Students and members of the crowd at the Olds High School cap and gown ceremony gave a couple of standing ovations as Ryan McBeath's family and girlfriend received his diploma posthumously.
McBeath, 17, a well-known hockey and lacrosse player and a gifted student, passed away during a two-vehicle collision March 13 near Torrington.
His father, Barry McBeath, raised his diploma triumphantly as he, his wife Shannon Barr-Matile, Ryan's girlfriend Avery Schem and his brother Robert McBeath received the documents.
Principal and MC Tom Christensen made reference to Ryan during his opening remarks.
"You'll notice in the front row that one seat in the grad delegation is empty," Christensen said. "In March, Ryan McBeath passed away in a highway accident. He was an exceptional young man and is missed here this evening."
Christensen thanked Schem and the McBeath family for attending the event.
He also praised McBeath's fellow students for the way they coped with his passing.
"This group of young people in front of me, I'm just so proud of them. They have truly represented, I think, what true friendship can mean. And friendship doesn't end with this life, does it," Christensen asked.
"It's been a struggle for many here but I respect the dignity that all of you have shown these past two-and-a-half months and from the bottom of my heart, I'm proud of you for your loyalty and the courage again that you have shown. So I want to thank you again," Christensen added, prompting a standing ovation.
The Ralph Klein Centre gym was packed for the occasion.
"Usually the only time we have a crowd like this is at graduation. We had a bigger one actually, at Ryan's funeral and I'm really proud of our community for doing that," Christensen said.
It was estimated that as many as 1,600 people attended that funeral, which was held in the same facility March 21.
When it came time for McBeath's diploma to be presented, as vice-principal Gayleen Roelfsema began to speak, the crowd erupted into another standing ovation.
"As all of you are aware, an important member of the class is missing. An empty chair out front marks Ryan's spot among the students and the hole in our hearts marks the influence he had on us," she said.
"We all know that Ryan's true love and passion was for the sport of hockey. He would have continued playing with the Drumheller Dragons and more than likely would have pursued a career both playing and coaching.
"Ryan had a lot of school highlights. He loved being with his friends. They'd grab lunch and go play Xbox, hang out and then go back to class," Roelfsema added, noting his priorities included sports, school, family and friends.
"He will always be remembered for his infectious smile," she said, noting that McBeath was both ambitious and very caring.
