DIDSBURY – Seventy-one Didsbury High School graduates were recently recognized and celebrated at the school’s graduation ceremony, with hundreds of family members, friends and other supporters on hand to offer congratulations and well wishes.
The Cap and Gown ceremony on June 23 included comments from dignitaries such as Chinook’s Edge School Division associate superintendent Karyn Barber, Red Deer-Mountain View MP Earl Dreeshen and Chinook’s Edge trustee Gord Kerr.
The ceremony also saw graduates receive their certificates, and several of the same graduates recognized for personal academic achievements.
Valedictorian Erin Black, who received several individual awards for academic excellence, commended her classmates for seeing their way through several difficult years on the path to graduation.
“At this point in our lives we have all endured obstacles, whether that relates to academics or other personal challenges, and it all takes diligence and persistence to overcome these obstacles, especially when faced with unforeseen challenges that pop up at the worst of times,” said Black.
“Everyone sitting here today has acquired those attributes and has been able to use them to achieve this goal of graduating high school. I am confident that we have the tools and skills to succeed in the future.”
She thanked teachers, parents and others for supporting her classmates, and called on the graduates to, “take advantage of the wisdom and life experience of the role models and mentors in our lives. Every one one of us has something special to offer, and we have to make sure to express that, wherever we end up.”
Associate superintendent Barber told the graduates, “I see your care and compassion. You have experienced a global disruption but I believe you are the path to the future through love, passion and kindness and strength.
“Find what you believe in and go out and make it so. You are embarking on a wonderful chapter of your journey.”
MP Dreeshen said the graduates of 2023 have great promise going forward.
“They are certainly going to make this community proud,” said Dreeshen, a former longtime teacher. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to keep an open mind as you embark on your exciting futures.”
