The Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School (PSO) graduation ceremony and prom in 100 Mile House went off without a hitch, and in many ways, it was a community celebration.
The two-day celebration began with the graduation ceremonies, which is commonly know as the cap-and-gown ceremony, and it began with the Class of 2014 grads doing their processional in front of a packed arena at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre on May 30.
There were a lot of smiles, cheers and clapping and more than a few tears shed by parents, relatives and friends as the grads marched out in pairs.
PSO principal Vic Brett was the master of ceremonies, and after the singing of O Canada, Canim Lake Band Chief Mike Archie welcomed everyone to the event with drumming, song and a prayer.
School District #27 schools superintendent Mark Thiessen, school board chair Tanya Guenther and 100 Mile Mayor Mitch Campsall gave the official greetings speeches.
However, it was Thiessen who caused the biggest stir in the audience when he announced Vic and Edda Brett had officially announced their retirement a few hours before the ceremony began. There was a huge round of well-deserved applause for the Bretts.
Joseph Pennock, as well as Kaila Paterson, Mikayla Rottluff and Michelle Contreras provided the musical entertainment.
Vic, Geoff Butcher and Ty Lytton presented the diplomas, which was equally enjoyed by the students, parents and the presenters.
Cailey Armeneau and Ryan Langford gave the Valedictorian Address to their fellow graduates.
The highlight of the evening was the awarding of the Governor General’s Medal to Adrianna Johnson who achieved a 98 per cent average in grades 11 and 12.
The Prom was held the next day and it was a huge success and thoroughly enjoyed by the grads, thanks to the hard work and effort of the parents’ Dry Grad Committee.
It started with the grads arriving at the arena in their vintage vehicles and all types of unique and interesting forms of transportation.
There was a twist this year. The parade mustered at 100 Mile House Junior Secondary and travelled down Birch Avenue, which was lined on both sides with cheering spectators, before making its way to the arena.
It was quite the sendoff for the grads who entered their formal education years as wide-eyed youngsters not knowing what to expect.
Then they were nurtured and educated by their different sets of caring teachers who prepared them the best they could to go out into the world as secondary school graduates.
Whether the grads choose to go on to post-secondary education or to upgrade their trade skills, they will, eventually, be our future leaders – and we wish them good luck in whatever careers they pursue.
