OLDS — There was a prevailing theme throughout the cap and gown graduation ceremony for the École Olds High School (EOHS) class of 2022 on May 27.
It was this: don’t look for happiness and success in material things, you’ll find it from helping others.
The ceremony was especially significant as it was the last one for Tom Christensen, who was retiring after 38 years at the school, 22 of which were spent as its principal.
It was also the last such ceremony for Gayleen Roelfsema, who is also retiring.
Earlier this month, Christensen received the Roy E. Cope Award from Chinook's Edge School Division (CESD) for the creativity, forward thinking and innovation he brought to the school.
Examples include helping create the Community Learning Campus in conjunction with Olds College, being an adopter of the Gay-Straight Alliance and helping ÉOHS become a UNESCO-associated school.
Tributes were paid to Christensen and Roelfsema throughout the evening by several speakers. They also each received their own diplomas signifying their move into another stage of life.
Elder John Sinclair gave the blessing.
Christensen once again served as MC for the occasion.
During his opening remarks, Christensen noted that this year’s ceremonies were the first after two years of COVID-19 restrictions.
“I think it is significant that you are the class that really brought back normal to the school,” he said.
“I feel like I am really one of you because this event marks a new start for me as well. We’re both heading to what will be big changes in our lives.”
He also pointed out this this was the first year that included students who have completed their high school via Olds Career High School.
Christensen reinforced the kindness theme during his principal’s address.
“Don’t make the mistakes that some people do and confuse gratification or worldly pleasure with the stuff that truly makes up a meaningful, happy life,” he said.
“I believe that positive emotions about other people, like love and compassion are the most important ones for a better world and a happy life.”
Christensen expressed thanks for all the help he received from colleagues over the years and saluted the grads’ parents.
“To all the parents here today, I want you to look down at this fine group of students and know that you will never accomplish anything so complex or amazing as what you have done raising your child who is sitting here today.
“No recognition, award, or money can equal their greatness and nothing will provide more joy in your life than watching them move forward in their lives.
“Thank you for the shared experience we’ve had with them for the past four years.”
Christensen and his wife are moving to the Edmonton area to be closer to family. However, he said Olds will always be home to him.
“I’ve been blessed to visit a lot of this world, but speaking honestly, Olds is my favourite,” he said.
“From now on, when I’m asked where I’m from, it won’t be Medicine Hat. It will be without hesitation that I come from Olds.”
Christensen received a lengthy standing ovation for his speech.
Several dignitaries addressed the grads.
“Today we’re here to salute the graduates. That’s you, this is your day. You earned it and we embrace you,” Town of Olds Mayor Judy Dahl said.
“This is the moment of truth. Become the writer, the director, the producer of your roots and create something magical.
“Your mission is to listen, influence others, listen again and build a future for the next generation to be proud of.”
CESD trustee Kathy Kemmere noted this was her first speech to grads in her new role.
“Grads, your high school years have been very unique, through the ups and downs of the past three years. But you have shown great courage in the face of uncertainty. You have shown the courage to trust and to be flexible,” she said.
She referenced the movie Hope Floats.
“Just give hope a chance to float up,” Kemmere said.
“Some of you may relate to your potential new beginnings as scary and we acknowledge that many endings may bring sadness.
“But my hope for you all is that we give hope a chance in each and every day and we always remember to make the most of the middle.”
It was noted that CESD associate superintendent Ray Hoppins taught many of the grads and served as principal when they were in their early grades.
"I coached many of you and I know your families and hold your families in high esteem, so it’s incredibly rewarding to be here tonight,” he said.
Hoppins compared their upcoming lives to a story on the radio.
"We’re interested to see what the rest of the story looks like; who you’ll become, how you’ll serve and help others and we know that you’ll do well,” he said.
Valedictorian Simon Mai addressed the crowd with a mixture of jokes and serious advice.
“I’d like to thank Sparknotes, YouTube and Wikipedia for getting me through my classes,” he said to loud laughter and cheers.
“I’d like to thank Google for getting me through band theory and I’d like to thank Tylenol for getting me through band class.”
Mai said students learned the value of hard work through school but that isn’t all they’ll need in life.
“High grades are an admirable thing and if you want to work in a certain field, university can be a valuable tool, an experience in your lifetime.
“What really makes you rich are your valued relationships with others and the dreams that you share, just as much as the dedication you have toward any goals that you may have in your personal life.”
The grads, their parents, relatives and friends were treated to performances not only by the Olds Elementary School choir but also by the École Olds High School choir.
