Congratulations are in order for the 103 graduates of Collège Stonewall Collegiate’s Class of 2024!
On Tuesday, June 25, ceremony and celebration marked the moment at Veterans Memorial Sports Complex. Family and friends showed their support at the convocation for the 113th graduating class, which included polished performances by the school’s musical ensemble, as well as the jazz band and friends.
Principal Jason Cassils served as the master of ceremonies for the milestone occasion.
“Graduates, you did it! Kindergarten to Grade 12 — 13 years of school and you are ready to move on to the next stage of your lives,” he said.
“It’s a big day for all of you, but it is also a big day for your family, friends and teachers. They have been with you along this great journey. … Make sure to find the time to thank them for everything they have done for you. We are very excited to see what the future holds for you as you leave CSC today, ready to create your own future.”
Then Alan Campbell, Interlake School Division board chair, shared greetings and congratulated the grads.
As the grads took the stage one by one, Cassils explained the different types of diplomas, including the mature student diploma, individualized program diploma, 30-credit English program diploma and French immersion program diploma. He also shared details of the many awards, scholarships and bursaries the students earned.
In addition, he recognized students who received merit awards for maintaining an average of at least 80 per cent. Then he shared the names of students who received the Interlake School Division Excellence gold medals for attaining an average of more than 90 per cent in their Grade 12 year.
Cassils took a moment to recognize Mrs. Learmond and Mr. McCluskey, who won’t be returning to Collège Stonewall Collegiate as staff members next year. As well, he gave a shout out to Mr. Gabel, who is retiring after 36 years at the school.
Next up, valedictorians Lexi Anderson-Schmidt, Ethan Eberts and Keira Willey addressed their classmates and shared some photos that elicited laughter and fond memories.
The students’ last big academic transition —their Grade 8 graduation — was cancelled due to the onset of the pandemic, but they still found ways to stay connected while apart.
“We are honoured to be up here today,” Lexi said. “As we look out at you all, we can see athletes, musicians, actors, scientists, woods and metal workers, and authors.”
The trio also acknowledged their connection with Mr. Gabel during their years at Collège Stonewall Collegiate.
“Mr. Gabel has taught us throughout the past four years — and even taught many of our parents when they were in high school — so we believe it is fitting that he is also graduating with us,” Lexi said.
“We would like to thank Mr. Gabel for putting in the effort and dedication in teaching us, being enthusiastic to his school spirit, travelling around the world with 25 international trips, coached passionately for 39 years and even had class goldfish. He never gave up on the things he loved, and this can be a lesson for us all.”
To her fellow grads, Keira noted that they’re wrapping up the end of an era as they prepare to leave high school.
“Don’t think this is an end to the thousands of memories we have made here. The impact we as students have had on our school was not small,” she said. “None of these memories will ever be forgotten.”
Ethan offered reflections on the path that paved the way to their achievement.
“As we start our new journey in life, we look back at all the moments that have brought us to this point,” he said.
“We have overcome obstacles, starting with learning to tie our shoes and trying to figure out how to navigate the social world, then not making the team and trying to see where we fit into our village.”
Keira acknowledged the many palpable emotions filling the arena throughout the event.
“Parents, you are probably wondering where the time has gone. It seems not that long ago that these young adults we are honouring today were walking off to start kindergarten,” Keira said.
“Of course, for some of those students, those years between graduation and kindergarten could have felt like an eternity — and for some parents as well.”
Ethan agreed that kindergarten feels like a lifetime ago, but the experiences they encountered along the way helped shape them into the people they’ve become.
“We cannot forget that this is just the beginning of our journey; a launching ground for us to continue doing great things,” he said. “It is time for our next adventure. How exciting!”
Looking ahead, Lexi said the grads’ options are unlimited — yet their roots remain at Collège Stonewall Collegiate.
“As we move on, be kind to yourself. The world is changing and so are you. Work hard every day to make your goals reality and cherish the little things in life,” she said.
“Obstacles are inevitable, but it is how you react in the face of adversity that shows true character.”
After the valedictory address, Cassils announced that the winner of this year’s Governor General’s Award is Spencer Schaeffer, who achieved an astounding overall combined average in grades 11 and 12 of 96.62 per cent. He noted that two other students came within 0.39 per cent of this amazing mark.
Spencer was soon called back to the stage since he was also the recipient of the $1,000 Interlake School Division’s General Proficiency Award. In addition to maintaining top academic marks, Spencer has been an active school athlete and Link leader, while being involved in the community as a coach and ref. Teachers described him as courteous, respectful and an overall well-rounded student.
Along with their diplomas, the grads received certificates from MP James Bezan and MLA Trevor King. Students with Métis citizenship also received a bursary, sash, T-shirt and lawn sign, courtesy of the Interlake Métis Federation.
To wrap up the graduation festivities, nearly 500 people gathered for a banquet dinner at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg on Thursday, June 27.
“You have worked hard to get here and we are proud of you. Enjoy your time with your classmates and friends on Thursday, but be safe,” Cassils said to the grads in parting.
“You will look back at these celebrations as some of your most memorable experiences of your life.”
Tribune Photo Submitted
