On Friday, June 20, the Teulon Collegiate class of 2025 said goodbye to years of memories and learning, while looking ahead to the next chapter.
Dressed in their finest suits and gowns, the 29 graduates crossed the stage to the applause of friends, family, honoured guests and teachers, celebrating a milestone years in the making.
“It is truly an honour to welcome you to this year’s graduation ceremony, a celebration of growth, perseverance, and the exciting journey that lies ahead,” said principal Kristin Smith following the procession and the national anthem.
“Today marks a significant milestone, not only for graduates, but also for the families, caregivers and staff who have supported them every step of the way. In a small rural school like ours, we don’t just know students by name — we know their stories,” she said. “They faced challenges with determination, found their voice, and lifted one another up in ways that speak to the strength of our close-knit community.”
Smith then welcomed vice-principal and emcee Chelsea Meier, who introduced graduating student Sarah Tyluk to lead the annual rose ceremony. During the tradition, each graduate stepped into the crowd to present roses to their loved ones. Tyluk expressed her thanks on behalf of the class to parents, guardians, grandparents and teachers who supported them along the way.
During the presentation of graduates, Meier announced each student’s academic standing, credit total, post-graduation plans, and awards or scholarships received. Each graduate also shared personal messages or memories, and several community members joined the stage to present awards.
Rory Cook and Kyle Willis presented the first annual Clair Bond Agricultural Memorial Award to Avery Reed. “He lived for agriculture and his passion was contagious,” said Cook in tribute to the award’s namesake.
Rod Ledochowski, a phys-ed teacher at TCI, took the stage to present a slideshow of athletic highlights before announcing this year’s student athletic honours. Sarah Taylor and Jesse Johnson received Student Coach of the Year, while the Sports Leadership Award went to Sarah Tyluk. Athlete of the Year was awarded to Rylan Mott for the male category, and jointly to Avery Reed and Shiloh Nault for the female category.
Graduates who earned honours — an average of 80 to 89.99 per cent — and honours with distinction — an average of 90 to 100 per cent — were invited back to the stage to receive plaques. Margaret Ward, superintendent of the Interlake School Division, presented medals of excellence to students who achieved 90 per cent or higher in all three years of high school.
Ward later returned to present the Governor General’s Academic Medal to Natalie McGill for having the highest average across Grades 11 and 12.
Alan Campbell, chair of the Interlake School Division board, and trustee Sally Cook also joined the stage to present the ISD General Proficiency Award to Sarah Taylor.
“For trustees like Sally and I, just like the rest of the community, graduations are a time for joy, and for hope, and for love,” Campbell said. “And that love is sometimes love of the fact that you’re not coming back here — but mostly it’s love from family, friends and community for what you’ve accomplished.”
Valedictorians Shiloh Nault and Rylan Mott took to the stage with a mix of gratitude, humour and reflection.
“We did it, guys,” said Nault. “Today marks not just the end of our high school years, but the beginning of new adventures.”
Together, they looked back on childhood games, inside jokes and lessons learned — both in and outside the classroom.
“We’ve all had our fair share of bumps and bruises from the things we thought were smart at the time,” Mott said with a smile. “But we grew, and we learned — mostly from each other.”
Nault closed with a message about embracing the unknown: “We may not know exactly where we’re going next, but that’s OK. Don’t rush life. Go explore, meet new people, follow your dreams, and make a difference. Most of all, just enjoy the moment — like this one right now.”Before the grads headed outside to take photos and prepare for their SAFE grad celebrations, Meier recognized departing staff: English and band teacher Erin Fenske, Grade 7 teacher Michelle Macsymic, guidance counsellor Amanda Okeke, and educational assistants Alanna Spence and Mrs. Allen.
To close the ceremony, Principal Smith left the graduates with a final message of encouragement.
“Today marks the end of one chapter, and more importantly, the beginning of the next,” she said. “Whether you’re heading to university, entering the workforce, travelling the world, or still figuring it out, please remember the learning you’ve done.”
“One of the greatest strengths of growing up in a small town is a sense of belonging you carry with you. You know the value of hard work, of lending a hand, and of standing together when it counts,” Smith continued. “As you walk out of these doors today, I hope you carry both pride for how much you accomplished and courage to step into what comes next … Go forward with confidence, dream boldly, and never forget where you came from. Because no matter how far you go, this place, these people, and this moment will always be part of your story.”
