ASHMONT – High school graduation is the threshold of endless possibilities, said Ashmont School Principal Corina Idzan, as she stood on the stage, gesturing toward Ashmont School’s 2023 high school graduates on June 2.
During the Friday evening celebration, Ashmont School bid farewell to its 29 graduates. The event filled the school’s hallways with families and friends, all offering graduates congratulations. But outside the walls of the school, there is a vast world "full of opportunities waiting to be seized,” said Idzan.
“As you embark on this new chapter, remember that your education does not end here. Education is a lifelong journey, and it is essential to continue to learn, grow and adapt to the ever-changing world around you.”
Idzan reminded the graduates to be proud of their achievements, and to remain compassionate and resilient. “May you continue your willingness to take risks, may you always lead by example, and may your successes be many, and your tribulations few and far between... whatever course your future takes.”
Jamie John, representing Kehewin Cree Nation, was also among the many delegates who spoke to the graduates.
“You’re going to learn how to pay your own bills... how to pay your taxes,” John said, followed by laughter from the crowd. He looked toward the source of laughter, adding, “All the moms and dads are happier – Yes!”
Then John followed with a “But...” and a brief pause. He shifted his gaze back to the graduates, completing his sentence, “But I wish to encourage you... when you go into post-secondary, make sure it’s something that you have a passion for.”
John urged the graduates to continue moulding and bettering themselves, “because as I said earlier, you are our future leaders.” The families of the graduates “all love you, cherish you, and we pray for the Creator to guide you, to protect you, to watch over you each and every day.”
He reminded them that, “all we want is for you to succeed.”
Coun. Dale Hedrick, a delegate from the County of St. Paul, was also among those who offered congratulations. As a former Ashmont student himself, Hedrick acknowledged that if someone would have told him while he was a student that he would one day be standing on stage speaking to the 2023 graduating class, he would not have believed them.
But, “Here I am,” he said. “You never know what life’s going to hold for you.” He compared life to an open and empty book and told graduates it would be up to them to fill its pages.
“Do what you want to do and have fun,” said Hedrick.
Co-valedictorians Angel Memnook and Breyson Quinn, spoke to their fellow graduates, expressing pride in their graduating class.
Quinn acknowledged it can be a scary time to move away from what they have all known for the past 13 years of their lives, as many of them continue to chase their dreams and goals in life. “For this, I would like to thank my parents, girlfriend, family, friends and teachers for your continued support.”
Graduating is a “massive” achievement, said Quinn, noting there is only more to come, “as no doubt all of us will move on to achieve many more great accomplishments in our lives.” He noted that if he could provide a piece of advice, it would be not to let fear or anxiety control decisions in life, and to do what you feel is right.
Memnook echoed Quinn’s message, also thanking him for being a reminder of hard work and dedication. She also thanked all those who have given their support to the graduates over the past 13 years of their education journey, including staff and family.
“They’re the ones who have challenged us, inspired us, and supported us every step of the way.”
In a classroom setting, Memnook said graduates were not only taught academics and given tools necessary to pursue their dreams, but they were also taught to be kind, compassionate, and “engaged citizens of the world.”
The guidance of parents and caregivers gave “us the opportunity to come to school,” and provided a shoulder to cry on, with many parents and caregivers also going out of their way to support their children through the years.
“As we move forward into the next chapter of our lives, let's remember the lessons we've learned in school. Let's be kind, let's be curious, and let's make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. And let's never forget the people who have helped us to get here,” said Memnook.
