Grassland School's class of 2018 reflected and paid tribute to their roots during their commencement ceremony at the Grassland Community Centre June 16.
Family, friends, school staff and community members gathered to recognize the achievements of this year's class of seven graduates: Brooke Ballard, Shelby Ballard, Kyle Frey, Shae Pisarewski, Kelsey Pysyk, Ethan Rempel and Grace Willcott. The seven graduates were recognized with a series of speeches and awards, capped off by a traiditional graduation cap toss.
Valedictorian Kelsey Pysyk said in an interview the ceremony was a positive and overwhelming experience.
"Throughout the time, it seemed like it sucked being in a small town but near the end, it made it all worth it," Pysyk said. "Being with my classmates and being so close to everybody it was just the best part."
Pysyk, who plans to go into psychiatric nursing at MacEwan University, spoke of all the memories the class made together during her commencement ceremony speech. She also recognized the impact living in Grassland had on this year's graduating students during her commencement ceremony speech.
"No matter how many times we say we wouldn't miss this place, we will. Because this is our home. No matter how far we go or where we end up, we will always remember the town that raised us," Pysyk said. "Grassland made us who we are and I think we turned out alright."
The ceremony also featured speeches from Aspen View Public Schools superintendent Mark Francis, trustee April Bauer and Grassland School principal Robert Kerr.
Kerr said during his speech this year's graduating class was a diverse group with a variety of different interests they were pursuing.
"It's just amazing for seven kids to have such varying differences in where they're going and what their aspirations are," Kerr said in an interview after the ceremony.
He added there are always mixed emotions watching a group of kids he taught and coached graduate.
"To see them all at the same time graduating, that's pretty strong emotionally," Kerr said. "But I'm excited for them as usual. You're always excited for them when you try to think where they're going."
Graduate Brooke Ballard, who plans to go to Lakeland College to study as a veterinary medical assistant, said it was nice to reflect back on her school years during the ceremony.
"It was really nice looking back and having all those people remember all those things," Ballard said in an interview. "It really feels like the community's a family."
A graduation banquet followed the commencement ceremony, featuring a dinner, dancing and presentations dedicated to the graduates.
During his commencement ceremony speech, Kerr advised the graduates not to forget where they came from.
"Don't forget while you're climbing those mountains," Kerr said during his speech. "Don't forget to come back and visit us, or better yet come back and bring back what you learnt and make us a better community."
Pysyk said as the graduates prepare to part ways, they will carry a piece of each other forward.
"I know it feels like we're saying goodbye but we'll carry piece of each other into everything we do next," Pysyk said during her ceremony speech.
