The 17 members of the Grade 12 class at McLurg High School in Wilkie received their high school diplomas in a special cap and gown ceremony at the school, June 26. The majority of the scholarships and awards were handed out the following evening at the grads’ formal event in the arena as Principal Jim Shevchuk said the plan was to start small with this first cap and gown and gradually move presentation of more of the awards to the formal event.
The students were introduced as graduands when they took their places on the stage but, after receiving their diplomas from Principal Shevchuk and having their cap tassels moved from the left to the right, they left as high school graduates.
Prior to the presentation of the diplomas, Nicole Kobelsky, Living Sky School board representative, presented Kiri Myszczyszyn with the LSSD Board Scholarship.
Emily Hango, daughter of Darren and Michelle Hango, received the valedictorian honour cord. Prior to presenting her with the cord, Shevchuk commented on Emily’s positive attitude and her “unmatched capacity for learning.”
Hango’s average this past year was 93.5 per cent. She plans to study biomedical sciences at the University of Saskatchewan this fall, with the ultimate goal of attending the school of dentistry.
Shevchuk then gave the principal’s address to the graduates, noting that it had been some 20 years since he had last given an address to a graduating class. He concluded the address with three pieces of advice.
“You meet people for a reason. Either you need them to change your life or maybe you are here to change theirs for the better … You will never truly know the value of a moment until it’s gone. That makes it a memory! So please have fun, be smart but enjoy the moment and be careful who chose to make memories with …Sometimes the fewer words you say, the more your words will matter … I just think sometimes using that adult filter will improve your future, just because you used the right amount of words.”
Shevchuk and Kirsten Nett, current vice-principal, shared MC duties and Nett also gave greetings to the grads and audience on behalf of the school. Nett is the incoming principal at McLurg, assuming those duties for the 2024-25 school year.
Nicole Kobelsky delivered greetings on behalf of the school board, while Ruth Weber represented Living Sky School Division.
At the Saskcan Community Centre June 27, the graduates were dressed in their suits and gowns for the second half of their official graduation ceremonies.
Hango was called forward a number of times. Along with being valedictorian, she received awards for the highest marks in art, biology, calculus, history and math foundations 30, and was the recipient of one of the Wilkie Centennial Scholarships.
The other Wilkie Centennial Scholarship winner was Kieran Brebner. Brebner also had the top mark in practical and applied arts.
Tytan Skinner took home the attendance award as well as having the top marks in chemistry, physics and English.
Other award winners were Carter Wakelin – Agriculture Careers Award, Achievement Award and industrial arts; Brooke Bannerman – financial literacy, Luke Garrett – physical education, math workplace and apprenticeship 30; Chloe Brebner – Leadership and Achievement awards; and Corey Grieve – Sask Youth Apprenticeship scholarship. Garrett also received the Pride, Hustle and Desire Award.
The Governor General Medal for academic excellence, awarded to the student with the highest average when all classes taken in Grades 11 and 12 are counted, went to 2023 McLurg graduate, Emma Egert. As Egert was unable to attend June 26, the presentation was made at the June 27 event. Her average for both grades was 93.38 per cent.
The Class of 2024 is the 111th McLurg High School graduating class.
