After 12 years of hard work, perseverance and adventures in learning, the St. Laurent School graduating class of 2025 crossed the stage on the afternoon of Friday, June 27.
Graduate Rylee Pistun received the prestigious Governor General’s award for the highest average in her grade 11 and 12 years
During the procession of the 11 graduates, each paused for a photo under a balloon arch before making their way down the aisle to the stage in the school gymnasium.
Jean Gurr, representing the Prairie Rose School Division Board of Trustees, addressed the graduates with an analogy about growing in a garden and choosing to be your own kind of plant. Michelle Levesque, from the division’s senior administration team, also brought greetings and encouragement.
Before more words of praise were shared, the valedictorians took the stage to speak on behalf of their classmates. The first to speak was Maciej Adamski.
“It’s an honour to be here today. I’m happy to be part of this class and to represent it here, because despite any challenges my fellow graduates and I have faced, we still made it through,” said Adamski. “It’s been an amazing experience getting to grow up alongside the people of this school and this community—maybe not for all of my life, but for most of it.”
Adamski acknowledged how most of the class had spent their entire school careers at St. Laurent, growing and learning together in a close-knit environment.
“Even for students who haven’t always been at St. Laurent, it’s always nice to see how quickly people in this community get to know each other and become connected,” he said.
“It was a privilege to be part of this class—with talents in sports, music, academics, and so much more. I sincerely hope that as we go off to build our own lives, we all get to achieve our goals and keep moving upward from here.”
Next to speak was Shanaya Young, who also served as valedictorian.
“I’m proud to stand here today as a graduate of St. Laurent School,” she said. “The road hasn’t always been easy. But we made it—together. We’ve had a lot of moments: some funny, some challenging, and some we’ll never forget. We learned how to support each other. We found ways to make each day count. And even when things got tough, we kept going.”
Young expressed gratitude to the staff, teachers and families who supported the graduates along the way.
“You believed in us, even when we had doubts. You helped us grow, and you never gave up on us. To my classmates—you made this journey special. We’ve come a long way. Now it’s time to take the next step. Let’s celebrate this day. We earned it.”
Following the valedictory speeches, vice-principal Shane Buck took the podium. After two years at St. Laurent School, Buck will be moving on to a new role at Carman Elementary in the fall.
“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, take a new one,” said Buck. “As you step forward, continue to pave your own path with courage and passion. Stay true to who you are, and always try to make a positive impact on the world around you.”
Principal Bobby Ellis then addressed the graduates and the crowd.
“I want to begin by thanking everyone who made the time to be here today—families, staff, community members and friends—to celebrate this important milestone with our graduates,” Ellis said.
“To the graduates: whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or somewhere in between, you made it. You’ve earned your 30 credits, but more importantly, you’ve grown into young adults ready to take on the next part of your journey.”
He emphasized that graduation isn’t just about academics.
“You didn’t just pass courses—you navigated challenges, showed up when it was hard, and leaned on the people around you when you needed support. That’s what real success looks like. Every parent, guardian, teacher, coach and friend who walked beside you is part of this moment, and I hope you carry their encouragement with you moving forward.”
“Graduation isn’t the end of your story—it’s just a new chapter,” he added. “Education is more than academics. It’s about developing character, purpose and a sense of responsibility—not just for your own life, but for the communities you’re part of. And based on what I’ve seen from each of you, I believe you are more than ready.”
Finally, the graduates received their diplomas, along with awards, transcripts and tokens of appreciation from the school staff. As each student posed with Principal Ellis for a photo, Vice-Principal Buck announced their individual awards and future plans.
Graduate Rylee Pistun received the Governor General’s Academic Medal, awarded to the student with the highest average over their Grade 11 and 12 years. She was also honoured with the Hugh Sigurdson Memorial Award.
Other graduates received awards from local businesses, as well as recognition for sportsmanship, academic achievement, improvement and school spirit.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the 11 graduates stood together, turned their tassels from right to left, and tossed their caps into the air—celebrating the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next.
