The Town of Preeceville and its residents acknowledged the Preeceville High School 2020 class in an outdoor program held on June 4.
The graduates, parents and family members gathered at Annie Laurie Lake for a fun day of family photographs and a scroll presentation. Canora Photography and Framing provided the family photography that captured the moments and Thomas Hamilton was hired as the videographer that went to each graduate’s residence to capture video of each graduate.
Families stayed in their automobiles similar to a drive-in theme to watch the graduates accept their scrolls.
Members of the Preeceville High School 2020 class were: Agamveer Singh, Carter Walter, Claire Giddings, Cody Hort, Crystal Smith, Emily Prestie, James Lagrove, Kirsten Murray, Layne Englot, Morgan Mclean, Morgan Mitchell, Olivia Chornomitz, Ryan Young and Willen Paligan.
"We showed our support by honouring the graduates while adhering to the provincial public health guidelines regarding the COVID- 19,” stated Andrea Tonn, Town of Preeceville recreation director.
Upon graduation, Olivia Chornomitz will continue to work and gain new experience while she is currently waitlisted to become a combined lab and x-ray technician.
Layne Englot has already moved to Kindersley and is currently employed at Pattison Agriculture as a parts person. Her goal is to become a journeyman parts technician.
Claire Giddings hopes to continue working to save money to attend the University of Regina, pursuing a degree in Education.
Cody Hort plans on working for a year and then will attend school to become an automobile technician.
James Lagrove hopes to continue working and become a journeyman poerline technician.
Morgan Mclean has earned a $1,000 entrance scholarship to Saskatchewan Polytechnic where she will be attending the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
Morgan Mitchell will be attending Saskatchewan Polytechnic to obtain a diploma in Business.
Kirsten Murray is currently living in Yorkton working on road construction for Potzus Ltd and will be furthering her education in the future.
Willen Paligan wants to apply to a trade school and plans to work at SaskPower.
Emily Prestie has been accepted to the Bachelor of Science program at the University of Saskatchewan where she plans to pursue a career in geology.
Agamveer Singh has been awarded an entrance scholarship to the University of Saskatchewan where he will be pursuing a degree in Bachelor of Arts and Science to become a doctor.
Carter Walter plans on attaining a 1A licence and expanding his trucking career.
Crystal Smith hopes to be accepted to the RCMP training academy in Regina to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Ryan Young is currently working at Caroncrest Dairy Farms and plans on attending Briercrest College to attain a Bachelor of Education degree.
Sheila Klebeck and Mayor Garth Harris handed out the scrolls and Klebeck introduced each graduate as they were escorted by their parents to the trailer stage.
“It is my honor and privilege as Mayor of this great community to provide today’s graduation speech," said Harris.
"Preeceville Graduates, you have reached the finish line. It was not always easy, but you persevered through challenges big and small to reach this moment. You are now the author of your own story. Your fate is very much in your own hands. Each day starts with a blank page and only you can decide what is written on it and how your story will unfold.
“To the parents, teachers, family members and friends who helped and encouraged along the way, thank you. You don’t always want to admit it, but you could not have made it through without their love, support and guidance. They will continue to serve as an important layer of support as you start the next chapter in your life’s story.
“Your experience at Preeceville High School is merely a starting point in your new journey. When you go off to university, or the workforce, or maybe even the military don’t forget that you are fortunate to come from this community. Your accomplishments are all of our accomplishments and we could not be prouder. My hope is that when you’re doing the amazing things out in the real world that you will always remember where “home” is.
“Bon Jovi sang, “It’s my life, It’s now or never.” There are no truer words ever spoken. Live life to the fullest, follow your dreams, take chances, laugh often and love deeply. Make sure when you look back that you can say “I am glad I did” rather than “I wish I had.”
“On behalf of the Town of Preeceville council, staff, citizens and the Mayor’s Office I want to congratulate all of you on a job well done. This is your life. Go and live it to the fullest," concluded Harris.
In a grand style there was presentation parade of graduates on trailers as they traveled by automobile down Main Street to showcase their dress attire for the community. Community members lined the street and showed their support with honking and waving signs.
In keeping with social distancing guidelines the graduates were on trailers with three graduates per trailer.
"We encourage everyone to park along these routes and take a few minutes to show their support by honking their horns, making signs, cheering and waving, while adhering to the social distancing guidelines,” said Tonn.
Once the presentation was complete a curb side pick up occurred where graduates were treated to a meal to take home and enjoy with their families. This meal was available only to the graduates and their families.
"We have many people to thank for showing the graduates support in this most unusual and uncertain time. A virtual presentation showcasing the grads will be available to the general public at a later date. Please watch for further details as they become available," concluded Tonn.
Despite it not being a school function, the staff at the Preeceville School extended its bets wishes in a brief statement.
"Preeceville School staff is proud of our Grade 12 class and wish them our congratulations and best wishes! Though graduation does not look how the families imagined, we are grateful the community rallied around our students to provide them with an opportunity to highlight this milestone. Preeceville School looks forward to celebrating with you when we are able," stated the principal Doug King and vice-principal Leslea Hanson.
