Senator Gershaw’s grad class produced another great year of credits

Justin Seward
Commentator/Courier

Twenty graduating Senator Gershaw School graduation students crossed the stage to receive their diplomas on May 16 to cap off what was another successful year for Grade 12s as far as accumulative credits are concerned.
Principal Scott Angle spoke in front of a packed theatre area to the those credits as the total accumulated credits for Grades 10 through 12 were 2,694, which translated to 134 credits per student over the three years of high school.
“As a reminder, students are only required 100 credits to graduate,” said Angle.
“It takes a decision and a commitment, plus some parents not wanting them to be at home, to get this average number. It also is a testament to the community partnerships of work experience, green certificates, registered apprenticeship programs and dual credit to provide opportunities for students. There are six students in this class with over 150 credits, highest of which is one student when all classes are completed this semester will be a new record breaking 213 credits (and) over double the requirement for a high school education.”
The graduation ceremony’s theme was “Remember Your Roots and Trust Your Wings,” and Prairie Rose School Division superintendent Roger Clarke explained his meaning of the quote to all in attendance.
“What are your roots? I want you to take a look around this room, take a look around with me and you can see your roots are right here,” said Clarke.
“These are the people that helped you, supported you, guided you and loved you your whole lives. Like the tree roots, (they) will constantly seek our nourishment and there will be times when you need nourishment. These people will be here to support you and help you focus on what’s really important.
“Trust your wings, I was thinking of what that means actually. Here’s what I think, many of you are overjoyed right now with uncertainty, that is healthy to be honest. But please believe in yourselves. You have tools, you have strengths, you have talents and as a result you’ll fly.”
Valedictorian Karli Haugan addressed her fellow classmates and had the opportunity to do the journey with her sisters Nickola and Erika.
“I’m delighted to be chosen as Valedictorian for the Senator Gershaw Class of 2019,” said Haugan.
“I can relay two main thoughts about school. One, that I love learning the subject material, especially math and science and two I learned a few valuable lessons along the way such as resilience and savouring special moments. My particular school career was unique. Since as long as I can remember, I’ve been one part of three or one-third of a whole, that’s for you Mr. Phillips.
“I’ve had to share almost everything with my two sisters, which wasn’t all bad. The advantages included studying together, played sports where we made up half the volleyball team, sharing chores and having at least one best friend. Sometimes it was challenging to like or love everything about my sisters.”
She ended her speech by saying “To my fellow graduates, the Class of 2019, congratulations of getting through the easiest part of life.”

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