Carman Collegiate’s graduating class of 2025 crossed the stage on June 25 with cheers, memories, and a clear sense of pride after years of hard work, growth, and perseverance.
Held in the school’s gymnasium, the ceremony brought together family, staff, and community members to honour the accomplishments of the graduating class. Principal Mary Reimer opened the event by welcoming guests and acknowledging the support systems that helped students reach this milestone.
“These students have shown remarkable resilience, not just in their academics but in the way they’ve supported one another,” said Reimer. “We are proud of the people they’ve become.”
Elaine Owen, chair of the Prairie Rose School Division board, brought greetings on behalf of the division. She commended students for their determination and encouraged them to carry forward the lessons and values they developed during their time at Carman Collegiate.
Diplomas and school awards were presented, followed by a spirited and heartfelt speech from guest speaker Amanda Rheault, a Grade 6 teacher who had worked closely with many of the graduates during their early years.
“You’ve crossed the finish line of one chapter in your life—and yes, some of you sprinted across with confidence, while others rolled in with a crumpled assignment and an energy drink,” Rheault joked, to laughter from the crowd.
In her address, Rheault reminded graduates that the road ahead won’t always be smooth—but that the detours, setbacks and even wrong turns will help shape their path.
“Life isn’t a checklist or a straight road,” she said. “There will be potholes, missed exits, and probably someone in the backseat playing music you didn’t ask for. But that’s the beauty of it. The journey is the destination.”
She urged the class to lead with character, take chances, and stay curious about the world around them.
“You don’t need a million followers to make an impact,” she said. “You just need to care deeply, act bravely, and keep showing up.”
Following the staff-nominated awards and the presentation of the Governor General’s Academic Medal, graduates Ella Benner and Ava Nykoliation took to the podium to deliver the student address.
“Today, we don’t just stand here as graduates—we stand here as stories in progress,” they said. “Each of us shaped by the late-night cramming, awkward presentations, and friendships that carried us through it all.”
Their speech reflected on the transition from childhood to young adulthood, with memories of snow forts, spilled juice boxes and school spirit days woven alongside more recent moments of challenge and achievement.
“We started this journey learning how to print our names neatly and losing our minds over smelly markers,” they said. “Look at us now.”
The two thanked teachers and families for their support and encouraged classmates to move forward without fear—embracing change, taking risks, and leaning on one another when needed.
The ceremony closed with a sense of celebration and gratitude as the graduates tossed their caps and posed for photos with beaming smiles.
More than 60 awards and scholarships were presented throughout the afternoon, recognizing academic excellence, trades readiness, volunteerism, artistic achievement and leadership.
Among the top honours presented, Ezra Doell was awarded the Governor General’s Academic Medal and the Staff Award—recognizing both academic excellence and the respect of Carman Collegiate’s educators. The Governor General’s Medal is awarded annually to the student with the highest average upon graduation from a secondary school. The afternoon was a celebration of not only personal accomplishment but community connection—a recognition of the teamwork, mentorship and friendships that carried the Class of 2025 through uncertain times and into a hopeful future.
With diplomas in hand and memories in their hearts, the graduates left the gymnasium ready to take on what comes next—whether that be post-secondary education, careers in trades and agriculture, or time to explore and grow.
“Be kind. Work hard. Have fun,” Rheault reminded them. “And never forget—you’ve got what it takes.”
Standard Photos by Brett Mitchell
