6 - The Review, Weyburn, Saskatchewan, July 3, 2019
Weyburn Comprehensive High School Graduation 2019 Class of 2019 urged to ‘do something great’ By Greg Nikkel The Class of 2019 was urged to take their motto to heart, and to do something great as they go on with their lives after graduation, in the message from principal Ryan Fowler at the graduation ceremonies on Thursday at the Cugnet Centre. The class motto was part of a large art piece of a tree at the back of the stage, and read, “Wings to show what you can become, roots to show where you’re from.” The large auditorium was filled to capacity with a standing-room only crowd who took in the ceremonies, and were back in the evening for the Grand March, tributes and dance. The punch reception was held earlier in the afternoon, with many family and friends filling the Colleen Weimer Hallway and courtyard for photos with the grads. Using the imagery of wings and roots from the class motto, Fowler said the symbolism is very meaningful and can help guide their future steps. He suggested the wings represent their dreams, as well as those who are in their lives and help lift them up as they take wing to move on, and their experiences from the past 13 years of elementary and secondary school. “I believe each and every one of you sitting on stage has a dream for yourself, and has a dream for what you want to become. I believe each of you has the ability to make those dreams come true,” said Fowler. “I know you’re ready to head into this next venture, and I’m excited to see where those dreams take you.” He urged the grads not to forget those people who have nurtured and encouraged them over the past while, and who will support them as they pursue their dreams. He also pointed out that their experiences in school, includ-
ing at the Comp, are what have helped shape them, and shape their wings, as they prepare to take off. The roots are where they have from, with the love and support of one’s family and friends, and of the community and teachers as they grew and developed over the past number of years, said Fowler. “Class of 2019, take a look around you. Look at your fellow classmates, those who were with you and those not with you today have had a deep and lasting impact on the development of your wings and roots that support you. Support each other and challenge each other, and lift each other up,” he said. Fowler then had their parents, family, friends and community members in the audience stand up, and he pointed out that they are all part of the roots that give strength to their lives. “I challenge you to make a difference in our world, whether it be one person at a time or to make a lasting difference. Let your roots spread to those around you,” he said. In her remarks, Cornerstone trustee Melanie Sorensen urged the grads to take their memories along with them, as some will be cherished and others were of harder times but provided lessons they can learn from. As they move in their lives, they should “continue to learn and to grow. As you further your education or enter the work force, know that your life will ebb and flow, there will be booms and busts, and there will be triumphs and even tragedies. There will be joyous occasions, and opportunities to share your individual gifts with those around you. Look to others for guidance and believe in yourself,” she said, noting that life is “a journey, and you never know where it will take you.” In their tribute to parents, grads Caroline Manning and Emma Wiens
Good friends pose at Grad reception
Review Photo 6389 — Greg Nikkel
Some friends gathered for a group photo in the courtyard during the punch reception held for the Weyburn Comp’s graduation day on Thursday. From left are Theodora Addo, Keirson Hennes, an unidentified friend, Laurae Rossow, Payton Werewka and Payton Mabee. thanked their parents on behalf of the grad class, noting while they may not always show their appreciation, they are thankful for everything their parents did for them and with them over the years. “You were there by our side. You also shared your interests with us, and helped us develop our own. Your interests often became our interests, because you were such good role models,” said Caroline. “You taught us the value of perseverance. It will continue to positively affect us for the rest of our lives. Along with perseverance, you gave us a strong work ethic and a sense of confidence in our endeavours.” Emma said their parents are excited to see where their lives will take them. “Our decisions for after high school were guided by your wisdom for those of us leaving home. We know we will think of you and all you’ve taught us. Just because we’re leaving doesn’t mean we’ll be gone forever. … Although we won’t have you by our
Standing ovation as grad dedicates time to Kailynn
sides, we’ll remember the life lessons you have taught us throughout our lives.” The girls’ mothers, Tammy Manning and Kim Wiens, provided the reply, noting they taught a good number of the grads when they attended Assiniboia Park or Haig Schools. “As we look around this room we see and recognize many different emotions,” said Tammy. “We see pride in each of the family members’ faces as they consider their grads accomplishments. As young adults, you have set your goals and are setting out to achieve them. Whether the success is in academics, sports or performing arts or other clubs, each parent in this room is proud of what his or her child had achieved with determination and perseverance.” Kim added there is also a bittersweet element for every parent as their lives will be different without their child there every morning as they were through the days of school, but no matter where they go or what they do, “our love
and support will remain the same. We’re always just a phone call, text or snapchat away, regardless of the time of day.” The final words from the parents were, “Be true to yourself, remember the morals we’ve instilled in
you, and at the end of the day, remember you have to be happy with your choices and able to live with your decisions. Be happy, live your life to your fullest … and last but not least, no matter what you do, do not wash the whites with the reds.”
