ESTEVAN - It’s been a day of celebrations for the Class of 2023 at the Estevan Comprehensive School.
The graduation ceremonies have been happening in Estevan. A total of 154 Grade 12 students at ECS have had the spotlight on them throughout Saturday afternoon, and it will continue into the evening.
It started with the ceremony at Affinity Place. Graduates, donning their caps and gowns, entered during the processional, with family and friends cheering as the grads walked by.
Jesse Gibson performed O Canada, and Barrett Fleck delivered the land acknowledgement. Fleck noted he is of Métis descent and he is in the process of learning more about his ancestry and traditions, and he has been accepted into the First Nations University of Canada with hopes of becoming a teacher.
Kersey Hollingshead and Kate Schmidt delivered the tribute to the parents. ECS student representative council co-presidents Jayla Memory and Conner Piche paid tribute to the teachers.
Piche had a busy afternoon, as he also gave the valedictorian’s address. It was noted that he had a 99.4 per cent average in Grade 12, from the start of the year through the second semester mid-terms, and he balanced academics and extracurricular activities with a part-time job at Blackbeard’s Restaurant and his own photography business.
ECS principal Nathan Johnson was the master of ceremonies, and he addressed the students as well. Johnson noted the challenges the students faced during the past four years.
“Be proud of yourselves,” said Johnson. “Making it to this point is a wonderful accomplishment. Today is a very special day for all those involved.”
Once the speeches were finished, the presentation of diplomas began. Future plans for each student were read out to the crowd.
After the ceremony, the students, now showing off their finest clothes, gathered for the annual grad photo at the Estevan Court House, and for photos with friends and family.
Next week’s edition of the Mercury will have full coverage of this year’s grad festivities.
