Matthew Halton High School holds 2013 Cap and Gown ceremonies

Matthew Halton High School 2013 graduands
C. Davis photos

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

The Matthew Halton School Gymnasium was packed with families and well-wishers May 31 for the 2013 Cap and Gown ceremonies, part of the 49th annual celebration of Matthew Halton High School graduands. Bagpiper Hayden Varley led the processional march to the podium, followed by the 2013 graduands. Alexis Breckenridge then led the crowd in the singing of 'O Canada'.

Principal Ms. Sandy McDuffe

Principal Ms. Sandy McDuffe was the first speaker of the event, welcoming dignitaries, guests, and the students. "I encourage you to show your gratitude to those that have supported you along the journey of high school, be that your parents, grandparents, guardian, family members or staff," said McDuffe.

Greetings from the Livingstone Range School District Board were presented by Ward 3 trustee and board Vice-Chair Mrs. Shannon Scherger, who talked a little bit about declining enrollment and also emphasized the value of a small town education and encouraged the students to explore other experiences.

"We as adults in small towns do a great job in helping our kids try and find their inner talents. We expose our children to as many interesting things as we can, in the hopes of finding that individual little spark inside of you. In small towns, we as adults encourage you kids to leave town to seek higher education, to expose yourself to greater experiences, foods, cultures, things we can't offer in this town."

"Pincher Creek doesn't want you to leave, we want you to be the best you can be."

"You have played a critical part of this community, and that is a powerful thing for a small town. I personally want to thank you for making Pincher Creek a great place to live and raise a family."

Piikani Band Councilor Eloise Provost spoke next. "Remember this day, this is the first of many milestones that will arise," she said. "I encourage you all to take advantage and pursue further education."

Deputy Reeve Rodney Cyr

MD of Pincher Creek Deputy Reeve Rod Cyr extended the council's best wishes to the graduands.

Councillor Lorne Jackson

Town of Pincher Creek Councillor Lorne Jackson, himself a graduate of Matthew Halton, took his turn at the podium. "In essence, there's probably not a lot I could tell you that you haven't already figured out for yourselves. With that said, I offer congratulations to the Class of Matthew Halton 2013 on behalf of both myself and the Town of Pincher Creek. I hope each of you has the opportunity to achieve your hopes and dreams and go to the greatest places your hearts have ever known."

"It's been said that High School is one of the most difficult times of your life," said Valedictorian Lisa Manners during her address.  "Sure we've had our struggles, but what sets us apart is the incredible moments of friendship we experience."  Her words were echoed by several others of her classmates in conversations before and after the event, when they explained to me that they were a very tight-knit group.

The highlight of the event was the annual awards ceremony, results of which are listed below.

Piper Hayden Varley led the recessional away from the podium at the conclusion of the event.

Awards

Work Ethic Recognition List presented by Mrs. Hilary Matheson and Mr. Kevin Sheen
Awarded to: (incomplete at press time)

Tayte Hale-Goddard with Ms. Nora Manners

Grade 12 Merit Award sponsored by Matthew Halton Booster Club, presented by Mrs. Nora Manners, awarded to Tayte Hale-Goddard.

Lisa Manners with Mr. Kevin Sheen

Leadership Award sponsored by Student's Council, presented by Mr. Kevin Sheen and Mr. Greg Freer, awarded to Lisa Manners.

Madison Breckenridge with Mrs. Chris Marten

Most Commendable Student sponsored by: CUPE Local 2133, presented by Mrs. Chris Marten, awarded to Madison Breckenridge.

 Sally Turner and Graham Milligan with Mr. Randy Whitehead

Students of the Year sponsored by Royal Bank of Canada, presented by Mr. Randy Whitehead, awarded to Graham Milligan and Sally Turner.

Lisa Manners with Mr. Greg Freer

Premier's Citizenship Award sponsored by Alberta Scholarship Programs, presented by Mr. Greg Freer, awarded to Lisa Manners.

Claire Johnson, Celeste Austring, Sally Turner

Robinson Memorial Citizenship Scholarship sponsored and presented by Ms. Susan Robinson, awarded to Sally Turner, Celeste Austring, Claire Johnson.

Veronica Oczkowski with Mr. Ian Robertson

Harland Pickering Memorial Scholarship sponsored by the Harland Family, presented by Mr. Ian Robertson, awarded to Veronica Oczkowski.

