The DVSS Class of 2019 is on Cloud 19 after receiving their diplomas on Saturday, May 25.
The convocation honouring 77 students, was held at the Badlands Community Facility in front of family, friends, and well-wishers. There were graduates who have spent their entire life in Drumheller as well as students from across Canada and the world.
Principal Curtis LaPierre welcomed the community and Aria Saltys, Bailey Chung, Liz Keza, Rachel Fawibe, and Erin Bertsch performed O Canada.
Mr. LaPierre and associate principal Brad Teske presented the DVSS certificates and principal of alternative programs, Jennifer Bertsch presented DVSS pens. Golden Hills School Division trustee Justin Bolin presented DVSS pins and Wes Miskiman, Golden Hills associate superintendent presented Golden Hills pins. The Honourable Kevin Sorenson presented the Government of Canada Certificates, MLA Nate Horner presented the Government of Alberta Certificates and Mayor Heather Colberg presented Town of Drumheller Pins.
Brandon Holden performed the Address to the Parents and Wendy Nail and Leslie Boyko provided the response. Kate Guo delivered the Address to the Teachers and Angie Gill provided the response.
Diploma Subject awards:
The English 30-1 award, sponsored by Western Chevrolet Buick GMC was presented by Mr. Doug Lubinski to Brandon Holden.
The Social Studies 30-1 award, sponsored by Canalta was presented by Mrs. Heather Jones to Aria Saltys.
The Chemistry 30 award, the Elson & Pat McDougald Scholarship was presented by Mr. Elson McDougald to Kate Guo.
The Physics 30 award, sponsored by Herman, Kloot & Company, was presented by Mr. Andre Wilkins to Josh Guo.
The Biology 30 award, sponsored by Drumheller Associated Physicians was presented by Dr. Johann Kuschke to Zarek Fisher.
The Social 30-2 award, sponsored by Friends of DVSS was presented by Mrs. Koren McDougald to Kassidy LeBlanc.
The Math 30-1 award, sponsored by ATB Financial was presented by Mr. Chris Sadler to Mary Park.
The English 30-2 award, sponsored by the 2018 DVSS Grad Class was presented by Mr. James Foster to Malcolm Kimmel.
The Math 30-2 award, sponsored by CIBC was presented to Jade Coleman.
Grade 12 Subject awards:
The Music 30 (Choral) 2 award, sponsored by Richardson Bulk Sales Ltd was presented by Mr. Blain Stenberg to Bailey Chung.
The Drama 30 award, sponsored by Western Chevrolet Buick GMC was presented by Mr. Doug Lubinski to Brandon Holden.
The Art 30 award, the Marie “Amy” Kuschke Memorial Award was presented by Dr. Johann Kuschke to Jade Coleman.
The Instrumental Music 30 award, sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Leonhardt was presented by Mr. Ron Leonhardt to Kylie Dutton.
The Foods 30 award, sponsored by Yavis Family Restaurant was presented by Mr. Mike Yavis and Mrs. Amy Jensen to Tessa Chomas.
The Math 31 award, sponsored by Hi-Way 9 Express Ltd was presented by Ms. Shannon Wade to Josh Guo.
Special Awards:
The Alex Semaka Memorial Award is presented to a student driven by the spirit of competition and emulation, to strive for success and excellence and is entering a faculty of education. It was presented by Mrs. Shannon Palomaki to Kate Guo.
The Freemasons of Drumheller Bursary in Memory of Lorraine M. Hunter. In order to qualify for this bursary, a student must go on to post-secondary education, be a good all-around student, and must have demonstrated leadership in the community and/or school. Also, the student must have completed high school in three years, all at DVSS. It was presented by Mr. Don Ewing and Mr. Mike Yavis to Casey Hartman.
The DVSS International Award is presented to a student who has been the most dedicated to the International Program at DVSS. It was presented by Mrs. Koren McDougald to Rachael Fawibe.
Anderson Drugs/Freson Brothers Pharmacy Award is given to a student who has been a good student at DVSS and will be attending a science program at university. It was presented by Pat Doyle to Erin Bertsch.
