(see photo galleries below)
Thirteen graduates were honoured at the Sturgis Composite High School graduation exercises on May 27.
Members of the graduation class are: Cameron Antoniuk, Cole Bilanchuk, Steven Kardynal, Jesse Schiller, Narissa Zubko, Greg Baron, Kelly Bazuik, Danielle Burym, Farrah Howard, Nathan Mitchell, Whitney Prekaski, Joseph Stener and Russell Young.
The banquet was catered by Four Season’s Catering. Graduate Steven Kardynal was master of ceremonies. Michael Andrusko said grace for the banquet, followed by toasts to the queen, graduates, division board, teachers and parents.
Graduate Greg Baron gave the toast to the Queen. Graduate Farrah Howard gave the toast to the graduates. Graduate Cole Bilanchuk gave the toast to the division with Chris Balyski replying. Graduate Kelly Bazuik gave the toast to the teachers with Kelsey Seerey replying. Graduate Steven Kardynal gave the toast to the parents, that was replied to by his father Patrick Kardynal.
The church service was held at the Grace United Church. Graduates were introduced by Principal Brad Cameron as they entered the high school gymnasium with their parents. A brief history of their school life was shared. When all grads were seated on stage, Sherry Lesser led the singing of O Canada with Val Hallick as organist.
Bo Babiuk gave the SRC vice-president address. Darren Teneycke, a Superintendent of Education for the GSSD, recited the message from the Ministry of Education.
The presentation of scrolls was narrated by Michael Andrusko, who told a little story about each grad while Cameron presented the scrolls.
The academic awards are presented to graduates who have achieved an 80 per cent or higher average in grades 10, 11 and 12. Kristen Peterson and Meghan Clancy presented the academic awards.
Whitney Prekaski achieved an 80-percent average in grade 10, 11 and 12. Greg Baron achieved an 83-percent average. Steven Kardynal achieved an 84 per cent average in grades 10, 11 and 12. Danielle Burym received an academic award with an 85 per cent average. Cole Bilanchuk achieved an award for an overall average of 91 per cent.
Kelly Bazuik achieved the top average in grade 10, 11 and 12 with a 96 per cent average. Narissa Zubko, who had attended Melville Comprehensive School, was also acknowledged for her 81-percent average.
Steven Kardynal received the male athlete award. Kardynal participated in many of the sports programs the school offered. He was actively involved in volleyball, basketball, track, lacrosse, badminton and helped with the elementary soccer. He also received the congeniality award that was voted on by the graduates themselves. The Access Communication award was also presented to Kardynal as well as the Preeceville Ambulance $500 scholarship.
Kelly Bazuik was presented the female athlete award. Bazuik has excelled at many of the sports that the school offered. She has won titles in badminton, volleyball and was involved in track. She also helped with the elementary soccer program. Bazuik also received the Gateway Co-op, Sturgis branch, $200 scholarship, the Preeceville Hospital Auxiliary $200 bursary and the Crossroads Credit Union $500 bursary.
Cole Bilanchuk was awarded the fighting heart award. He has been a positive influence in the school. Academically he has worked hard throughout the years and it has been reflected in his marks.
The most improved student award was presented to Greg Baron. Steven Kardynal was presented with the Sturgis Museum $100 scholarship by Hazel Urbanoski. Cole Bilanchuk was presented with the Sturgis Community Council $200 scholarship by Janice Beatty.
Farrah Howard was presented with the Sturgis Kinette Club $300 scholarship by Kristen Peterson. She also received the Royal Canadian Mounted Police $300 scholarship.
The Sturgis Kinsmen Herb Larsen Memorial Scholarship of $400 went to Danielle Burym. President Daniel Wasylenchuk made the presentation.
The Sturgis 4-H Club presented three $100 scholarships to each of Cole Bilanchuk, Greg Baron and Cameron Antoniuk. Anet DeVries made the presentation. Greg Baron was presented with the Town of Sturgis $500 scholarship by Mayor Don Olson.
Prairie Soil Services offers a total of $1,000 in scholarships, which is split into two $500 scholarships for top academic female and male students. The top male graduate receiving the $500 scholarship was Cole Bilanchuk. The second $500 scholarship was presented to Kelly Bazuik for having the top average.
“The Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan, Sturgis branch offered scholarships to our graduating class. None of the graduates from Sturgis this year qualified for these scholarships but we would like to thank this group for its generosity,” said Kelsey Seerey.
Principal Brad Cameron presented the Governor General’s Award to the top graduate from 2015, Jessie Stoudt.
Loran Chapman was the guest speaker, who was followed by the slide presentation.
Graduate Cole Bilanchuk gave the valedictory address.
Principal Brad Cameron gave the closing remarks which were followed by the grand march directed by Kristen Peterson.
