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The Community
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Poilievre visits Hardisty SECTION B
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 s
Ally Anderson Staff Reporter
Central High Sedgewick Public School held a celebration for its graduates on Saturday, June 21, at the Wild Rose Co-op Recreation Centre in Sedgewick. The arena was packed with family, friends, and community members there to support the hardworking Grade 12 students. The Class of 2025 saw 38 students cross the stage. Their theme for the celebration was ‘And That’s a Wrap!’ Teacher Reagan Hogstead was invited to introduce each graduate as they individually made their way to their seats on stage. Principal Richard Cowan then delivered the Principal’s Address. “Grade 12, it’s a wrap. Almost. Thank you for the time we spent together,” Cowan began. He shared a few jokes before leaving the graduates with a poem by James Ogunjimi: “You will all be remembered. You have all tried. I appreciate you and say thanks.” Cowan closed by saying, “Congratulations Class of 2025. You’ve all allowed me once again to be a proud principal.” Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely was in attendance and delivered a brief speech congratulating the students and their families for all the hard work that had brought them to this milestone. Battle River School Division Trustee Dwight Dibben also addressed the graduates. “I am sure none of the graduates are prone to this, but occasionally I’ve been known to leave things to the last minute,” Dibben joked. “And so, of course, as I was driving up here, I did pull over to the side of the road safely, MLA Lovely, to make a few notes.” He continued, “I have three words to share that, in my view, can be part of the secret to success and happiness as you go forth: caring, compassion, and confidence.” Guest speaker Janelle Clark, an educational assistant at CHSPS, shared heartfelt remarks. “Being here with you today, celebrating this amazing achievement in your lives, is a privilege I am incredibly grateful for,” said Clark. “You have inspired me and led me into a career I wasn’t sure I belonged in. I am so proud of everything you have accomplished so far in your lives. And as ex-
ALLY ANDERSON PHOTO
Graduates from Central High Sedgewick Public School’s Class of 2025 celebrated their achievements with family, friends, and staff during a ceremony held June 21 at the Wild Rose Co-op Recreation Centre in Sedgewick Graduate Adison Grove shares a special dance with her father, Billy Grove. cited as I am to see where life takes you next, I’m going to miss you.” Clark also offered advice and words of wisdom as the students prepare to begin the next chapter of their lives. Marcy Lazarick delivered the message from the parents. “Through it all, you have shown resilience, creativity, and humour. You have become young adults with voices, opinions, passions, and potential,” she said. “Don’t fear failure. When you fell learning to ride a bike, we didn’t say, ‘Well, guess you’re just not a bike person.’ No, we picked you up, brushed off your knees, and sometimes bribed you with ice cream. Life is like that, too. You’re going to fail. Get up, brush off your knees, and if the situation calls for ice cream, make it a double scoop.” Graduates Caylin Brumwell and Jaxyn Johnson gave the student response. “We would like to thank you, as you were the ones
guiding, helping, and reassuring us throughout our whole lives,” said Johnson. “To be honest, high school has been a complete whirlwind. Challenges have come at us faster than overdue assignments, and without your support, we wouldn’t be standing here today,” added Brumwell. Each graduate was then called up individually to accept their certificate from Principal Cowan and Vice Principal Mr. Nickel. Class valedictorian Ava Bergseth closed the ceremony with inspiring words. Quoting a song by OneRepublic, she said, “‘I only expected that this was the beginning,’ and I decided that was the exact line that sums up my hopes and dreams myreopen fellow students—not just 6 to at live, not Wefor will Tuesday, Aug. just to get through life, but to own it. To take every sec9 a.m. and our next edition ond, whether it lifts you up or breaks you down, and will itstill be of published claim as part your story.”Wedneday. Aug. 7 Ad remainder deadlinesof will noon Tuesday, The thebeevening was filledAug. with6 celebration, food, photos, and dancing.
The Community Press office will be CLOSED Monday, August 5 for the Civic Holiday.