It was the beginning of an era for six students. It was the end of an era for a school.
Gronlid Central School held its final graduation ceremony June 10. Next year, the school will only go up to Grade 8, with older grades moving to the Melfort and Unit Comprehensive Collegiate.
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Class of 2017
There were six students graduating at the ceremony.
 “We’ve all grown up together, so we are a pretty close-knit group,” said Quinn Sturby, the valedictorian. “It’s going to be a lot different next year, when we’re not all together every day. It’s great to graduate with them because we’ve been together for so long.”
Paige Piatt agreed.
“It’s like family: we have our ups and downs some days. Some days we’re grouchy to each other, but most days we’re always giggling, laughing and having fun.”
Jace Schellenberg said because the class was so small, they look out for each other.
“If they do fight, it’s playful. There’s no actual drama or anything. It’s pretty down low and easygoing. It’s nice.”
Nicholas Chokan said they have seen people come and go from his grade over the years, but he’s glad he ended up with the graduating class he did.
Jorden Peters said graduation meant that they were going out into the world, where they’ll have to face both the good and the bad, with that said, he said it was special to graduate with friends.
“I hope this friendship never ends.”
Jerimiah Burns left the school for Grade 10, 11 and half of 12 so he could play football in Melfort, but he promised before he left he’d come back to be part of the grad class.
Cassandra Neufeld, the school’s principal, said she thought the class was a group of compassionate people.
“They always volunteer and help the younger students,” she said. “They’re always laughing together and they are very different from one another but are great friends together.”
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Class of 1960
The first graduating class was also invited to come to the ceremony. The class of 1960 has nine graduates.
Sarah Lokken, who now lives in Nipawin, was the only one that was able to attend.
“We had our graduation exercises in the hallway of the school because it was a new school and there was no auditorium at the time,” she said. “We didn’t have room to invite too many people, so it was basically our parents that were allowed to come.”
She said she enjoyed being invited to the graduation and that it was nice catching up with people she knew from the area. She was hoping that some of her schoolteachers would show up to the grad.
Lokken said she was sad this was the last grad.
“It’s kind of sad, but I know that’s the way the small schools are going. Everybody’s gravitating towards larger schools, so I guess it’s one of those things that’s going to keep happening.”
Dennis Baragar also graduated in 1960 at the school. He couldn’t make the ceremony, but he sent the six grads a letter.
“I was saddened to learn that this opportunity will no longer be available to the young people of your community after this year,” he wrote. “Congratulations to all six of you. Appreciate the experience of being able to complete this stage of your education in your home community. Feel a little sorrow for those following you.”
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13 years of memories
The six grads also shared their favourite memories of the school.
 “[Mine is] just growing up with the original guys since Grade 3 and having good memories since then,” Burns said.
“What I remember most is the small school atmosphere,” Sturby said. “It’s a pretty unique experience that not a lot of students get.”
Chokan said his favourite memory was the amount of effort the school put into floor hockey.
“It would be set up in a way where we’d set teams and then we’d have a scoreboard and have the mike going for commentary. It was great.”
Schellenberg said something that came to his mind was when somebody accidently got hit with a Frisbee. Peters said he remembers having an minor accident with his vehicle that had the students and staff teasing him about it afterward.
Piatt said she’ll remember going into the computer lab and getting sass from the boys, calling her by her nicknames.
“It always puts me in a very good mood, every time. It’s incredible to have a bunch of great friends that care about each other when we’re upset.
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The final grads
Amy Hedin, the chair of the school community council, said she had mixed emotions about the final graduation.
“I’m both sad and extremely proud of the kids that are graduating this year,” she said. “We’re ending it on a very good note. These kids are exceptional. They’re going to succeed, that’s for sure, the six grads that are coming out.”
Schellenberg said he considered it an honour.
“You’re not first, but being last is pretty special.”
Peters agreed.
“It’s an honour. I’ve never felt this kind of feeling before.”
Sturby, Burns and Piatt said they also felt it was an honour.
“It’s just a great experience to be part of the last graduating class. I’m happy to be part of it,” Burns said.
“It’s a really great feeling in a way, but it’s also a very upsetting moment because it’s hard to believe we’re the last class, of 2017,” Piatt said.
Chokan said he felt sad he was part of the last grad.
“We’ve had a pretty good group of people together and I think it’s good that we’re ending on a note like this.”
Neufeld said it was bittersweet.
“I’m so glad that this wonderful group of kids are taking us out, to be the last group. It’s a really special time. It’s an era that’s over. This is a really special way to celebrate that.”
