Bashaw School’s COVID-19 safe grad ceremony for the class of 2020, held on Saturday, Nov. 7, was a success.
“Their graduating year was nothing like they dreamed of so we are excited that they were able to make this celebration happen,” said Candace Hodder, assistant principal.
A physically-distanced grad was held, starting with a banquet and then the ceremony, at the Bashaw Community Centre, to honour the class.
The Masters of Ceremonies were Taylor Fuller and Tyler Bourdages.
Hodder introduced the graduating class.
A toast to the teachers was given by Connor Pearson, and the reply from teachers and parents was given by Lori Pearson.
Principal Myranda Shepherd gave an address.
Future predictions were presented by Samantha Stewart and Andrew Kneeland.
The guest speaker was Darby Murphy.
“I find it strange to not have you guys up on stage with me. However, I feel if any class was to graduate during a pandemic, it seems suiting that it is ours,” said valedictorian Brynne Dawbin in her address.
“The first words that come to mind when thinking of our class are, uniqueness, adaptability and yes at times, wildly unpredictable. I would encourage you to keep these traits when moving on to the next part of your life,” she said.
“We, the class of 2020, have already overcome obstacles sometimes others may never experience and at such a young age. We strive in times of uncertainty and learn how to make the best from situations we were not expecting. So do not shy away from a challenge, allow it to make you stronger. I can not wait to see what we have to offer the world because I know it will be something incredible.”
The class also made a $2,000 donation from their fundraising efforts to STARS air ambulance in honour of their classmate Dana Schneider who passed away in 2015.
“We will always remember Dana for her selflessness, caring and loving heart,” said Dawbin, in her acknowledgement of the donation.
“Our class decided we wanted to be able to leave one last mark as Bashaw Rebels and with the Schneider family’s blessing we have voted in favour of donating a portion of the remaining money we fundraised to STARS in memory of Dana Schneider.”
The original grad was to have been held on June 6, 2020, but it was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, on that day, the grads did take part in a vehicle parade through Bashaw.
Bashaw businesses also sponsored banners for each graduate that were hung on Mainstreet to honour them.
The Bashaw graduating class of 2020 (although not all were able to be in attendance) are: Jadelynn Ahenakew, Jared Berry, Tyler Bourdages, Connor Dancy, Brynne Dawbin, Taylor Fuller, Drew Hillis, Jessica Johnson, Jasmin Jones, Andrew Kneeland, Logan Laplante, Abbie Morris, Connor Pearson, Jordyn Robinson, Samantha Stewart, Eric Taylor and Riley Teichroeb.
