KAMSACK — “We didn’t know we were making memories, we were just having fun”, a quote by Winnie the Pooh, was chosen by the graduating class to be featured on their graduation mural.
On graduation day, June 19, the 31 grads were joined by their friends, family, loved ones and community members at the Kamsack Comprehensive Institute gymnasium to celebrate this milestone in their life.
Vice Principal Ryan Lambert, the MC for the event, told the grads that although “your time at KCI has come to an end, we hope that you look back on your years here with fondness, and that the memories you may bring forth a good chuckle in the many years ahead of you.”
Quinton Robertson, the Good Spirit School Division’s director of education, presented Ella Ruf with the Director’s Seal of Excellence. Robertson noted that to earn the seal a student “must receive an average of 95 per cent or higher across their Grade 12 subjects, and most critically, demonstrate the character and commitment that makes the school a better place.”
KCI principal Karie Thomas remarked that the graduates are leaving high school with more than just a diploma, but “with the skills, values, and experiences that will guide you as you pursue your goals and dreams.” In a nod to the mural quote, Thomas noted that “some of your greatest memories may not come from major accomplishments, but from the laughter shared with friends, the support of teammates and classmates, and the small moments that made high school special.”
Chief George Cote of Cote First Nation wished all the graduates good luck in the next stage of their lives, and thanked the Principal Karie Thomas and Vice Principal Ryan Lambert for “looking after our children and our grads” over the course of their education at KCI.
Zac Fedoruk, the high school math teacher at KCI, was the guest speaker for graduation.
After the ceremony concluded the grads posed for pictures, then were celebrated across the Town in a parade that went from the school to the Trackside Gardens.
Class Valedictorian Ella Ruf won the Elwood Harvey Affinity Credit Union Scholarship, the Kamsack Dental General Proficiency Scholarship, the Placatka Math Award and the Spartan Leadership Award.
Ruf is attending the University of Saskatchewan in the fall, where she is enrolled in the Kinesiology degree program.
Aliyah Cymbalisty was awarded the Kamsack Dental General Proficiency Scholarship, as well as the Kamsack Legion Bursary and the RM of Cote #271 award. Cymbalisty will be attending Suncrest College in pursuit of an arts and science program with a focus on science.
Jhan Sapinoso was the third recipient of the Kamsack Dental General Proficiency Scholarship, as well as the Town of Kamsack Scholarship. Sapinoso will be attending the University of Regina, Saskatoon campus, where she will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science.
Chloe Fisher was awarded the Affinity Community Scholarship. Gage Seitz won the Sask. Youth Apprenticeship Industry Scholarship. Max Stone won the Tyson Werrel Memorial Award. Stone and Slade Shankowsky were both awarded the Walker Wood Foundation Sask Innovation & Opportunity Entrance Scholarship.
The full list of graduates includes: Howard Alejo, Makayla Becenko, Bailee Chernoff, Bryden Cochrane, Daniel Cote, Kaiden Cote, Tonni Cote, Tresden Cote, Aliyah Cymbalisty, Rhian de Mesa, Keeligh Ferril, Chloe Fisher, Rosalie Jerome, Finley Huyde, Tallon McWilliams, Hector Murdock, Tanner Reilkoff, Messha Romaniuk, Ella Ruf, Jhan Sapinoso, Ron Schlichmeyer, Billy-Jean Schneider, Gage Seitz, Slade Shankowsky, Sammy Smith, Kobe Stevenson, Max Stone, Kealand Thomas, Tylan Waugh, Hannah Whitehawk and Timothy Wosminity.
