REDVERS - For the classes of 2020 and 2021, COVID-19 prevented public graduation ceremonies, forcing schools and graduates to hold virtual commencement exercises online rather than in person.
Grads were quite limited in celebrating their achievements and receiving the recognition that they were due.
Consequently, much creative thought went into planning, resulting in things being done outside the box. It wasn’t quite the same, but grad ceremonies became more unique.
This year, graduating classes were able to have the best of both worlds. They were able to make use of the creativity of the past two years and add that to what had been done traditionally in the pre-COVID years.
In Redvers, graduation day was May 27. The celebrating started a week earlier, with the Grade 12 classmates getting together every evening at various homes to share memories and celebrate. The night before the grad, a scavenger hunt took place for the graduates. It was a week full of activities.
Then the big day arrived.
At 5 p.m., graduates and close family members gathered together for dinner. The grads then hopped onto a few trailers and were paraded through Redvers, modelling their graduation garb and giving the town the opportunity to honour them. The parade ended up at the school just in time for the official ceremonies to begin.
Mackenzie Chicoine and Jaycee Gervais emceed the evening which showcased the graduates and their achievements. Altogether, 25 graduates shared in the accolades. Highlights of the evening included the singing of O Canada by one of the class members, Jenna Aulie, a keynote address by Todd Butler and the handing out of diplomas and awards.
A slide presentation brought back memories of the 13 years of school that led to this evening. Kate Pirlot’s remarkable grades earned her the right to deliver the valedictorian address and then after a farewell address by Jade Krainyk and Sam George, the night was over.