Honour Roll students

Honour Roll sponsored by Matthew Halton Booster Club, presented by: Ms. Jill Klapp and Mrs. Tara Tanner
Awarded to: Lisa Manners, Celeste Austring, Veronica Oczkowski, Claire Johnson, Lane Kalbhen, Madison Breckenridge, Lauren Higginbotham, Yea Nee Shin, Mitchell Stephens


Senior High Science, Math, Social Studies, English Language Arts Awards:

Veronica Oczkowsi with Mr. Dan Orr

Biology 30 presented by Mr. Dan Orr, awarded to Veronica Oczkowski.

Yea Nee Shin with Mrs. Kathy Rast

Chemistry 30 presented by Mrs. Kathy Rast, awarded to Yea Nee Shin.

Yea Nee Shin with Mr. John Verhagen

Senior High Mathematics presented by Mr. John Verhagen Awarded to Yea Nee Shin.

Yea Nee Shin with Mrs. Shannon Scherger

Yea Nee Shin was given special recognition by Mrs. Shannon Scherger on behalf of the Livingstone Range School Division for scoring 100% during the Mathematics 30-1 diploma examination.

Claire Johnson with Mr. Greg Freer

Senior High Social Studies presented by Mr. Greg Freer, awarded to Claire Johnson.

Lane Kalbhen with Mr. Clair Hockley

Senior High English Language Arts presented by Mr. Clair Hockley, awarded to Lane Kalbhen.

Veronica Oczkowski with Mrs. Faith Zachar

Pincher Creek Veterinary Clinic Awards, presented by Mrs. Faith Zachar, awarded to Yea Nee Shin and Veronica Oczkowski.

Yea Nee Shin with Mr. Dan Orr

Dr. Greg Steed and Dr. Mark Leishman Scholarship, presented by Mr. Dan Orr, awarded to Yea Nee Shin.

Yea Nee Shin with Mr. David Crowell

Pincher Creek Co-op Association Limited Business Bursary sponsored by Pincher Creek Co-op, presented by: Mr. David Crowell, awarded to Yea Nee Shin.

Riley Bonertz with Mr. David Crowell

Career and Technology Studies Shop Award sponsored by: Pincher Creek Co-op, presented by Mr. David Crowell, awarded to Riley Bonertz.

Celeste Austring with Mr. Clair Hockley

Matthew Halton Writing Award, presented by: Mr. Clair Hockley , awarded to Celeste Austring.

Annika Lewis with Mr. Duane Petluk

Fine Art Award sponsored by Miss Laura Heine, presented by Mr. Duane Petluk, awarded to Annika Lewis.

Graham Milligan with Mrs. Tara Tanner

Tim Salonen Memorial Scholarship sponsored by the Salonen Family, presented by Mrs. Tara Tanner, awarded to Graham Milligan.

Riley Bonertz with Mr. Stephen Giddings

Grade 12 Technical Award sponsored by Fountain Tire, presented by Mr. Stephen Giddings, awarded to Riley Bonertz.

Lisa Manners with Ms. Sandy McDuffe

Connelly Award sponsored by the Connelly Family, presented by Ms. Sandy McDuffe, awarded to Lisa Manners.

Grade 12 Agricultural Bursary sponsored by P.C. Farm Centre and P.C. Breeders Association, presented by Mr. Peter Brannen, awarded to Kyle Janzen.

Lisa Manners and Mr. Earl Shields

Rotary Scholarship sponsored by: Pincher Creek Rotary Club, presented by Mr. Earl Shields, awarded to Lisa Manners.

Sally Turner with Mr. Jim Johnson

Lions Legacy Scholarship sponsored by P.C. Lions and Lions Foundation of Alberta, presented by Mr. Jim Johnson, awarded to Sally Turner.

Mitchell Stevens with Mrs. Nora Manners

Grade 12 Highest Blended Program Award sponsored by Matthew Halton Booster Club, presented by Mrs. Nora Manners, awarded to Mitchell Stephens.

Lisa Manners with Ms. Susan Robinson

Dr. B.J. Bonertz Scholarship sponsored by Bernard Bonertz Professional Corporation, presented by Ms. Susan Robinson, awarded to Lisa Manners.

Yea Nee Shin with Ms.Nora Manners

Grade 12 Highest Academic Average Award sponsored by: Matthew Halton Booster Club and Bernard Bonertz Professional Corporation, presented by: Ms. Nora Manners awarded to Yea Nee Shin

Governor General's Award - to be presented in the fall after diploma exam results are finalized

Livingstone Range School Division Scholarship - to be presented in the fall after diploma exam results are finalized

Presentation of Eagle Feathers and Honour Song: Ms. Lorraine Morning Bull and Mr. Leland English, awarded to: Jesse Rae Bad Eagle, Ferlin Crow Shoe, Charmayne Old Shoes, Samantha Truant, Jesse Wolf Tail

Honour Song drummers

Here's to the future!

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