The Bancroft Student Bursary. In order to qualify, the student must be accepted to a post-secondary institution, demonstrate leadership qualities and be recognized as an individual of honesty and integrity. It was presented by Mr. Ken Briault to Brandon Holden.
The DVSS Spirit Award sponsored by Century 21 Power Realty is awarded to the graduate who demonstrated all qualities and characteristics that made DVSS a better place for everyone. It was presented by Mrs. Kim Suntjens to Brandon Holden.
The Drumheller Hospital Auxiliary Society Award is given to the student who has applied and been accepted to a School of Nursing or LPN course and must be attending in the fall. It was presented by Ms. Sheila Nill to Cari Boyko & Taylor Plante.
The Sam Brown Award is presented to a student who displays athletic excellence, demonstrates leadership, and affirms the importance of exercise and physical activity to health and well being. It was presented by Mr. Sam Brown to Hunter Bitner.
The Rotary High Academic/Citizenship Award is given to a student who has achieved a high academic standing and also has participated in school and community activities. It was presented by Mr. Ken Briault to Aria Saltys.
The R. Neuman Theatre/Musical Theatre Award is presented to a graduating student who has shown outstanding representation to the theatre program at DVSS by participating in a major theatre or musical theatre production(s) staged by Drumheller Valley Secondary School. It was presented by Mr. James Foster to Heleman Ochoa.
The Drumheller & District Chamber of Commerce Business Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship is awarded to a graduating DVSS student enrolled in a post-secondary program in business management. It was presented by Ms. Shannon Wade to Jessie Cheng.
The Drumheller Minor Hockey Award. Drumheller Minor Hockey believes hockey is an important community program that develops many skills and attitudes in young people that will help carry them into their future lives. This was presented by Mr. Lyle Cawiezel to Kristian Patterson.
Three Drums of Wheat Local #20 ATA Teaching Scholarship is given to the student who is accepted into a recognized college or university into a Faculty of Education. It was presented by Mr. Andrew Berdahl to Kate Guo.
The McDonald’s Youth Leadership Award is presented to a student that has shown strong leadership and initiative at school and in the community. It was presented by Ms. Lynn Secord to Heleman Ochoa.
Drumheller Korean Community Award is presented to either a local or international student that is attending post-secondary education. It was presented by Mr. Jason An to Brooklyn Plante.
Home Town Realty Peter van der Heyden Memorial Scholarship is presented to the student who has shown community involvement, is well rounded and compassionate towards others. It was presented by Mrs. Arlene van der Heyden to Emilya Wright.
The DVSS Leadership Award, presented by the 2018 DVSS Grad Class is awarded to a DVSS student who has shown leadership in the current school year. It was presented by Ms. Jessica Frisky to Kaylan Wipf.
The Royal Tyrrell Museum High Science Award is presented to a student who has the highest science average based on a minimum of two 30-level science courses. It was presented by Mr. Andy Neuman to Josh Guo.
The Jacor Marketing Award is given to a student who best exemplifies student equality by taking measures to prevent bullying and promotes inclusion within the student body. It was presented by Mr. Jason Rasmussen to Calin Schnurer.
The Schumacher, Gough & Company Award is given to a student who excels in both athletic ability and academic achievement. It was presented by Mr. Harry Gough to Zarek Fisher.
The Interpipeline Award is given to a student continuing on to a post-secondary school and pursuing a business/financial program. It was presented by Ms. Danee Kranzler to Harrison Martynes.
The Sil-Con International Program Student Liaison Award is presented to a local Drumheller and area student who did the most to help international students succeed and feel welcome at DVSS and in the community. It was presented by Mr. Brad Teske to Tessa Chomas.
The Stella Sikora Academic Award. In order to qualify for this award, a student must attend university. Community involvement is also taken into account. It was presented by Mrs. Lodja Sloan and Mr. Stan Sikora to Mikaela Smith.
The TKD Catering Bursary is in recognition of an international student that has an outgoing, positive personality, has been an ambassador for the DVSS international program, and has contributed to the cafeteria. It was presented by Mr. Curtis LaPierre to Rachael Fawibe.
The Merit Contractors Association Career and Technology Studies Award is presented to the student who has achieved top standing in a Grade 12 construction related course and has demonstrated a high interest, leadership qualities and a co-operative attitude towards fellow students and teachers. It was presented by Mr. Dean Welke to Kristian Patterson.
