Celebrated by friends and family, the quaint 2024 graduating class of Inwood School finally faced the day which would both praise and conclude their adventures together, both during the past four years and since they were kindergartners. Now, they face the world in an entirely new way.
On Saturday, June 22, the Inwood community gathered in the school’s gymnasium to celebrate the achievements of their five graduates over the years, Arion Anderson, Cole Chewka, Ernest Keeper, Owen Sterzer, and Destiny Toews.
With such a small class, the ceremony was a testament to the close-knit Inwood community. The focus was on the attending graduates, Anderson, Keeper, and valedictorian Sterzer. “Being a small school, we appreciate and celebrate all the achievements. We can make a big impact together,” said principal Toshi Kupchak, highlighting the power of unity in a small community.
“I’d been their teacher for a long time and had seen them grow since kindergarten,” said Kupchak about Keeper and Sterzer. Kupchak started as their gym teacher in the first grade and later became their middle years teacher from grades five to eight. Having watched these students learn and grow, including Anderson who joined the class in grade eleven, and given that they are such a small graduating class Kupchak made them the shining stars of his speech.
The first star of Kupchak’s speech was Anderson, who will move forward with his strong ability to debate, vast knowledge about animal life, and dedication to hard work and helping others. Anderson spent much of his time at Inwood, aside from learning, making great conversation with anyone who would pass by in the hallway and working as a career development student at Madeline’s Closet, which is attached to the school.
Next in Kupchak’s speech came Keeper, who teachers and peers widely know as one of the nicest people around. Throughout his school years, Keeper has always been eager to help others, play floor hockey, and brighten people’s days with his great sense of humour. He volunteered in the kindergarten to fourth-grade classroom and did a standup routine at this year’s Christmas concert.
Last but not least, Kupchak’s speech noted Sterzer’s quickness to learn about gym class, his competitive and confident drive, and the stories he sparked in the school. Sterzer will progress with this drive toward success and looks forward to pursuing a career with Manitoba Hydro. Sterzer was the recipient of both awards given out at the graduation ceremony, the Derek Johnson Citizenship Scholarship and the Governor General’s award.
Kupchak ended his thanks and farewell speech to the graduates with heartfelt well wishes, “While our school may be small in size, the impact of our collective efforts reverberates far beyond these walls. Whether you choose to pursue further education, enter the workforce, or explore the world, you carry with you the values instilled in our small town. Let kindness, integrity, and determination be your guiding principles wherever life may take you.”
After a ceremony full of pride and praise, the graduates went outside, donning their robes and caps, to pop celebratory bottles as a smiling crew of three.
Tribune Photo Submitted
