WEYBURN - Southeast College held a graduation in Weyburn for two classes of Continuing Care Assistants, from Assiniboia and Weyburn, on Friday afternoon.
Southeast College held a graduation in Weyburn for two classes of Continuing Care Assistants, from Assiniboia and Weyburn, on Friday afternoon.
The graduates were accompanied by the Red Iron drumming group from Ochapowace First Nation as they entered, and again as they left after the ceremonies.
Before the certificates were presented to the students, Jody Holzmiller, CEO and president of Southeast College, spoke of the pride she felt for the students as they set out in their life journeys.
“I feel an overwhelming sense of pride and admiration. It hasn’t always been easy for you, and there’s no doubt this past year has tested you in ways you hadn’t expected. You’ve undergone the complexities of taking on adult studies, while some of you were raising a family or working while studying, and for others this is a new country for you. You’ve all persevered, you’ve learned and adapted and emerged stronger for it,” she said.
She thanked the families and friends of the students as they have provided support for them during their time of study.
“I’ve had the privilege of watching your growth along with your instructors as you now enter a profession that not every one is capable of,” said Holzmiller. “It’s not just earning a certificate … it’s about building your capacity for critical thinking, innovation and collaboration, combined with skill and drive as you bring what the continuing care profession needs.”
She added that whether they stay here to work or move on elsewhere, “you’ll be part of the global community that is shaping our future. No matter where life leads you, remember the lessons you learned here, to question, to know and to strive for excellence in everything that you do. There’s so much promise in each one of you.”
Holzmiller noted that the world is full of opportunities, but also full of challenges, and she asked each student to be “leaders who lead with integrity, with passion and always with kindness.”
Judy Okanee of the college’s board of governors spoke also, noting that graduation “is a significant milestone and a significant achievement for you all. Your dedication and perseverance and sacrifice is what brought you to this momentous occasion.”
She added they should be proud of the education and the confidence that will serve them well in their lives to come, whether they seek more education or enter the work force.
The class valedictorian was student Hiral Thakkar, who noted that everything was new to her as she came here from India to take these classes, including the language and culture.
She said she has enjoyed the last eight months of class, and attributed her instructor, Karissa LaBrash, for the help she gave her whenever she asked.
“I would like to be your student again if I get the chance,” she said, and later insisted that Labrash join them for the Weyburn class photo.
After the certificates were presented, Holzmiller concluded the ceremonies by encouraging the students to go out and make their mark.
“As you step into the next chapter of your lives, remember the knowledge and skills you acquired here are only the beginning. The future is yours to shape – take pride in how far you’ve come,” she said.
The students who graduated from Assiniboia included Dorcas Assuah, Abena Asuama Siaw, Prince Junior Ayiley, William Duah, Shubreet Kaur, Muskan Sharma and Yogesh Sharma.
The Weyburn class included Felix Agong, Tatiana Angulo, Gifty Boafo, Gisell Flores, Daniela Leal, Cae Badilla Maniebo, Hiral Thakkar, Dzidzor Abra Tomu, Jenny Torres and Danikko-John Co Venzuelo.