The O’Shea’s Menu Contest Scholarship is awarded to the students who participated and won the O’Shea’s and DVSS menu contest in April 2018. Students were marked on presentation of the item, the number of times sold for the month-long contest and guest feedback on their dishes. It was presented by Mrs. Heather Jones to Seungju Lee.
The Drumheller Chiropractic Centre Science Scholarship is awarded to a student who is accepted to a post-secondary education program in Health Sciences. A passion for further education and pursuing a career in Health Sciences. Involvement in school/or community activities. It was presented by Mrs. Angie Gill to Mikaela Smith
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Drumheller Kinsmen Community Service Award is presented to a graduating Canadian student who is going to university in the fall and has been highly involved in the volunteer endeavours of the community. It was presented by Mr. Keith Hodgson to Grace Spitzer.
The Drumheller Lions Memorial Award is presented to the “Good All-Round” student in either academic or vocational programs. It was presented by Mr. Andrew Berdahl to Kaylan Wipf.
East Coulee Student Award is presented by The East Coulee Community Association to honour a graduate who resides in the hamlet of East Coulee or district who has volunteered on a continuing basis (whose parents have been regular volunteers) with the East Coulee Community Association. It was presented by Mr. Brad Teske to Tristan Albright.
Total Control Security Inc. Bursary is awarded to a student most likely to succeed in a trades field based on aptitude and academic achievement. It was presented by Mrs. Kim Suntjens to Braden Burrows.
The Kelley Hamelin Bursary is awarded to a graduating student who has demonstrated a love for life, determination, and a caring attitude and will be pursuing further education. It was presented by Mr. and Mrs. Rusty and Shirley Hamelin to Katherine Kaye.
Class of 64 Memorial Award is presented to a student who has been active in the school and community and who will be attending post-secondary. It was presented by Mrs. Margret Cousins to Bailey Chung.
The Moon Heavy Haul award is presented to a student who is completing Grade 12 and has shown a high interest in the field of mechanics or welding, has shown a positive attitude, is cooperative towards fellow classmates and to teachers. It was presented by Mr. Bob Davidson to Tristan Albright.
Mitchell Dawson Memorial Scholarship is presented to a student who is helpful, has a good attitude, is kind and respectful to other students and staff, is a positive contributor to school culture, and is always willing to assist others in need. It was presented by Ms. Linde Dawson to Jennifer Saunders.
International Student Community Involvement Award, sponsored by the 2018 DVSS Grad Class is for the international student who has been a good student at DVSS and was involved in school and community activities and/or has volunteered with youth. It was presented by Ms. Dana Alsafi to Vincent Jakl.
Western Communities Foundation Exceptional Achievement Citation And Bursary Award is given to a student who intends to seek further training or education to become a productive citizen of Canada and has overcome adversity. It was presented by Ms. Christina DeMille to Amanda Janes.
The Most Improved Student. Presented by Westview Co-op, this award is for the student who in attitude, grade, and sportsmanship, showed the greatest improvement since beginning high school (Grade 10). It was presented by Ms. Virginia Sakofsky to Braden Burrows.
Peterson Auto Body RAP Bursary is in support of a student interested in pursuing a trade. The student must have completed at least 15 RAP credits, been a positive asset to the business that employed them and is recommended by DVSS administration. (This bursary will be paid out upon the student’s 1st intake of schooling). It was presented by Mr. Ryan Hatch to Connor McDougald.
Kaleidoscope Community Theatre Scholarship is given to a student who has shown interest and commitment in either acting/performing or in the backstage and technical areas and has done so by being involved in at least three major productions. It was presented by Mr. Curtis LaPierre to Daniel Law.
The Excellence in Education Award - The Drumheller Mail Ltd., is presented to the graduating class valedictorian in recognition of the student who strove for excellence in education. It was presented by Mr. Patrick Kolafa to Josh Guo.
Governor General’s Academic Medal is awarded for academic excellence in bronze, at the secondary school level. It is for the student who achieved the highest academic standing in the final year of high school, based on the first and second-semester report marks. It was presented by the Honourable Kevin Sorenson to Josh Guo.