Winner of Governor-General’s medal Principal Ryan Fowler congratulated Lorynn Labbie for winning the Governor General Medal, for having the highest average after taking all marks from Grades 11 and 12. She had an average of 98.6 per cent. She was presented with the medal at the Grad ceremonies on Thursday in the Cugnet Centre. She had been presented with the R.C. Smith Proficiency Award and the T.C. Douglas medal for females, also for having the highest average in Grade 12. Review Photo 6508 — Greg Nikkel
Review Photo 6809 — Greg Nikkel
The graduating class of 2019, along with parents, family and friends stood to give a standing ovation to Hannah Grieve and her escort, Preston Hoffart, after it was announced she was dedicating her grad to her friend, Kailynn Bursic-Panchuk, as she carried her photo at the Grand March on Thursday evening in the Cugnet Centre. Kailynn had wanted to graduate with her friends, but she was tragically killed in a collision with a train last August. Her mother, Sandra LaRose, set up a scholarship in Kailynn’s memory, and Hannah and Jillian Labatte were the first recipients of that scholarship.
The Review, Weyburn, Saskatchewan, July 3, 2019 - 7
Valedictorian urges class to value friends, work hard By Greg Nikkel The Class of 2019 has come through many life and class lessons in their years of schooling, but will need to cling to “true friends” and work hard as they look to succeed in the years to come. These were some of the words of advice from the Weyburn Comp’s class valedictorian, Cywin Tapia, at the graduation ceremonies held on Thursday afternoon at the Cugnet Centre. In his speech, he noted some of the successful people in his class (such as Landon Field, a possible future prime minister), and successes of classmates, such as those on the basketball team who won the McLeod Series over Estevan, and those who came back with medals from the Skills Canada competition. Tapia noted that graduates are widely talented students who will excel in such areas as being chefs, social workers, carpenters, machinists, welders, hairstylists, computer technicians, “and possibly maybe even the first Weyburnborn astronaut”. “High school has had its ups and downs, and we were fortunate enough to have those friends, or even a friend, to go through those ups and downs,” said Tapia, listing the challenges ranging from stressing over finals, procrastinating over a valedictory speech, or “writing a song about a girl who’s rejected you, to ease your broken heart.” As classmates depart
to chase their futures, he said, “let us not forget who’s been there for us, the ones who rode along with us when you first walked through the doors of WCS … those who stuck with us right from when we first arrived and proved to be the real ones.” He went on to quote Oprah Winfrey, and said, “Hopefully everything happens for a reason. Honestly, it’s all a matter of perspective. People change, so you learn to let go. You get rejected so many times so you can find the right person, so you can comprehend the actual value, and finally, you
fail so you can win one.” “It’s not going to be an easy road out there. The drawbacks we’re about to face should be seen as a learning ground. The challenges will eventually lead us to success,” Tapia added. Passing one of the life lessons that was passed on to him, he said, “A few days ago, I was sitting on the couch, scrolling through Snapchat, and a wise man sitting across from me passed on an ideology I came to ponder on: ‘Expecting things to change without putting in any effort is like waiting for a ship at the airport’,”
earning some laughter. Tapia went on to point out that while life will not be a walk in the park, the challenges should not dismay them. “Yes, we want to succeed, and yes, we want to be able to accomplish our desires, but no, it will not be simple. Hard work and dedication must accompany our journey to triumph. It will take time and require patience to achieve what we want. Once we put in the effort, it won’t always be perfect, but that’s when you realize, it occurred for a reason. Mistakes will be made on
the way to success,” said Tapia. When a person makes a mistake, that will be when one’s true friends will become more important in their life. “They will be the ones who will motivate you and keep you working for what you want. I know life can be intimidating, but we have lots to offer. No, the path will not be simple, but we are competent. We are qualified
to say, ‘yes we can’. I know that each and every one of us are able to put effort forth and meet our dream. We are a talented group of people and are worth showcasing,” said Tapia. He pointed out that each graduate has learned valuable lessons at WCS, lessons which are “stepping stones that will guide us”, and added, “I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us!”
Valedictorian delivers address Friends and sisters celebrate Grad
Review Photo 6415 — Greg Nikkel
A group of graduates who are good friends, along with some of their sisters, gathered for a group photo during the punch reception in the courtyard for the Weyburn Comp’s graduation day on Thursday. From left are Mikaila Mahnke, Brynn Romanovitch, Lorynn Labbie, Tori Mahnke, Alyssa Romanovitch and Jamie Labbie.
Cywin Tapia, the class valedictorian, delivered his address to the grads, parents, staff and community members gathered for the grad ceremonies on Review Photo 6635 — Greg Nikkel Thursday at the Cugnet Centre.
Get the picture? Grad choir performs at grad ceremonies
Review Photo 6615 — Greg Nikkel
The Grad Choir performed two songs as part of the graduation ceremonies on Thursday at the Cugnet Centre, directed by Holly Butz. The songs were “May the Music Never End” and “Reaching For The Stars”.
Grads gather for photos at punch reception
Review Photo 6441 — Greg Nikkel
Graduates Caroline Manning, Mackenzie Kot and Ben Anderson tried to frame their faces for a photographer as they posed during the punch reception held on Thursday for graduation day at the Weyburn Comp School.
Review Photo 6429 — Greg Nikkel
The Colleen Weimer Hallway was packed full with graduates, their families and friends during the punch reception held for Graduation Day on Thursday at the Weyburn Comprehensive School. The ceremonies were held in the late afternoon, and then the Grand March, tributes and dance were held in the evening.