Bashaw School celebrated their class of 2021 with all due pomp and ceremony, within COVID-19 restrictions on Saturday, June 19.
The theme for the evening was “Don’t Stop Believing.”
“This community is an incredible place, full of love and support but most importantly, it has created a solid and sound foundation for each of us to launch from, and for that, I am eternally grateful,” said valedictorian Georgia Wray in her address.
Wray spoke about how everyone feels insecure and doubts themselves sometimes — even her.
“Sometimes we get caught up in the results and the accolades, the idea that all this means something about ourselves and what we are capable of. I believe there is nothing further from the truth,” she said.
“I learned that it was never about the outcome, because in order to persevere you need to love the process.
“Soon the days of school awards, championships and the admiration of the crowd will end and all we are left with is ourselves.
“I encourage you to lean into this, love yourself and all the twists and turns your path will take.”
The grad parade proceeded down Main Street at 4 p.m., where the cap and gown banners of the graduates had been hung. The banners were sponsored by local businesses and created by Troll Printing and made possible by the Town of Bashaw.
Grads crossed the stage in COVID-19 friendly ceremony at the Agriculture Pavilion on the ag grounds, starting at 7 p.m.
Vice principal Candace Hodder introduced the graduates.
The masters of ceremonies were Rachel Seale and Jessica Dixon. Stefan Andersson sang O Canada.
Chandra Fish thanked parents and teachers and Lori Pearson responded.
Speeches given included Battle River School Division trustee Kendall Severson and principal Richard Cowan’s address.
A class history was presented by Annika Pearson and Catharina Brosinsky.
Bashaw School’s graduating class of 2021 is: Stefan Andersson, Catharina Brosinsky, Mark Carlson, Jessica Dixon, Chandra Fish, Nate Golinowski, Korbyn Hewlett, Shane Kohlman, Annika Pearson, Shelby Sarasin, Rachel Seale, David Smith, Genevie Vallet, Brooke Van De Voorde and Georgia Wray.