Page 20 - July 8, 2019
P. 20
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
PAGE 20 MONDAY JULY 8, 2019 MONDAY JUNE 24, 2019 PAGE 25
93 Parkland students
Pictured is the PCHS graduating class of 2019, who shared in this special achievement during Parkland's graduation ceremony on June 28. photo Cassie
Kushniruk
by Cassie Kushniruk
After years of schooling, 93 Parkland
Composite High School graduates were proud to
participate in their much anticipated graduation
day on June 28.
Although the weather was gloomy, graduates
still made the most of their special day by
reliving high school memories, taking pride in
their accomplishments, and celebrating this
milestone with their loved ones.
For the first time in 30 years, Parkland's
morning graduation ceremony was held in the
school's gym, although in previous years it had
taken place at the Edson and District Recreation
Complex.
After graduates were led into the room by
PCHS mascot, Cobalt, Parkland's own graduate,
Emma Bowman, kicked off the ceremony by
singing the national anthem.
At this time, graduates received their diplomas,
along with a GYPSD pin and rose from Edson
trustee Fiona Fowler and Vice Chair Joan
Zaporosky. Elder Frieda Maynard was also in Nine PCHS graduates were presented with Parkland Athletic Club Awards during the 2019 PCHS
attendance to honor the nine Indigenous graduation ceremony on June 28. photo Cassie Kushniruk
graduates with a special designed cap tassel in
celebration of their culture.
As each graduate was called onto stage to
receive their diploma, Assistant Principal Steven
Ripkens read each of their favorite memories at
PCHS and their aspirations for the future.
During this time, a few local dignitaries were
invited to offer advice and encouragement to the
2019 graduates.
Town of Edson Mayor Kevin Zahara said, “If I
was going to leave you with any thoughts today
it would be: You may not first succeed, but dig in
and try harder.” As tradition, Zahara followed his
speech with a selfie of himself and the graduates.
Yellowhead County Mayor Gerald Soroka
encouraged students to ensure that “whatever
you do you're happy in your life because if you're
not happy it's going to show on many other
things, whether your workforce, your family life,
or your home life”.
GYPSD Vice Chair Joan Zaporosky relayed a
quote from one of the 2019 grad students, “I
cannot wait to see what great things are in store During the 2019 PCHS graduation ceremony on June 28, graduate Terren Nodeland delivered the
valedictorian speech, encouraging his fellow classmates and thanking friends, family, and teachers for
continued page 21 helping them achieve this moment. photo Cassie Kushniruk
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
PAGE 20 MONDAY JULY 8, 2019 MONDAY JUNE 24, 2019 PAGE 25
93 Parkland students
Pictured is the PCHS graduating class of 2019, who shared in this special achievement during Parkland's graduation ceremony on June 28. photo Cassie
Kushniruk
by Cassie Kushniruk
After years of schooling, 93 Parkland
Composite High School graduates were proud to
participate in their much anticipated graduation
day on June 28.
Although the weather was gloomy, graduates
still made the most of their special day by
reliving high school memories, taking pride in
their accomplishments, and celebrating this
milestone with their loved ones.
For the first time in 30 years, Parkland's
morning graduation ceremony was held in the
school's gym, although in previous years it had
taken place at the Edson and District Recreation
Complex.
After graduates were led into the room by
PCHS mascot, Cobalt, Parkland's own graduate,
Emma Bowman, kicked off the ceremony by
singing the national anthem.
At this time, graduates received their diplomas,
along with a GYPSD pin and rose from Edson
trustee Fiona Fowler and Vice Chair Joan
Zaporosky. Elder Frieda Maynard was also in Nine PCHS graduates were presented with Parkland Athletic Club Awards during the 2019 PCHS
attendance to honor the nine Indigenous graduation ceremony on June 28. photo Cassie Kushniruk
graduates with a special designed cap tassel in
celebration of their culture.
As each graduate was called onto stage to
receive their diploma, Assistant Principal Steven
Ripkens read each of their favorite memories at
PCHS and their aspirations for the future.
During this time, a few local dignitaries were
invited to offer advice and encouragement to the
2019 graduates.
Town of Edson Mayor Kevin Zahara said, “If I
was going to leave you with any thoughts today
it would be: You may not first succeed, but dig in
and try harder.” As tradition, Zahara followed his
speech with a selfie of himself and the graduates.
Yellowhead County Mayor Gerald Soroka
encouraged students to ensure that “whatever
you do you're happy in your life because if you're
not happy it's going to show on many other
things, whether your workforce, your family life,
or your home life”.
GYPSD Vice Chair Joan Zaporosky relayed a
quote from one of the 2019 grad students, “I
cannot wait to see what great things are in store During the 2019 PCHS graduation ceremony on June 28, graduate Terren Nodeland delivered the
valedictorian speech, encouraging his fellow classmates and thanking friends, family, and teachers for
continued page 21 helping them achieve this moment. photo Cassie Kushniruk
