By: Sean Assor
Thursday, June 30, 2011
The grade 12 class of NPSS are officially high school graduates.
On Wednesday, June 30, grade 12 students of North Peace Secondary School gathered at the North Peace Arena, along with family and friends, to celebrate their graduation ceremony.
The ceremony began with a speech from special guest Larry Espe, Superintendent of school district 60, who gave a heart filled speech to the graduates.
Fort St. John Mayor Bruce Lantz followed with a speech of his own, telling the students to never forget their roots, remember those who were helpful in life and to “seize the chance to make a difference in the world.”
Speeches from Taylor’s Mayor Fred Jarvis, Chairperson and Member of the Board of Trustees Heather Hannaford and NPSS Principle Ray Asai were also included in the ceremony.
After speeches had concluded, Sheldon Steele and Jim Lovell presented numerous awards and scholarships to a variety of students.
Following the award and scholarship announcements, Sage Birley, the class of 2011’s Historian made a fun, light hearted speech. Birley’s speech was followed by words of wisdom from the graduating class’ Valedictorian, Pamela Barr.
Three students also displayed their musical talents, as Sydney Vandergaag, Ali Webster and Patricia Robertson preformed the song “Drops of Jupiter” for their fellow graduates.
The ceremony also included a moment where classmates paid tribute to Kyle Bakstad, who would have been a member of the graduating class, but tragically passed away in 2010.
Finally, each student was called up one-by-one to receive their diplomas, signifying the end of one journey and the beginning of another.
Congratulations to the NPSS graduating class of 2011 and best of luck in the future.
