Described by math teacher Carrie Tapp as “musical superstars, talented artists, incredible athletes, the nerdiest of nerds and the kindest of hearts,” the Virden Collegiate Institute (VCI) Class of 2023 celebrated their special milestone on June 22.
At designated times during an outdoor ceremony at the school’s front entrance, each of the 65 graduates received a commemorative gift box containing their diploma, along with any subject awards and scholarships they had earned. A live stream on the school’s Facebook page permitted distant family and friends not able to attend in person to watch the ceremony as well. 31 students graduated with honours this year, and 24 subject awards and 92 scholarships were given out. Fort La Bosse Superintendent Barry Pitz presented the Governor General’s Bronze Medal to Keira Peters.
In the evening, the Grand March and Dances, with the class attired in their formal dresses and suits, were held in the Tundra Oil & Gas Place arena, along with addresses from Student Council President Ryley Pizzey, Co-Valedictorians Brynn McGrath and Dylan Southam and Principal Mark Keown. Graduate Samantha Andrew and her mother Jennifer presented the Grad/Parent Tribute. Keown, in a speech that was at times emotional, offered up a few anecdotes from school days as well as some advice and wisdom as the Class of 2023 plans their future pursuits.
McGrath and Southam, chosen to speak on behalf of their peers, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the parents of the graduates for their guidance during their formative years.
“From day one, you’ve taught us to be brave, to love hard, to demonstrate respect, to challenge ourselves, to express ourselves, to face hardships and be who we are,” McGrath said. “We cannot thank you enough.”
Southam had similar sentiments for the school’s teaching staff, praising them for their role in getting the class to this important milestone.
“Thank you for hearing us, seeing us, teaching us and never giving up on us,” he said.
Both speakers paid tribute to Kennedy Langevin, a fellow classmate who was unable to attend the ceremony. Langevin remains in Winnipeg continuing her recovery from a traumatic brain injury sustained in a barrel racing accident in 2022.
“It was a tough year for us to go through without Kennedy by our side, constantly thinking of her and wishing we could share these long lasting memories with her,” McGrath said. “We would like to take the time to recognize a family that is very special to our school, and more importantly to our graduating class, but in saying that we are so proud of all her milestones and how hard she has fought along the course of her own journey. We strongly believe that many of us have become closer, kinder, and gained a deeper perspective on the importance of caring for our loved ones every day. We love and miss you Kennedy. We are so proud of you and so excited to continue to watch you persevere.”
Southam recalled the impact that the global pandemic had on the Class of 2023 as they progressed through their four years of high school.
“Our high school experience felt strange at times,” he said. “Learning from home, being robbed of everyone’s smiles for months behind a mask, feeling isolated, feeling like we were missing out on so much. It was difficult, but we’re here. Through everything, we made it.”
Before leaving the podium, McGrath and Southam left their fellow classmates with some parting words of advice as they embark upon the next chapter of their lives.
“Never lose touch with who you are, and never let anyone take away what’s important to you,” McGrath said. “Remember to always find what makes you happy, put your heart into everything you love, and never forget where you came from. We sincerely hope you have had the time of your life and we cannot wait to see what amazing things you will do as you continue on.”
“We cannot wait to go out into the world and follow our dreams.”
