ALAMEDA — A graduation ceremony for Grade 9 students has a much different look and feel than a Grade 12 graduation. At least, that was the case at Alameda School.
While acknowledging the achievements of the graduates, who are all now headed to Oxbow Prairie Horizons School (OPHS), the ceremony also recognizes younger students and their accomplishments.
Seventy-nine students, ranging from kindergarten to Grade 9, attend Alameda. Twelve of them graduated June 11.
The evening was MCed by Grade 8 Bronsyn Brock. After the assembled crowd was welcomed, O Canada was played. Principal Carmen Ostrander gave her speech, telling the graduates some of the always of life: always be yourself, always get plenty of sleep (“just like some of you do in class”), always take the road less travelled (“don’t always go with the flow”), always remember to laugh. These were among the 15 or so that she mentioned. She also reminded the grad class to be thankful for their parents and not to forget childhood friends. She finished off with a reading of Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss.
A time of recognition and accomplishments followed. It included the yearbook committee, which is comprised of teachers and students; and the intramural sports teams, which came into being when COVID-19 hit. This year, the Sea Wolves were the top team with 985 points. The most-improved students of Grades 6, 7 and 8 were rewarded with certificates.
The graduates were then acknowledged, with each receiving their hard-earned diplomas. Several were also given awards.
The evening came to its end with the showing of a video capturing the students in their preschool and school years.
Two of the award-winners were Reece Erdman, who received the math and science award, and Lexie East, who was the recipient of the principal’s award for the student displaying the most honourable character. Both students have attended Alameda School since kindergarten and have played badminton and volleyball. Reece also enjoyed track.
They say they’re going to miss Alameda School and its smaller classes and the teachers who gave them so much help. But they are eagerly anticipating heading off to the bigger school and making new friendships. Reece said she is looking forward to more course options, especially Food Studies and learning how to cook. Lexie can’t wait for the welding and carpentry shops.
Both girls have career goals already. Reece aims to be a veterinarian, whereas Lexie’s future will likely include being a heavy-duty mechanic.
The graduates are not the only ones who are moving on. Two of the teachers are as well. Joey Henrion will be following the graduates to OPHS, while Katie Kobitz will be teaching in Estevan at Pleasantdale School.
