Sturgeon Creek Alternative Program holds graduation ceremonies

Milt Guba

It was a delightful 2002 Graduation Ceremony held by students and staff of the Sturgeon Creek Alternative Program at Stratton Exercises were held at the Sturgeon Creek Gym Thursday, June 13th. Welcome and Prayer was given by Vice Principal Kendal Olsen, who also emceed the program due to the failure of the loud speaker system.
Retiring teacher Don Ricci gave a Multi-media presentation, reflecting back on the students from beginning to their education at the school.
Processional “Pomp and Circumstance” was played by pianist Diane Heerema. Heidi Friesen and Tyson Quibell gave the grade eight valedictorian address. Presentation of grade eight certificates was made by Mr. Loewen. Grade eight graduates were Heidi Friesen, Hannah Firth, Krysta Hart, Andrea Hayes, Shane Ikert, Elisa Lucke, Rachel McBride, David Nussbaumer, Brittany Olsen and Tyson Quibell.
Special music featured Jodi Barker and Shauna McInerney. This was followed by Senior Valedictorian Speech by Jeffrey Friesen and Alyssa Kaemingh. Presentation of Ontario Secondary school diplomas distributed by Principal Don McBride. Grade 12 graduates were Jonathon Mark Barron, Johanna-Lise deGroot, Caitlyn Mercedes Dyck, Charles Raymond Friesen, Debbie Janelle Friesen, Jeffrey Scott Friesen, Timothy Paul Galusha, Christina Gail Goodman, Alyssa Anne Gail Kaemingh, Jenna Kimberly Kaemingh, Danny John Hall McGibbon, Alexander Josef Erich Michna, Lynita Joy Wilson & Rebekah Lynn Woolsey. Congregational song selection was, “God of Wonders”, sang by the grade 12 graduates.
Presentation of Awards and Bursaries. Don Ricci presented top academics awards to, Grade 9, Aaron Heerema, grade 10, Ryan McInerney, grade 11, Claire Whatley, grade 12, Debbie Friesen. Honour roll presentations were made by Vice Principal Olsen to the following. On the roll three times, Kevin Friesen, Aaron Heerema, Sarah Hettinga, Jason Peters, Carly Smart and Jolene Veldhuisen, Julie McQuaker, Christina Goodman, seven times, Jeff Friesen, Kristen Friesen, Ryan McInerney, 11 times, Susanne Brielmann, Louise van Zwol, Claire Whatley, Caitlyn Dyck, Heidi Gustafson, 14 times on the honour roll, Debbie Friesen and Lynita Wilson, Alyssa Kaemingh.
Bursaries to the following presented by Mr. Loewen, SCAP faculty to Rebekah Woolsey and Lynita Wilson, TJ Kaemingh & Sons presented by Arnold Kaemingh to Rebekah Woolsey. Mark Mast presented Christian parents (CPA) bursary to Alyssa Kaemingh and Caitlyn Dyck. Marina Berber presented Emo Feed Service Bursary to Lynita Wilson. Steinbach Bible College Bursary student making an average of eighty percent or over going to Lynita Wilson.
Ben Rempel in his speech gave a challenge to graduating students. Congregational song sung by the graduating class of grade 12 entitled Holy, Holy, Holy.
To windup the program staff presentations were made to retiring Don Ricci and those moving to other schools, Norma Sullivan, Jody Bonner-Vickers, Pam VanHeyst, Jim Keesic. Thanks was extended to two ladies who will serve in different capacities, Olive Friesen & Yvonne Barron. Volunteers who had helped throughout the year at the school were called upon by Olsen to receive recognition. Each individual was presented with a bouquet of flowers for their dedication.
Following this pianist Hereema played the recessional, graduates receiving line and reception took place.