On Saturday morning, June 7, 19 students took a step across a stage and into the next phase of their life as they graduated from St. Anthony’s School.
Family, friends, faculty and well-wishers gathered in the school’s gymnasium to watch the youth convocate. Bringing congratulatory messages were Drumheller-Stettler MLA Rick Strankman, Mayor Terry Yemen, Christ the Redeemer School Division Trustee Mark Chung, Christ the Redeemer School Division Superintendent Scott Morrison and Principal JoAnne Akerboom.
“Today you see the culmination of 12 years of hard work, dedication and hopefully a little fun along the way, pay off,” said Mayor Yemen. “I trust your time here at St. Anthony’s gave you the tools you need to go out into the world and make your mark.”
Congratulations to St. Anthony’s Class of 2014. They are (back; l-r) Travis Dietrich, Jaden Hamm, Nathan Comstock, Dennis Bijvank and Matthew Duncalf, with (2nd row; l-r) Jakub St. Jean, Ryan Cardamone, Joshua Hewitt, Jeff Suzon and Arvin Guiling, along with (3rd row; l-r) Andrew Kozak, Sarah Armstrong, Tyler Cosens and Christina Pugh, with (front; l-r) Gerone Baltazar, Brian Wiechel, Luis Pulvinar, Anthony Piecowye and Marika Zabat.
“As you enter the next phase of your journey, please remember that Drumheller is behind you, supports you, and brings vision for you.”
Principal Akerboom shared passages the students wrote upon completion of their volunteer projects. She also had some advice.
“With courage, hard work and persistence, it is amazing what can be accomplished, so go after your dreams. The results are worth it,” she said.
Sarah Armstrong was the Salutatorian and brought a message of thanks to the parents and teachers.
Principal Akerboom presented the graduates with their diploma, MLA Strankman presented the students with their provincial certificates, Ms. Chris Bzdel and Mr. Tom Stolz made a presentation from St. Anthony’s School and Mayor Terry Yemen presented the students with Town of Drumheller pins.
Jakub St. Jean delivered the Valediction address. He had a very personal message to his fellow students.
“Many of you are my closest friends and it is strange to think you were all once strangers to me. I like how our class has grown together, because everyone has grown out of their groups and socializes together,” he said.
“I believe everyone here has good times ahead. Sometimes you have to go get them, they won’t come to you. The worst thing we can do with our lives is something we don’t love. Life is too short to do something that doesn’t give you pleasure,” said St. Jean. “Do something you love with your life instead of following the path that others have made for you.”
