Pow Wow in Viking INSIDE! Wednesday, May 28, 2025 Vol. 48, No. 21
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‘Let Your Dreams Take Flight’
Irma Grads celebrate the beginning of their next chapter Patricia Harcourt Editor
The Class of 2025 at Irma School was celebrated during graduation ceremonies Friday night in the school auditorium. Their graduation theme was “Let Your Dreams Take Flight,” and the nine grads made their family and friends proud of their achievements in their local school and community. This year’s crop of graduates included Evan Allen, Amanda Cepeda, Blake Fuder, Riley Gulbraa, Noah Lohman, Ryan Lowe, Zoey Newton, Rowdy Rundle and Gabrielle Rue. This year’s graduation ushers were Madhav Bagga and Cole Fleming. Principal Darren Grosky greeted everyone prior to the Processional and each grad was applauded as they made their way to the stage walking to music each had chosen for the occasion.
Local trustee Tanya Ford brought greetings from the Buffalo Trail Public School (BTPS) Board. “There’s something special about graduations in a small town,” she said. “No dream is out of reach when you are willing to earn it…Every dream is important and valued and there are no small things in these dreams.” Assistant Superintendent James Trodden spoke on behalf of BTPS Central Office: “It is my honour and absolute pleasure to bring greetings,” he said. “This celebration is more than just the end of the school year…It’s a milestone moment to take pride in your accomplishments.” Principal Grosky combined wit and sound advice when he addressed the grads. “Congratulations from the entire school,” he said, noting that the grads would face challenges going forward,
adding that: “Talent can only take you so far.” The “unwavering support and advocacy” offered by their parents and the school system has taught the grads how to navigate through life. “Know that you are capable of doing amazing things,” he said. “Enjoy the milestone with family and friends.” The grads were then presented their graduation certificates by Vice-Principal Kyle Parsons. Although a small class in numbers, Parsons said the students provided him with “some big laughs,” over the years. “They are an incredibly hard working group,” he said. Amanda Cepeda gave the Valedictory Address. “Today, we are gathered here together to reflect on this monumental moment,” she said. “The senior year has brought us closer as a class,” she noted. “Our song is com-
ing to an end but the melody lingers on.” Cepeda also offered the gratitude of the class to the teachers, parents and others in the community who helped the grads along the way. Guest speaker Shelley Sinclair told the grads: “This is one of the most important nights of your life.” She said that each grad “has something unique to offer,” and gave examples of some of the character traits each has learned over time. The first was a sense of determination when trying to learn mathematics. “Success starts with a determined mind,” she said. Other traits displayed by the grads included having a sharp wit, a sense of humour, honesty, integrity, a commitment to academic learning, strength, kindness and a caring attitude. She told the grads to “face life with quiet determination.” Continued on Page 16
The Irma Grad Class celebrated their graduation on Friday, May 23 with the theme: “Let Your Dreams Take Flight.” The class consists of, from left: Rowdy Rundle, Amanda Cepeda, Noah Lohman, Gabrielle Rue, Evan Allen, Zoey Newton, Ryan Lowe, Riley Gulbraa, and Blake Fuder. PHOTO COURTESY: BENJIE PAGULONG PHOTOGRAPHY