Matthew Halton Graduating Class of 2012

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice
(updated with extra video)

Matthew Halton Graduating Class of 2012
C. Davis photo

Matthew Halton High School held their Cap and Gown Awards in the school gym on Friday, May 25.  The event began with a 'Pomp and Circumstance' Processional, as graduates made their way to the stage.  Miss Alexandra Morgan sang a beautiful rendition of 'O Canada', which was followed by a welcome and introductions by Ms. Susan Robinson.


After greetings by Principal Ms. Sandy Treit, the Livingstone Range School District (LRSD) Superintendent of Schools Ms. Ellie Elliott addressed the graduates and the parents and families gathered.

"Graduation represents a major achievement for students, and serves as a significant milestone in their lives," she said. "Before they leave us we want them to know how very proud we are of them, and of their accomplishments.  Our hope for them is that they find purpose, and joy, and passion in their life, and that they pursue their life's passion."

Matthew Halton High School Grade 12 Honour Students
C. Davis photo

Elliott was followed by LSRD School Board Trustee Shannon Scherger, who brought greetings from the board.  Her theme was 'success'. "Today, Matthew Halton students have defined success in a very different way to the Trustees of the Livingstone Range School Division," she said. "Matthew Halton graduates have show us that success is sharing a little bit of yourselves with others.  Success is taking your passion and gifts and giving them back to those you care about, and success is the ability to flourish regardless of what stressors life throws in your path."

Piikani Band Chief Gayle Strikes With a Gun addressed the graduates wearing  a traditional head-dress.  "Graduates, today I honour you by wearing my head-dress," she said.  "You have a choice to be what you want to be," she told the Piikani graduates. "It gives me a great deal of pride as well when I refer to our Piikani professionals," she said, before reciting a list of Piikani graduates who have gone on to bigger things. "You have the opportunity all around you to succeed.  You have had teachers and mentors in this school who see your potential."

Town of Pincher Creek Councillor and Deputy Mayor Lorne Jackson spoke on behalf of the Town Council.  He congratulated the students, and spoke of his own youth.  "Eons ago, when I was a kid, I remember my own mom and dad saying over and again 'Where has all the time gone?' when every one of us finished high school.  I kind of laughed it off as really a cliche, but now I know exactly what they meant."  His daughter Gina Jackson was one of the graduates.

"I hope you all have had an awesome year up to this point.  When I found out on Tuesday afternoon that I would have a voice here today, I thought 'Wow, that's cool. The class clown of '77 finally gets his day."

"Because I'm a parent myself, I know how precious you are to someone.   Try to be safe in all that you do.  No matter how tempting it is, please, please reconsider answering your phone when it rings as you drive."

Principal Ms. Sandy Treit and Valedictorian Micaela Pura
C. Davis photo

Principal Ms. Sandy Treit told the graduates "Today is your day to shine."
"It is my hope that life-long happiness and success will follow your acts of good citizenship and kindness."

"Despite the fact that tomorrow I can look forward to seeing all of you in your fancy dresses and your dapper tuxes, it's today that I most admire and revere the gown that you have on," she continued, "because of what it represents. Enjoy your moment on the stage today, and this evening, and tomorrow.  There are some opportunities in life that you get to do over.  This isn't one of them. Take time for pictures and family and friends."

Valedictorian and recipient of multiple Awards Micaela Pura's said "People have always told me that my school years would be my best years, but although it doesn't have to be true I'd like to look back on the best things about Matthew Halton. The people.  First of all, thank you so much for welcoming me into your midst, you have no idea how powerful a small friendly gesture is. One of the things that I've noted about our class is that we are a connected group of people that get along."

"I also have to congratulate all of you who are involved in Student Council."

She concluded with some amusing anecdotes about the teachers and staff at the school and encouraged her classmates to focus on the positives in life. "Do what you can with what you have where you are," she concluded, quoting Theodore Roosevelt.

On Saturday, May 26 the Matthew Halton High School Graduation Ceremony was held at the Pincher Creek Community Hall.  Susan Robinson, Micaela Pura and Thomas Bruckner shared Master of Ceremonies duties.

Jillian Sokownin and Erica Lewis led the packed hall in a rendition of 'O Canada', which was followed by Erica Lewis' speech as Grad Class President.

Malorie Goasdoue, Morgan Claypool, and Erica Lewis performed 'Today is Your Day' by Shania Twain, followed by Guest Speakers Greg Freer and Jill Klapp.  Erica Lewis performed "Hero's" by William Joseph.  Levity ensued as Micaela Pura and Thomas Bruckner presented a 'Last Will and Testament',  followed by the Class Prophecies of Tyler Pitman and Ashley Duffield.

A memorial slideshow by Morgan Claypool was shown, and then Sydney Riedel performed 'Long Live'.

Mr. Murray Andrew Pura's Final Blessing fittingly referenced the Neil Young song 'Long May You Run'.

Erica Lewis made some closing remarks, which was followed by Ms. Robinson's Recessional.

The event ended with a Grand March and dancing.

