Arborg Collegiate’s 2024 graduating class were called nothing short of inspiring and lauded for their pursuit of academic excellence at their graduation ceremony on June 26.
Several hundred family members and friends attended the ceremony at the Arborg Community Hall.
After opening remarks by master of ceremonies Heidi Simundsson, the grads proceeded to the stage, then Kate Friesen played the ukelele and sang O Canada. The audience and Friesen’s fellow grads spontaneously joined in when Friesen experienced a technical glitch with the mic.
Class valedictorians Sydney Burak and Jocelyn Friesen spoke about the impact they had on each other’s lives, highlighting memorable moments when they supported each other “like older sisters,” engaged in shenanigans “like mischievous little brothers,” brought treats for the whole class at Christmas and showed “exceptional skill” in areas such as the arts, sports and academia.
“Our class has always been tightknit and when we look back at some of the things we’ve done together, we cannot help but smile at all the good memories we made,” said Friesen.
Burak said that although they’ll have to transition to a life without seeing each other daily, they’ll remember the times they shared.
“It’s hard to imagine what life will be like without seeing you every day. But we know that each and every one of you will do amazing things,” said Burak. “They say you don’t know how much you miss something until it’s gone, and I’m sure that will be the case for our class. All the hard work effort and time we put into getting up here today has finally come to an end and it has been an absolute pleasure getting to know all [of you].”
The valedictorians thanked their parents for supporting them and their teachers for putting up with them and their “wild ideas.”
Express Photos by Patricia Barrett
Arborg Collegiate principal Krista Borgfjord said she had never cried at a graduation before but almost broke down when she saw her graduates all dressed up.
“I had the pleasure of teaching this class back in Grade 9 and it’s been truly wonderful to watch each and every one of you grow and mature over the past four years,” said Borgfjord. “The transformation that I witnessed in each of you is nothing short of remarkable. You have evolved into confident, capable and determined individuals ready to face the world head on. I would like to commend our graduates for academic excellence, dedication to learning, perseverance in the face of challenges and your unwavering commitment to achieving your goals. You’ve been nothing short of inspiring.”
Evergreen School Division superintendent Scott Hill congratulated the graduates for earning their high school diplomas and urged them to make a difference in the world.
“As you leave the halls of ACI and step into the next chapter of your lives, carry with you the lessons of compassion, joy, hard work, independent thought and empathy,” said Hill. “Strive to be contributing citizens in our democratic society. Use your voices, your minds and your hearts to make a difference.”
Guest speakers Haley Fisher and Scott Stadnek shared fond and humourous memories of teaching the grads over the past four years, highlighting their impish antics as well as their support for one another and kindness and empathy towards others.
Express Photos by Patricia Barrett
Stadnek shared some parallels between life and a wireless mouse – which some of the grads used to habitually hide on him – and pertinent advice about life after high school. With regard to “limited range,” Stadnek advised the grads to not “stray too far from the people and lessons that have shaped you into who you are today.”
Fisher said the grads allowed her to experience what it’s like to be a mom, and she shared with them a recipe for how to be a beautiful human being.
“As you embark on your new phase of life, you might not know for sure what you’re going to do and that’s OK. Throughout your time at ACI, you’ve been shaping who you are. Some of your identities have been based on being kind and inclusive, others on being ambitious and dependable. Some of you see yourselves as talented and daring, others as cautious and sweet,” said Fisher. “Rather than focusing on what you do, define yourself – and others – by your attitudes and how you treat people, and what makes you a unique and beautiful human being.”
Twenty-one of the 30 graduates have stated their intention to pursues post-secondary studies. Over 40 local businesses, service organizations and individuals presented many grads with bursaries and awards. The University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg also provided entrance scholarships.
Principal Krista Borgfjord presented Jocelyn Friesen with the Governor General’s Academic Medal.
After the ceremony, the grads and their families gathered outside for photos.
Arborg area resident Cindy Genik, who’s among a group of people, churches and businesses who helped Ukrainians settle in the Interlake after they fled the Russian invasion of Ukraine, said she’s so proud to see four of them graduate from Arborg Collegiate.
“Having watched all the Ukrainians who came here, having to learn English and go to school, my heart is so proud of everybody,” said Genik. “I just love them like they were like my own children.”
