Ryan McBeath will receive a diploma despite having passed away, Education Minister David Eggen says.
Eggen, a cousin to Ryan and his mother Shannon Barr-Matile, made that announcement during a celebration of Ryan's life, held March 21 at the Ralph Klein Centre. Ryan passed away March 13 at age 17 in a two-vehicle collision east of Torrington.
Olds High School (OHS) prinicpal Tom Christensen says it marks the first time that's been done for an OHS student who has passed away.
"I am so grateful they are doing that for the McBeath family," he said in an email to the Albertan.
Eggen noted Ryan was not only an elite hockey player, but also an excellent student.
"I've always been very proud of my cousin, but never as much as in the last few months; excellent student at school, playing top-level hockey, showing leadership and earning respect," Eggen said.
"Ryan had already aced a couple of diploma exams, was looking to apply for scholarships.
"And so here this afternoon, as Ryan's cousin, but also as the minister of education, I'm proud to say that in graduation here at the end of May at Olds High School, Ryan will get his high school diploma in honour of his hard work and his exploits throughout his careers. He earned it and he'll get what he deserves," he added.
Eggen cited an example of Ryan's drive and commitment to hard work.
"When Shannon went to Ryan's very first parent-teacher interview, the teacher showed her self assessments that Ryan did. In each category, from reading and math, phys-ed, Ryan chose for himself 'I can do better,' 'I can do better.'
"The teacher said, 'well Ryan, you're already way ahead; an extraordinary student, top of the class.' He set his own standards, with quiet determination," Eggen said.
Eggen said because of his kindness and overall behaviour, Ryan was a mentor to younger kids.
He said one day, as Ryan was in Digger Sports to sharpen his skates, a woman with her children in tow spotted him.
"The lady tells her kids they should 'look to Ryan over there. Now there's a good example; respectable, good student. Be like Ryan, kids. Be like Ryan,'"
Eggen said children were drawn to Ryan because he was "a kind and gentle soul" and showed patience with them.
Because of that, "when he helped out at Grizzlys summer camp, all the young kids were vying to have Ryan as the billet in their homes."
He described Ryan as "a force of nature; tenacious, kind at the same time."
"It's incomprehensible that someone so young and full of life could be taken from us so soon," Eggen said. "There's a whole lot of people who miss Ryan a lot already: his family, schoolmates, teammates, all of you here today."
Eggen addressed the family: Ryan's mother Shannon , father Barry, and brother Robert.
"We all share your loss and we're all here today to show support. Ryan loved his friends and his family; you all know that. We all loved him too. We will never forget him."
He recited a quote from Winnie-the-Pooh author A.A. Milne: "if there comes a day we can't be together, keep me in your heart and I'll stay there forever."