Matthew Halton High School 2012 Graduates

Savana Antonation
Wyatt Bennett (Luft)
Bryce Beriault
Kirsten Big Bull
Austin Brown
Thomas Bruckner
Sage Bruder
Carlos Brugo
Morgan Claypool
Adrienne Crow Shoe
Carlos Crow Shoe
Kayleen Crow Shoe
Krista Crow Shoe
Ashley Duffield
Alex Elliot
Shelden Fillipuzzi
Colton Giesbrecht
Malorie Goasdoue
Ronnie Gross
Tyler Heppner
Gina Jackson
Andrew Jansen
Mackenzie Jordan
Daniel Kim
Brianne Kocsis
Chelsea Kocsis
Nathan Lawrence
Rikki Levesque
Erica Lewis
Micaela Lewis
Riley McKenzie
KaSandra McKinnon
Justin Myles
Matthew Neuberger
Jake Noble
Kristin North Peigan
Christine Oszkowski
Kendall-Jo Oliver
Naomi Paridaen
Andrea Parker
Nathan Pettersen
Tyler Pittman
Brody Provost
Ben Puch
Micaela Pura
Sydney Riedel
Erica Ross
Jarret Saganiuk
Caleb Scott
Lindsay Sheen
Crystal Simon
Jillian Sokownin
Chelsea Stokke
Jessie Stokke
Samantha Stushnoff


Cap and Gown Awards

Grade 12 Awards

Art Award Presented by Mr. Duane Petluck
Awarded to Adrienne Crow Shoe
Sponsored by Miss Laura Heine

Grade 12 Shop Award Presented by Mr. Zack Harris
Awarded to Nathan Pettersen
Sponsored by Pincher Creek Co-op

Grade 12 Technical Award Presented by Mr. Dan Orr
Awarded to Nathan Pettersen
Sponsored by Fountain Tire

SADD Award Presented by Mrs. Hilary Matheson
Awarded to Micaela Pura
Sponsored by MHHS and SADD

Student Leadership Award Presented by Mr. Greg Freer and Mr. Kevin Sheen
Awarded to Lindsay Sheen and Gina Jackson (members of Student Council since Grade 7) and Student Council President Sydney Riedel
Sponsored by MHHS Student's Council

High School Merit Award Presented by Ms. Susan Robinson
Awarded to Kayleen Crow Shoe
Sponsored by Ms. Susan Robinson and Shell

Grade 12 Academic Awards

Highest Academic Average Award 1st place Presented by Ms. Doris Blackburn
Awarded to Micaela Pura
Sponsored by Blackburn Jewellers

Highest Academic Average Award 2nd place Presented by Ms. Jill Klapp and Miss Sarah Miko
Awarded to KaSandra McKinnon
Sponsored by MHHS and Shell

Pure Math 30 Award Presented by Miss Sarah Miko
Awarded to Andrea Parker
Sponsored by MHHS and Shell

English 30-1 Award Presented by Mr. Kirby Dietze
Awarded to Savana Antonation
Sponsored by Matthew Halton Booster Club and Shell

Social Studies Awards Presented by Mr. Greg Freer
Awarded to Morgan Claypool
Sponsored by Matthew Halton Booster Club and Shell
An additional 100% Award went to Micaela Pura

Science Scholarships

Biology 30 Scholarship Presented by Mrs. Kathy Rast
Awarded to Samantha Stushnoff
Sponsored by Pincher Creek Veterinary Clinic

Physics 30 Scholarship Presented by Mrs. Kathy Rast
Awarded to Kendall-Jo Oliver
Sponsored by Pincher Creek Veterinary Clinic

Science 30 Scholarship Presented by Mrs. Kathy Rast
Awarded to Thomas Bruckner
Sponsored by Matthew Halton Booster Club and Shell


Grade 12 Honor Medallions, Cords and Certificates

Presented by Ms. Sandy Treit and Mr. Kirby Deitze
Awarded to Savana Antonation, Morgan Claypool, Adrienne Crow Shoe, Mackenzie Jordan, KaSandra McKinnon, Andrea Parker, Micaela Pura, Crystal Simon, Samantha Stushnoff
Sponsored by Matthew Halton Booster Club

Scholarships and Bursaries

Male Student of the Year Tyler Pittman,
Female Student of the Year Micaela Pura
Presented by Mr. Peter Brannen and Kathy Rast
Sponsored by Royal Bank of Canada

Matthew Halton Writing Award Presented by Ms. Susan Robinson
Awarded to Micaela Pura
Sponsored by Matthew Halton Booster Club

Co-op Business Bursary Presented by Ms. Sandy Treit
Awarded to Kendall-Jo Oliver
Sponsored by Pincher Creek Co-op

Agriculture Bursary Presented by Ms. Sandy Treit
Awarded to Ben Puch
Sponsored by P.C. Farm Centre and P.C. Breeders Association

Memorial Scholarships

Pickering Memorial Scholarship Presented by Yoda Taylor
Awarded to Sydney Riedel
Sponsored by the Harland Family

Robinson Memorial Citizenship Scholarship Presented by Ms. Susan Robinson
Awarded to Micaela Pura
Sponsored by Ms. Susan Robinson

Rotary Scholarship Presented by Rotary President Gerry Alex
Awarded to Micaela Pura
Sponsored by Pincher Creek Rotary Club

Lion's Legacy Scholarship Presented by Lion's Representative Dennis Novak
Awarded to Micaela Pura
Sponsored by Pincher Creek Lions

Most Commendable Grade 12 Award Presented by Mrs. Rhonda Oczkowski
Awarded to Andrew Jansen
Sponsored by CUPE Local 2133

Dr. B.J. Bonertz Scholarship Presented by Ms. Susan Robinson
Awarded to Andrea Parker
Sponsored by Creekside Dental Clinic

Livingstone Range School Division #68 Scholarship Presented by Shannon Scherger
Awarded to Micaela Pura
Sponsored by LRSD #68

Highest Academic Average Shell Scholarship
Presented by Ms. Sandy Treit
Awarded to Micaela Pura
Sponsored by Shell Canada

Governor General Medallion Presented by Ms. Sandy Treit
Awarded to Micaela Pura
Sponsored by Governor General of Canada