a bad thing. We pray your mistakes will be small ones, but if not, we hope you will possess the courage and integrity to do the right thing in times of adversity, peer pressure and inevitably the easy way out.

What I would like to say to the students today is: Remember to say yes more than no and be willing to go outside your comfort level and take chances as sometimes those unknown chances turn out to be such amazing memories.

Travel, have plans and never stop learning and exploring and trying new things. Be willing to work hard, get dirty and have blisters.”

MP Executive Assistant Tina Warawa brought greetings from the office of MP Shannon Stubbs, Town of Vegreville Councillor Justin Curtis delivered a lovely message, and Superintendent Mark Liguori brought words of congratulations to the Grad class of 2023.

Superintendent Mark Liguori.

(Fiddle Leaf Photography/Submitted Photo)

VCHS Valedictorian Address

Alya Amusat - Submitted

As I look back on our time here, I am reminded of the countless memories we have created. Our journey has been one filled with growth, friendship, and unforgettable experiences. I know we won’t miss the lack of sleep or the piles of homework we were given. However, we will miss seeing our friends every day, the interesting classes that we had once in a while, and the sense of familiarity at this school.

I would like to thank all the teachers and staff who have guided us. Your dedication and patience along with each lesson taught, every word of encouragement shared, and the challenges you presented have all contributed to our growth.

I would also like to thank all of our parents and families for their support throughout our journey. Your sacrifices and belief in our abilities have shaped us into the individuals we are today. As we stand here, we share this moment of accomplishment with you.

It is important to acknowledge that our journey has not been without its share of setbacks and failures. But these very setbacks have made us capable of rising above adversity. As we move forward, let’s embrace failure as a stepping stone to success and an opportunity to learn. It is not the absence of failure that defines us, but rather how we respond to it.

Furthermore, let’s embrace a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Our time here has taught us things we may not use in the future such as historical dates or how to use the quadratic formula to find x. However, it has given us the tools to think critically, solve complex problems, and adapt to our changing world. Let’s stay curious, continue to question, and never stop learning.

As we bid farewell to this phase of our lives, the world awaits us, filled with both challenges and opportunities. Let’s look at the unknown with open minds and remain confident in our abilities as we take our next steps in the endeavors we choose to pursue.

Congratulations, Class of 2023. We stand here today as a testament to our determination and perseverance. May our futures be filled with boundless possibilities and exceptional achievements.