Congratulations are in order for Lundar School’s class of 2025.
On Wednesday, June 25, the community gathered at the school for an outdoor ceremony to celebrate the 20 graduates. The sunny day mirrored the upbeat atmosphere of the milestone event.
After the procession of graduates, principal Lawrence Grzenda shared some meaningful words with the class.
“I am sure you have experienced a range of feelings in the last 24 hours, last week and last few months of your high school career,” he said. “This is common as you go through a life-changing event, which high school graduation is one.”
He encouraged the grads to take a moment to notice all the people sitting before them, including family members, friends, peers and community members.
“They are here to see you, support you and celebrate with you. These people are your people,” he said.
“They are the ones to help you, guide you and people you can rely on as you move into the next phase of your life. Remember that this group of people care for you.”
He stressed the importance of being aware of decisions and their impact. As the principal of the small rural school, Grzenda said he had a front-row seat to all types of decisions, ranging from those that were well-reasoned to others that were impulsive or downright ridiculous.
“In a way, the first 17 to 18 years of your life is a test ground for practising making decisions. Think about it — at some point, your parents finally let you decide what clothes you wear to an event. Later on, you choose if you want a summer job or just want to relax,” he said.
“You have had years of reflecting back and learning from these decisions, repeating some and altering others. As far as I can tell, living is making one decision after another. Whether it is your diet, occupation, hobbies or taste in music, you will be forever making decisions. Even not making a decision is a decision.”
With an air of optimism, Grzenda reminded the graduates to not fret about these endless choices.
“You will have your successes and you will have failures. Celebrate the ones you get right. Learn from the decisions you get wrong,” he said.
“My wish for you is to be true to yourself. Know what you want and go chase it. Make decisions that empower you to attain your goal. If you do this, you will have a chance to find happiness in life.”
Board chair Donny Thorkelson delivered greetings and a congratulatory message on behalf of the Lakeshore School Division.
Then valedictorians Andrew Miller and Sigga Vigfusson reflected on memories and hopes for the future with their fellow classmates.
The graduates’ achievements were further recognized through the presentation of diplomas, scholarships and awards.
Jasmine Arstall earned the Governor-General’s Bronze Medal award, which goes to the student with the highest academic standing based on the average of all Grade 11 and 12 courses. She graduated with an impressive overall average of 94.4 per cent.
The event wrapped up with a heartfelt rose ceremony in which the graduates gifted roses to special people who has made a difference in their lives.
