Pincher Creek Voice: 2014 Matthew Halton High School Cap and Gown Ceremony

Monday, June 2, 2014

2014 Matthew Halton High School Cap and Gown Ceremony

Hats off to Matthew Halton High School's Graduands
C. Davis photos

C. Davis

Family, friends, and well-wishers gathered in Matthew Halton School's gymnasium on the afternoon of May 30 for the School's Fiftieth Annual Graduation and Awards Celebration. The event began with a procession by graduands to the bleachers set up at one end of the gym, and included a rendition of 'O Canada' by Miss Alyssa Barbero. There were speeches from a selection of dignitaries and Valedictorian William Noel followed by the announcements of awards, scholarships, bursaries, and presentations.

Photos from Cap and Gown ceremonies

Principal Sandy McDuffe

"This is the best part of this, I get to be the first person to congratulate our 2014 graduating class for achieving this milestone," said Principal Sandy McDuffe. "Congratulations." She reminded the graduands to express their appreciation to those that have helped them along the journey. "It's not always the destination, but rather about the journey. If you want to go to China, go to China. Because you want to experience China. Climb a mountain, embrace the challenge." She encouraged them to choose their way trough the world. "Action is the antidote for apathy, cynicism, and despair. You will inevitably make mistakes. Learn what you can, and move on."

LRSD Superintendent Dave Driscoll

Livingstone Range Schools Superintendent Dave Driscoll congratulated the students. "I would like to congratulate the parents for the great job they've done in raising these young people." Driscoll also thanked the staff for all their hard work preparing the students for adulthood.

"You are going to hear lots of words of wisdom today," said Driscoll. "My message today is about making mistakes. There are lots of opportunities ahead of you, and a lot of challenges ahead of you. In that time, you will make some mistakes. That's okay. Mistakes are part of life. It's how we handle those mistakes, and how we overcome those mistakes, that make us who we are." Driscoll spoke of the opportunities that come from mistakes. "We have a choice. We can allow that mistake to stop us, discourage us, and to prevent us from moving forward. We could allow that mistake to make it impossible to be successful. Or we could chose to ignore that mistake and chose to move past it, or we can learn from the mistake, and grow. What we want you to do is learn from those mistakes." He encouraged the students to take risks, and grow.

LRSD Trustee Shannon Scherger

"I am really honoured to come up here to speak to you guys today," said LRSD School Board Trustee Shannon Scherger. "It's obvious that you had a huge support system around you," she said. She encouraged the students to keep a healthy network around themselves. She spoke of the need to maintain a healthy community. "That is a part of what has allowed you guys to succeed". She spoke of the not-for-profits and volunteerism opportunities in Pincher Creek. "Now you become lanterns for this community," she said.

Piikani Councillor Wesley Provost

"It gives me great honour to congratulate all of you graduating students," said Piikani Band Councillor Wesley Provost. He spoke of his of his own youth. "I didn't have much of a chance for education, but I went back to school," he said. "Do your best, and everything will come naturally to you."

Reeve Brian Hammond

"Ladies and gentlemen, you stand at the crossroads," said MD of Pincher Creek Reeve Brian Hammond. He spoke of optimism, challenges, enthusiasm, and fears. He reminded the graduates about the people that have been there for them, the importance of "The influence of family, friends, teachers and others, who enriched your life up till now and who have sacrificed for your benefit." He told the graduates to "Welcome opportunities to enrich your life, expand your knowledge, and your natural affinity." He encouraged the students to take counsel, but also to live their own life.

Mayor Don Anderberg

"You have reached a significant milestone in your life," said Town of Pincher Creek Mayor Don Anderberg. "Your role will change, and you will become part of the support network that has enabled you achieve your goals." Anderberg said that he was affected by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "The quote is 'It is always the right time to do what is right'."

"As a community, we hope that your dreams come true, and wish you all the best in your future endeavours."

Lorraine Morning Bull

Ms. Lorraine Morning Bull again presided over the Presentation of Eagle Feathers to First Nation and Metis sudents, which was followed by an honour song performed by Piikani drummer/singers. "It's always a real honour to do this presentation of the eagle feathers," said Morning Bull . "This is your journey, enjoy it. It is a new page in your life."